Moodbidri: Christmas is a symbol of peace, which has now grown into a worldwide symbol of celebration and the celebrations like here at Alva’s are an ideal to the world, Belthangady diocese Bishop Rev Fr Lawrence Mukkui said.

Speaking at the inaugural of Christmas celebrations organised at Alva’s Education Foundation at Rathnakaravarni Vedike at Vidyagiri here on Thursday, he said the festival conveys the message of peace orientated happiness and spreads the knowledge of good and bad. “May the festival be a medium through which relationships are enriched,” he said.

The celebrations began with a procession of students holding candles, flowers, and Santa Claus disguises.

Konkani Sahitya Academy former chairman Roy Castellino, who was the chief guest, said that it is indeed a matter of pride that students from all religious backgrounds assemble here to celebrate Christmas.

More than 25,000 students study at Alva’s institutions, including a couple of thousands from the northeastern states.

Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva said religion should be a leading light for the current generation and not a cause for inequality.
“We must stay immune to the forces that attempt to break us in apart in the name of religion,” he said.

Alva added that celebrations of religious festivals at Alva’s are done with an objective to encourage students to connect with their religious identities as well as understand that of others.

As a part of the celebrations, White Doves Charitable Trust Founder Director Corrin Rasquinha was felicitated on the occasion.

An interesting aspect was that more than 500 students formed the choir team at the celebrations. The performance by the Blue Angels team from Mangaluru and students of Alva’s kept the audience enchanted for the night.

The vicinity was decorated to give a heavenly feel, also incorporating student works such as cards, artworks, cribs and fancy lights. The winning works were also awarded.

Former minister K Amaranth Shetty, Alva’s Education Trustee Vivek Alva and Fr F X Gomes and others were present on the occasion.