Mangalore: The Friendly Christmas Festival, organized under the joint auspices of the Saint Mother Teresa Vichara vedike and the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) at the city's Kadri Park, was inaugurated on Saturday evening. National Youth Sportsperson and student Yuvraj Kunder inaugurated the program by cutting the cake.
Director of the Sandesha Foundation, Fr. Sudeep, delivered the Christmas message. The chief guest, Professor of Saint Aloysius College, Dr. Charles Furtado, delivered key note address. Social activist Muneer Katipalla advocated the need for harmony in society and called for following the ideals of Jesus Christ to establish peace in the society.
Guest, Bank Employees Association leader, artist Shyam Sundar spoke about the importance of love and coexistence for a beautiful world.
Nationally-renowned figure skater Yuvraj Kunder was felicitated. Donor Michael DSouza was honored. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the Christmas game competition. St. Agnes College won first prize, St. Aloysius won second prize and Sita Bhat Balaga won third prize.
The event was presided over by Roy Castellino, president of the forum. Catholic Sabha president Santosh DSouza, Ecotourism Corporation president Shalet Pinto, entrepreneur Santosh Sequeira, Dolphy DSouza and Wilma Monteiro were present.
Forum secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal welcomed the gathering. John Rohan hosted the event and festival coordinator Stany Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.