Govt should officially observe Christmas as Christa Jayanti': Ivan D'Souza

September 30, 2016

Mangaluru, Sep 30: In a controversial demand, Ivan D'Souza, chief whip of the government in the Legislative Council, has urged the Karnataka state government to officially observe Christmas.

Speaking to media persons in Mangaluru the MLC said that it was the demand of Christian community that their festival should be observed by the government as Christa Jayanti' or the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ starting from this year.

He also said that the government to convert the Christian Development Council (CDC) into a Corporation and earmark at least Rs. 300 crore for development of Christians in the state budget of 2017-18.

Mr D'Souza, who was recently appointed as the vice-president of the CDC, said that he had already urged the State to set up one hostel for Christian students in the headquarters of the 24 districts where the community is present in significant numbers.

He said there is a lack of awareness about the various development schemes formed by the government for Christians. Adding that he has undertaken extensive tours of districts with sizeable Christian population, he said, “The lack of information about government schemes is evident in these districts.”

He said the demands to form a corporation and open hostels for Christians were based on the outcome of meetings with community members during his tour of Bidar, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Belagavi districts, which have a Christian population of about five lakh.

Another demand is to increase the fund allocated under the Bidai scheme for brides from minority communities from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. The State government should observe Christmas officially as Christa Jayanti', Mr D'Souza added. He said the suggestions would be placed before the government soon.

Comments

You forgot to include one more demand: \Release Rs 1 lakh under Mathanthara Bhagya scheme to those who convert into Christianity\""

All demands are good except 'Christa Jayanti'. In fact govt level Christa Jayanti is not the demand of Christian community. It's just demand of a politician.

This is guts. UTK and modin bava should learn from these catholic representatives.

Now pakistanis also may start demanding Karnataka govt to officially celebrate hafiz saeed jayanati..

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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