Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 24: Festival of love, joy and happiness, Christmas, was celebrated in the institution on December 22.
As a part of the celebration, star making competition was arranged for the students on the previous day. Theme for the competition was ‘eco-friendly star’. Creativity of the students was at display during the competition. Second year students of Mechanic Motor Vehicle trade got first place. First year students of electrician trade got the second place. Third place was shared by the students of Mechanic Diesel trade and second year students of Mechanic Refrigeration & air-conditioning.
Christmas celebration commenced with a meditative prayer session lead by Wilson N, junior training officer. Uday, student of Plumber trade delivered welcome address. Lancelot Pinto, former deputy mayor, Mangalore City Corporation was the chief guest of the programme. Denson, student of Electronics Mechanic trade presented a speech on significance of Christmas. Addressing the students, the chief guest said, “God came to earth as a man and brought gifts of love, peace and simplicity. He gave the mankind a very inspiring message, ‘Love one another’. This institution celebrates festivals of all religions and teaches humanity to the students. We are all one. Let us live with love and unity. Happy Christmas.”
Prizes of Christmas star competition were distributed to the winners. Vincent Mendonsa said, “Christmas is a festival of gifts. Jesus gave himself as a gift to the mankind. He came to save the poorest of the poor. But, today Christmas has been restricted only for the celebration and we have forgotten the true spirit of Christmas. Our chief guest Lancelot Pinto is an inspiration for us all in the spirit of Christmas. He is a person who is always ready to help the needy. He has started a hostel for rural poor girls named ‘ashraya’. Let us help each other and make this Christmas meaningful.”
Fr Melwin Lobo SJ, director of the institution greeted the students and said, “Jesus gives inspiration and guidance to all. This festival has three messages- humanity, helping the poor and love one another. Let us all spread the values of humanity in the society. Let us help each other, especially the needy in whatever small ways we can. Let us fill the society with love. Thus make this Christmas truly meaningful and joyful. Happy Christmas and new year.”
Christmas carols by students created a magical mood of Christmas. Students presented a skit on birth of Jesus. Christmas papa ‘Santa Claus’ was the main attraction of the celebration. Yathish, student of welder trade proposed the vote of thanks. Rohith, student of plumber trade compered the programme.