Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 17: Canute Fernandes and Vasu Kumar team won the ‘Bhuviya Chukki’ star making competition, which was widely appreciated for its traditional design. They were awarded a trophy, cash prize of Rs 4000 and a certificate. The creative competition was held at St Mary's English medium school, Kannarpady on Sunday, December 16.
Kishoo Enterprises, Udupi franchise of Daijiworld Media (Web, Weekly, TV and Radio) in association with the Lions Club International District 317C organised the Christmas star making competition for the first time in Udupi, enhancing the joy of Christmas celebration.
Participants showed their creativity by making Christmas stars with interesting designs. They brought raw materials with them. Some stars were made up of dried paddy grass, some used clothes, some were made by using bamboo sticks, some of them were simply made up of craft sheets and plastics. Each Christmas star was uniquely designed by participants. In this competition most of the participants have worked in pairs and showed qualities such as coordination and unity. But some also participated in this competition individually and proved themselves. The participants were given three hours to create a star from scratch. Another interesting rule was people of all ages were welcome to participate. Elderly participants recollected their childhood memories while making the star with their children.
Nagendra bagged second prize in the competition, received trophy and cash prize of Rs 3000 and certificate. Joyston Menezes and Narayana team secured third place and received trophy along with cash prize Rs 2000 and certificate. Reshma Mathais and Lavina Cutinha team and Lancy Fernandes and Ashmitha Fernandes team got consolation prizes.
Fr Vijay D’souza, assistant parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church inaugurated the event. In his blessings, he said, “2000 years ago, three astrologers from the east set out to find the newborn king Jesus. A holy star had appeared quite miraculously in the eastern sky the day Jesus Christ was born. It is believed to have shown them the way to reach the place he was born. Humans are the living stars. If we led the life of Jesus, our life will be fulfilled.”
Ln Thallur Shivaram Shetty, district governor, Lions 317C said that, “Lord Krishna was born in a prison at Mathura; Jesus was born in cow shed. Likewise, the incarnation of gods happen in various ways. The New Year is ahead and it always starts with the Christmas joy and happiness. Let there be mutual respect for all religions in the world,” he wished.
Alwyn QuadrOs, president, Catholic Sabha Udupi said, “Jesus Christ has lived as one among common people. Star is a guiding path to reach Jesus. It is said Jesus is an incarnation of God. He led a simple life. His life is always a model for others.”
Ln V G Shetty, vice district governor, Ln S T Karkera, district cabinet, Ln Divakar Shetty, past district governor, Ln Girija Shivaram Thallur, first lady of District Lions club, Ln Sunil Shetty, district PRO, Myrtle Lewis, principal, St Mary’s English medium school, Kannarpady, Kevin Rodrigues, manager of Daijiworld Udupi, Joseph Rebello, social worker, district Kannada rajyotsava awardee, Deon D’souza, ICYM, Udupi diocese, Michael Rodrigues, programme coordinator were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Yashodha, senior craft teacher of St Mary's English medium school, Kannarpady, Alwyn Danthi, teacher and host and Sunil Shetty, district PRO were the judges of this event.
In the valedictory function, V G Shetty said, “Lions Club promotes brotherhood, peaceful living, peace and love. Jesus also proposed the same. Lions want to be humanitarians in their service. We are born here to do good things in society. Good things should spread like stars. The competition provided a chance to elders to become children again. A man must compete with himself first. Let such competitions happen often,” he wished.
Expressing his joy of winning the prize Canute Fernandes said, “We are very happy to participate in this contest. It was nice experience and we had enjoyed the task. We have made the star in a traditional way by using bamboo, dried paddy grass and wood pieces.”
The guests of the valedictory function distributed the prizes. Ashwin Correa kept the competition mood lively by singing Christmas Carols. Melwyn Carvello entertained the audience by dressing up as Santa Claus.
Kevin Rodrigues, manager of Daijiworld Udupi, Joseph Rebello, social worker, district Kannada Rajyotsava awardee, Ln Sunil Shetty, district Lion PRO, judges Yashodha, Alwyn Danthi, and Sunil Shetty, Michael Rodrigues and others were present at the valedictory ceremony.
Reema extended the welcome. Umesh Marpalli proposed the vote of thanks. Akshatha Girish compered the programme.
Earlier, Daijiworld Udupi had organised Muddu Krishna photography contest on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Goodu Deepa contest on Deepavali fest. Participants from distant areas like Kundapura, Byndoor, Udupi had participated. The Christmas star proved to be a stress-buster and a perfect activity enlivening the Christmas mood.