Valachil, 25 Dec: The festival of Christmas was celebrated with pomp and gaiety on Monday at the Cultural centre, Expert P U College in Valachil. The message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood of Jesus is effectively conveyed to humanity through the celebration of Christmas and the festive occasions add value to the education imparted by the college.
The academic block was adorned with sparkling lights and colourful stars. The guests marked the beginning of the celebration by inaugurating the Christmas Crib and by lighting the candles. Chief guest Mr J R Lobo did the honours of cutting the X’mas cake in the presence of fairies and angels. The arrival of Santa Clause added to the celebrations.
Mr J R Lobo, MLA of Mangalore South in his inaugural address expressed his joy for celebrating Christmas in the college, which is a festival of giving and sharing. He also said that it’s a day that reflects the power, glory and nobility of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world. He stressed the importance of celebrating festivals by understanding the humanitarian values embedded in them. He urged the students to work hard and make the best use of resources provided at Expert to reap good fruits in the future.
Vice chairperson Mrs Ushaprabha N Nayak in her keynote address said that Christmas is not just celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ but also to remember his sacrifices for the mankind. It is the gesture of love and giving that can bring minds and hearts together in an everlasting bonding. So, it is a festival that has power to weave magic over this world and bring everyone together.
Prof Narendra L Nayak, Chairman of Expert Group of Institutions wished Merry Christmas and New Year Greetings to the students. He also presented a memento to the chief guest.
The celebrations witnessed the active participation of students and no doubt it brought the creative potential in them with the decoration of Christmas tree, crib and stars in the campus. They sang Christmas carols and danced to the tunes of Christmas-related songs.
Mr Ankush N Nayak, Information and Technology Director, Ustad Rafeeq Khan, Trustee, Expert Group of Institutions and Dr N K Vijayan Karippal, Principal graced the occasion.
Ms Megnel Leona Menezes briefed about the historical significance of Christmas. Ms Greeshma R Shetty welcomed the gathering, while Ms Neha Aradhya, Secretary of Fine Arts proposed the vote of thanks. Ms Kusumitha S compered the programme.
Ms Kavitha M, Faculty of Biology and Programme Director coordinated the event. The celebrations concluded with a grand Christmas dinner served by ‘Chef on Wheels’.
