Cultural extravaganza marks 'Sauharda Christmas 2011'

December 7, 2011

Mangalore, December 7: Mangalore Christian Council, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Mangalore Diocesan E Cumenical Council and Karnataka Christian Forum for Human Rights on Tuesday jointly organised a 'Souharda Christmas 2011', a celebration filled with song, dance and music.

Father Rev. Aloyius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, Rt Rev. Dr John S Sadananda , Bishop , CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese, Yahkab Mar Elias, Metropolitan Malankara Orthodox Syrian Diocese, Most Rev Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Syro Malabar Bishop of Belthangady and Most Rev. Dr Geevarghese Divannasions, Syro Malankara Bishop Of Puttur were the Chief guests of the evening.

The celebrations began with an Invocation dance by Angels from Sandesha College of Fine arts. Rev Hanibal Cabral , Principal of Mangalore Theosophical College welcomed the audience. The next programme of the evening was Gana Mela, a choir of violins and keyboard by the Sushanthi Church. Following that was cultural dance by St Joseph's Church, Jeppu and then a cultural song by Karnataka Mission Network.

Rev John Sadananda blessed the audience saying, “God is with us. God's blessings are always there. Joseph and Mary, are together today. Today we are talking about the environment and Jesus has the power of oneness. Peace is not only doing pooja but it should be connected with all aspects of life. We have to try to become peace makers. Jesus teaches us how to come together and not fight. We must learn to identify extremes and peace is not confined to Bishops coming together”

Then the programme unveiled the E Cumenical Choir. The next was a Christmas dance by Marthoma Church, Balmatta. They also presented a skit about praying to Jesus. Federation of Christian Churches sang a devotional song, while Father Muller's college of Nursing presented a Bharatanatyam dance.

The evening was filled with good cultural entertainment for the packed audience at Milagres Church hall.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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