Mangalore, Sep 21: œOur country faces many challenges of which, none is bigger than poverty and unemployment. Every contribution would go some way in addressing this scourge of poverty which afflicts a very large percentage of our population, said Vice President of India Mohammed Hamid Ansari.
Speaking after inaugurating the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) here on Sunday, he said that the contribution of the Christian church in social and charitable work in the country, especially in education and health sectors, was noteworthy. Members of the community are fully integrated in the national mainstream and have served the nation with great distinction in every sphere of life. The Christian faith has strengthened our secular fabric and enriched our composite Indian identity, he said.
He said that the CASK had carried forward the rich legacy of selfless public service inspired by the message of Jesus Christ who preached the cherished human values of love, compassion, forgiveness and charity. As it completes a hundred years of existence, the organisation should be commended for establishing itself as a vibrant institution for promoting general welfare of the Manglorean Catholic community and other segments of society in the region, he said.
He further said that the CASK could look into expanding its areas of work from health and education to skill development and employment generation. Irrespective of its scale, every contribution would go some way in addressing the scourge of poverty which afflicts a very large percentage of our population, Ansari said.
œI understand that the Association has provided valued services to the people in the field of health and education, especially to the deprived and marginalised sections of society, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. It has also focused on supporting the local culture, including Konkani language and literature, music and fine arts. Above all, it has been an effective vehicle for uniting the community and providing it a coherent voice on issues of interest and concern, he stated.
Mangalore Diocese Bishop Rev Aloysius Paul D'Souza said that the growth of Catholic community was a catalyst for the growth of other communities in the region.
Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala said that there were very few institutions in the country which were committed in working and serving the community for so long. Although India is home to several religions, all of them preach the same values of helping the poor and serving those in need, he said, calling on the Catholic community members to develop the sense of community service.
A souvenir and a special postal cover were released on the occasion.
Minister of forests, environment and ecology B Ramanath Rai, former ambassador and secretary, ministry of external affairs Eric Gonsalves, Karnataka Circle chief postmaster general M S Ramanujan, Salma Ansari, CASK president Derek Lobo, and secretary JP Menezes and several others participated in the programme.
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