Belthangady: The three day Karnataka Yuvajanotsava 2012 held at the Holy Redeemer Church premises at Belthangady, drew to a close on Sunday in the presence the archbishop, 13 bishops from Karnataka and over 100 priests, nuns and leader, and above all over 5000 youth delegates from all over  the state.

Speaking as a chief guest at the valedictory function, NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco highlighted the contributions of the Christian community to various sectors prominently education, social service and health care sector.

He also delved on the increasing cases of atrocities on minorities and added lack of enough representation in the field of politics   has failed in delivering justice in many cases. He also announced that a Corpus Fund of Rs 3 crore would be initiated to assist those youngsters from the community who aspire to join the civil services.He also exhorted Christian youth to take interest in politics.

Rev Bernard Moraes, Archbishop of Bangalore, presided over the function.  M Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs, who was also a chief guest lauded the contributions of the Christian community to society.
Vincent Pala, minister of state for water resources and minority affairs, Rajya Sabha Member Oscar Fernandes  also spoke on the occasion.

Outstanding young achievers were honored with Karnataka Catholic Yuva Rathna Award. The recipients of the award were Cajetan Karwar, Roshan Ferao Mangalore, Roshan Mandya, Jose Jacob Bangalore, Sabitha Monis Mangalore and Don Bosco,  Tech Karnataka, NGO organization Bangalore.

Bishops Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore, Fr Henry D’Souza of Bellary, Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Belthangady, Geevarghese Mar Divannasios of Puttur,  and several other religious heads apart from political leaders including Ramanath Rai, MLA, J R Lobo, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MP,  were on the dais.

The function was followed by a live concert by Kevin Misquith. CCBI youth commission website was also launched on the occasion. Prior to the function, nearly 5000 youth took part in the peace march.