Mangaluru, Dec 24, 2018: A Christmas get-together aimed at promoting communal harmony and brotherhood was organised for the third year in a row by MLC and Parliamentary Secretary Ivan D’Souza at Kankanady Market Grounds on December 23, Sunday. The event was jointly inaugurated by Shree Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Sandeepani Ashram, L Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese and Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University.
Speaking on the occasion Ivan said the essence of festivals was to promote unity and harmony. There can be peace and brotherhood only when all religions are tolerant, he added.
Ibrahim Kodijal, former chairman of MUDA, Jayaram Shekha, Vice President of State Bus Operators’ Association, District Health Officer Ramakrishna Rao, Corporators Pratibha Kulai, Naveen D’Souza., Deputy Mayor K Muhammad, Kavitha Ivan D Souza and others were present.
Variety contests including Carol singing contest, cake, Santaclaus contests were conducted prior to the formal ceremony. Beneficiaries were handed over a total of Rs 10 lakh amount from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund on the occasion.