Mangaluru: MAA Creations held Christmas celebrations with the Children of De Mercede orphanage at Paneer here, on December 25.
The programme began with an invocation. Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader along with other dignitaries inaugurated the programme.
Addressing the gathering, U T Khader said that MAA Creations has celebrated true Christmas with the less fortunate. He congratulated the members of MAA Creations for their humane thought of celebrating Christmas with the less fortunate children. He further said that nowadays, there have been many instances of religious intolerance in our country. “In such a situation, we need to understand the true meaning of other religions by reading holy books everyday, which will help to lead a peaceful life,” he said.
Recalling his childhood, Khader said, “I have studied in a Catholic institution and whatever I am today, it is because of the teachers who taught me the values in life”. While concluding, he sang a Kannada song on “Ullal” and entertained the children.
Parish priest of Paneer Church, Fr Denis Suares speaking on the occasion said that the members of MAA Creations would have celebrated Christmas with their loved ones or in hotels, but they celebrated it with the children who are less fortunate. He congratulated the members of MAA Creations and assured all the support to them in future.
Chairman of Merit Freight and Logistics, Joseph Mathias speaking on the occasion said that such celebrations are the need of the hour because in this modern world, we find very less people who think about the poor and the downtrodden. He congratulated Allen and Arthur for their initiative in celebrating Christmas with the less fortunate children and also assured financial support in future.
Sr Luciana was felicitated by MAA Creations on the occasion. Sr Rita, Vice President of Paneer Church Franky Cutinho, Allen Pereira, Sunil Pereira and Arthur Pereira were also present. Roney Crasta welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. DJ Kiran from Mangaluru entertained the children with his foot taping numbers and the children danced non-stop on the floor for an hour. ‘Smart Baby’, a Safeer Group from Dubai, donated 78 dresses to the children of the orphanage. Medals, sweets and stationery were distributed to all the children.
