Mangalore, Jun 15: Newly-elected MLA J R Lobo and eight corporators were felicitated at a programme organized by St Sebastian Church, Bendore, held in the St Sebastian Silver Jubilee Hall here on Saturday, June 15.

Naveen R D’Souza, Sabitha Misquith, Ashok Kumar D K, Vinay Raj AC, Keshava, Asha D’Silva, Roopa D Bangera and Akhila Alva were the corporators who were felicitated.

Speaking on behalf of all the elected members who were honoured, J R Lobo said that being a corporator or an MLA was not just about rising to a high status or position. “Along with the position, there are lots of responsibilities to be fulfilled. Only one tenth of the people remember the work done by us.”

He added, “Tell us our mistakes directly so as to help us serve better. In the same way, support our good works, so as to double our spirit to serve better.”

In his presidential address, Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest of Bendore Church, said, “We have our own government on the dais today. We trust that the local corporators and the MLA will help bring development in our area, ward and the parish. Let the work begin from our ward, and then, after seeing our development, the other wards too will strive hard, finally leading to the development of the whole state and the nation.”

“Let us focus on being Mangaloreans first, rather than harbouring difference based on religion and caste. Let us be secular and strive for the overall development of the ward, city, state and the nation,” he added.

Fr Paul Crasta, Fr John Baptist, Fr Michael Santhumayer, Ronald Mayer and Laveena John were present on the dais.

Coutersy:Daijiworld