Pics by: Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 12: “Decentralization of power has made it possible for the members of the Grama Panchayat to be empowered and reach to village level,” said Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, president of Catholic Sabha Udupi region.
The bishop was speaking after inaugurating the get-together of Catholic people's representatives organized by the Catholic Sabha of Udupi Pradesh on Sunday, August 11, at Mother of Sorrows Church hall here.
Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo said, “In the last gram panchayat elections, as many as 112 Christian representatives of the district are elected and have given their selfless service. Let us all put their effort towards winning a large number of Christian members in gram panchayat elections to be held next year. Participation is important than winning.”
“The main slogan of Catholic Sabha is 'Service, Sacrifice and Solidarity'. Let them work for society and contribute to the social, educational and employment fields. There is need to evaluate the service. Apart from this, everyone needs to help people of flood-affected areas. It is our responsibility too,” said the Bishop.
Wilfred D'Souza, resource person and Panchayat Raj state convener of Manava Bandhuthva Vedike, shared the information on the responsibilities of the members of the village panchayat.
In his address Wilfred said, “As everyone knows, India is a developing country in the world in terms of health, education, technology and life expectancy. But India has moved only one spot to 130 among 189 countries in the latest human development index released by the United Nations Development Programme recently. The development of a country depends on its administration. There is 50% women representatives in parliament in developed countries, but there is not that much of women representation seen in Indian parliament. Politics is nothing but opportunity to make developments. It is an opportunity to make something good for the society. There is democracy system in 60% of the nations. There is direct democracy system in many developed countries. There is relation between administration and
development.”
Alwyn Quadras, president, CSUP presided over the programme.
Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Wilson Rodriguez, Shirva zilla panchayat, Valerian R Fernandes, president, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh were present.
Jithendra Furtado, president, Palimaru gram panchayat and Jenvin D’Souza, member, Pethri Gram Panchayat shared their views.
Gram panchayat members who were elected in the by-election namely Shanthi Pereira, Veronica D'Souza, Priscilla Menezes, Vinod Joel Mathias, Wilma Mendonca and Sunil Cabral were honoured on the occasion.
Former taluk panchayat president Veronica Cornelio delivered the keynote address.
Mary D’Souza, convenor, politics and government facilities extended the welcome and Santhosh Cornelio, secretary, Catholic Sabha rendered the vote of thanks. Flyvan compered the programme.