KORWA Holds Annual Christmas Celebrations with the Less Fortunate
Mangaluru: The Konkan Overseas Returnees’ Welfare Association (KORWA) organized their annual event, “Christmas celebrations” at the Loyola Hall, St Aloysius PU College premises, here on December 10.
The programme began with an invocation followed by a welcome dance by the children. The president of KORWA Louis Lobo welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by the MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency J R Lobo by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering Lobo said, “I am very happy to be part of this programme, today all the children are looking like the red stars. Children are here to celebrate Christmas. Two thousand years ago, Jesus was born like a star. Jesus was born in a manger, and he died on the cross living his life for others. I am very proud that KORWA is following the teachings of Jesus. They are celebrating Christmas in a very meaningful way. Because Jesus served the people and died for the people, throughout his life Jesus served the downtrodden. Jesus lived his life for others. Christmas means, not a happy joyful dinner, Christmas is not dancing or making merry, but Christmas is loving and serving others. We should be the messengers to propagate peace”.
Lobo also said, “Christmas is to love one another and not to wear skimpy clothes and enjoying which has brought a bad name. Whoever in need, we need to help them. KORWA has celebrated Christmas in a meaningful way and brought smiles on the faces of children who are deprived of such a life. Whoever has received help from the KORWA should follow in their footsteps and help others who are in need when they are independent and earn enough”.
Corrine Rasquinha, Brigadier I N Rai, Wing Commander Devaraj Belle and Commander J P Mascarenhas were felicitated by KORWA for their exemplary service to the society and country.
Children, as well as elders, enjoyed the Christmas Celebrations with Christmas carols, songs, dance etc from the children of various institutions and mimicry by Sharan Kaikamba.
Children were seen eagerly waiting for Santa’s arrival. Finally, the Santa arrived with his team with lots of goodies for the children. All the children were given sweets and gifts once again making the KORWA Christmass celebrations a memorable one.
Vaibhav D’Souza and Sharon Serrao compered the programme. Parish Priest of Bendur Church Fr Antony Serrao, Fr Santhosh Kamath of Fatima Retreat House, Rohan Monteiro, KORWA Vice President Elias Sanctis, David D’Souza and others were also present.