Mangaluru: On the occasion of the Gandhi Jayanti, the regional commission for the laity had invited all the elected members of Gram panchayat from 14 diocese of Karnataka for a one-day Samavesh at the Rosario cultural hall on October 2. The Samavesh was organized by the Regional Laity commission of Bishops conference of Karnataka along with the diocesan laity commission of Mangaluru.
Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras, Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul Souza, Bishop of Belthangady Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Puttur Dr Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Bishop of Shimoga Dr Francis Serrao, Chairman of the laity commission Dr Peter Machado, member of Rajya Sabha Oscar Fernandes, MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bava, MLC Ivan D’ Souza and Mayor Jacintha Alfred were present.
Oscar Fernandes in his speech said that the values of Gandhi must be inculcated in order to serve the society better. He also advised the elected gram panchayat members to work for the betterment of the people. The members are equally responsible for the development at the village level as well as at the national level.
J R Lobo in his introductory remarks said that if we want to develop our leadership qualities we have to serve all the people irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Elected representatives should have knowledge of his/her rights and duties, and control over his/her speech and should live a disciplined in life.
William D’Souza the director of MYKAPS from Mysuru spoke on the availability of the facilities from the Gram Panchayat. John Bosco a social worker from PMSC of Mysuru spoke on the duties and the responsibilities of a gram Panchayat. Roy Castelino the President of Konkani Shaihtya Academy and M P Noronha the Syndicate member of Mangaluru University moderated the session respectively.
At the concluding session Ivan D’Souza said that to achieve our goal one has try hard inspite of difficulties. Jacintha Alfred advised the elected members to render their service to the people in their respective wards with courage. Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras honoured Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza the MLAs, MLC, Mayor and all the elected representatives of the 14 diocese of Karnataka. In his presidential address Bishop Alyosius said that the elected members must render their services to the society especially to the poor and the downtrodden with the spirit of Jesus.
A short play on ‘Ideal Administration’ was enacted by the members of ‘Samsara’. The Samavesh began with a prayer dance directed by Sister Anthony Mary UFS followed by a prayer service led by Fr Paul Sebastian D’Souza assistant Parish Priest of Rosario Cathedral. A floral tribute was offered to Gandhi’s Photo by the dignitaries and the elected representatives. Dr Peter Machado the Regional Chairman of the Laity commission welcomed the gathering and Fr Arul Selva Kumar, delivered the vote of thanks. Aloysius D’Souza compered the programme. The Regional joint secretary to the Laity Commission, Clara Fernandes and Fr J B Crasta the diocesan laity commission were present.