Rachana Felicitates Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza

President of Rachana, Gilbert D’Souza welcomed the gathering. MLA of Mangaluru South constituency J R Lobo felicitated Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza with a shawl, fruits, peta and floral bouquet.

Lobo further said, “Ivan D’Souza has been into politics from his childhood. Today, he has been able to become the Chief Whip in the state Legislative Council though our community is hesitant to enter politics. In a democracy, politics is very important. Our community has a touch-me-not attitude so we stay away from everything. We need to mix with everyone since joining politics is important. If the community supports those who are interested in politics, we can bring many of our people into politics.”

Narrating his journey into politics and urging the youth to take part in it, Lobo said, “I joined politics recently, my political career is like the Singapore model. In Singapore, the government chooses bright students and sends them for higher education. Once they complete their education, they need to come back and serve the country. Intelligent students should work in the government and the best officers get into politics. My entry is similar to the Singapore entry. But Ivan has risen step by step to where he is today. He has a vast experience through which he can definitely motivate our youngsters into politics. If our youngsters work hard with dedication and a definite purpose, success will surely follow. Do not be discouraged by failure because every failure is a stepping stone to success.”

Lobo congratulated Ivan for having been appointed as the chief whip and creating history, and said that it was a happy moment for all the Christian community.

Ivan D’Souza in his felicitation programme said, “We have many schemes from the government. For the Christian minority, the government has reserved funds for education but there are very few students who come forward. Due to the lack of information, Christian students are unable to claim scholarships. If any students want to pursue higher education in foreign countries, the government is paying Rs 20 lakh for two years. I have traveled to 7 districts to bring awareness to the Christian community about government schemes and held workshops providing information. I will also travel to other districts in the state and bring awareness among the people about the schemes and try my best to see that the community is benefited.”

Ivan further said, “Our community is very much ignorant about government schemes. This year, the government has sanctioned Rs 125 crore for the welfare of the Christian minority. When our community is targeted, we have to be united and fight for justice. Youth should be involved more into politics as we need more and more youth leaders. I started my political career from ICYM at a very young age and since then, I have never looked back. I dedicated myself to achieve my goals and I have worked with integrity and succeeded in whatever responsibility or post that I have taken up in the past. Today, I have been appointed as the Chief Whip and I am the first person from the Christian community to achieve this post from Karnataka. This is the first time that a person from the Christian community has taken up the office in the 137 year history of the Legislative Council. I have been into politics from the past 31 years and I am the first Catholic who has achieved this post within two years of being in the Council. I have distributed a record Rs 3.12 crore from the CM’s relief fund for poor patients suffering from various diseases.”

He thanked Rachana for felicitating him. Juliet Mascarenhas delivered the vote of thanks. Former president of Rachana John Monteiro, Secretary Eulalia, Walter D’Souza and others were also present.