Mangalore : The Vice-President of India Hammed Ansari visited city along with his wife to participate in the valedictory centenary celebrations of Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) event held at Milagres Jubilee hall on September 21 Sunday, evening.

Ansari was received with the guard of honour by Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Minister for forests and District in charge Ramanath Rai, Mayor Mahabala Maarla, DC A B Ibrahim, police commissioner R Hitendra at the Mangalore International Airport.

Delivering the valedictory speech at of CASK Vice Prez applauded the association for its contribution over the last century which has carried out public service and preached human values of love, compassion, forgiveness and charity among the people. Further, he urged the association to extend its service towards skill development and employment generation.

He also pointed at that at present the country is confronting challenges like poverty and unemployment, and in his situation CASK is contributing lot of good work to the community and society.

Ansari said that country like India is blessed with existing great religions and prospering peacefully for centuries. In such a situation, Christianity is considered as one of the great religions of the world and its divine message has been received in 52 AD when the Apostle St Thomas landed in the Malabar Coast.

The contribution of the Christian church in social and charitable work especially in education and health sectors is tremendous. He also recalled the words of Mahatma Gandhi who considered Jesus Christ as the greatest teacher humanity.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala said that the contributions of CASK must inspire individuals to contribute to the society. Many Christians including Mother Teresa have worked for the upliftment of the country. The people living as a the citizens of the country irrespective of religions like Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh or any other are equal and have contributed equally to the country.

Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore and patron of CASK, urged CASK to focus on training community members to enter the Civil Services since there are very less people from the community in the field. The community also lacks IAS/IFS officer serving the country compared to the past. Further the community must encourage more number of people to join the high caliber posts.

Vice-President Ansari also released the centenary souvenir of CASK, compiled by noted writer and columnist John B Monteiro and special postal cover on the occasion.

CASK President Derek Lobo said that to mark the centenary celebrations the association in collaboration with Father Muller Hospital will promote blood, organ and whole body donations.

Bishop released a book titled ’Gandhichem Parzollik Fuddarponn’ a Konkani translation of ’Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership’ translated by J V Carlo, published by Kavita Trust.

Renowned author and entrepreneur Giselle Meheta-Lobo, composed the CASK Anthem sung by the music group. Prof Geralyn Pinto recited a poem on CASK Centenary celebration.

CASK president Dr Derek Lobo welcomed the guests and gathering, while secretary Capt John Prasad Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.

District in-charge Minister Ramanath Rai, Ambassador Eric Gonsalves and Chief Post Master General M.S. Ramanujan were present.