Bishop Dr Gerald Inaugurates Laity convention of Udupi ‘Samudayotsav 2020’
Udupi: The first laity convention of Udupi diocese “Samudayotsav 2020” was inaugurated at the Mount Rosary Church Grounds at Santhekatte, Kallianpur here on January 19.
The guests were welcomed and taken in a procession to the venue by the Nasik Band of ICYM Youths of Borimar Unit, the Chande Balaga and Mount Rosary School Band.
The first laity convention of Udupi diocese “Samudayotsav 2020” was inaugurated in a unique way by the Bishop of Diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Margaret Alva, Ex Governor Uttarakand and other dignetries.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “The roots of democracy are being weakened. In this background today we have gathered here. Compared to the last 25 years today we have the number of elderly people in our diocese and number of Christians is decreasing. As a community we are third in majority in our district. We are losing our strength to fight for our rights. We are citizens of this country but have failed to prove that we are of Indian origin. We are still depending on the Church for everything.”
speaking on the occasion Chief Guest of the programme Ex Governor Uttarakand Margaret Alva said, “Udupi diocese is still in its beginning stages, but with a lot of efforts you have organized this convention. NRC requires to produce the birth certificates of our Grand fathers and our ancestors. This is not only applicable for Christians and Muslims but affects people from all walks of life. I will not fill the form to prove my citizenship, even you will also not fill any forms to prove your citizenship. Are Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah freedom fighters? We have not seen our PM’s academic certificate but he is asking our people to bring their certificates”.
Mrs. Margaret Alva, expressed concern about the ongoing events and incidents in the country. She said that the recent protests and violence against the CAA and NRC have been a great impediment to the progress of the nation. Though not directly, there has been an attempt to intimidate the Christian community. The protest and political machinations by vested interests against the installation of the statue of Jesus Christ at Kanakapura is one of the examples of such intimidatory tactics. If there is no opposition to put up statues of anyone, why there should be objection for the installation of the statue of Jesus Christ, asked Mrs. Margaret Alva. She further said that the government that had won mandate from the people on the promise of ‘Good days would come..” has been behaving in a an autocratic manner neglecting the welfare of the poor people.
Speaking further, Mrs. Margaret Alva said that the newly introduced CAA and NRC have created confusion in the society. According to NRC one has to produce birth certificates of not only of themselves and their parents, but also those of their grandparents and ancestors. This law is not restricted to only Muslims and Christians but to all other communities as well. Once born as an Indian one is not required to furnish documents once again to prove one’s citizenship. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister who are asking the Indians to prove their citizenship. While the Prime Minister’s BA certificate is yet to be found, how they can demand documents of citizenship from poor people.
During the programme “Our Constitution and Rights” written by Edward Larsen D’Souza and “The History of the Catholic Sabha” authored by Dr. Gerald Pinto were released.
J.R. Lobo, retired KS Officer delivered the keynote address on the ‘Present Condition and Future Vision of the Christian Community’.
Retired KS Officer Antony Mendonca, Justice Rev. Francis Assisi Almeida, senior journalist Gabriel Vaz, Milagres College, Kallinapura Principal Dr. Vincent Alva, Albert D’Souza of Model Bank, Mumbai, AICU Secretary Mrs. Jannet D’Souza, AICU President Assisi Gonslaves, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh Presdient Rolphy D’Costa, John D’Silva, Rev. Dr. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Catholic Stree Sanghattan President Pramila D’Sa, Elias D’Souza, Santekatte, Catholic Sabha Spiritual Director Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Secretary Santosh Cornelio, Treasurer Gerald Rodrigues, prospective president Robert Menezes, immediate past president Valerian Fernandes, Convener of Samudayotsava 2020 Elroy Kiran Crasto, zonal president Ronald Herics, Mrs. Ida Cornelio and others were present.
Alwyn Quadros, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh welcomed the gathering, Samudayotsava 2020 Secretary Mrs. Mary D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Edward Larsen D’Souza compeered the programme.
