Mangaluru: Making an exception to its functioning style, members of the Bondel Laughter Club assembled at the Housing Board Maidan here on Sunday, October 8 to celebrate 15 years of its establishment.

The Club founded by John B Monteiro, commenced in 2002 and has been conducting its laughter sessions at this Maidan daily, except for Sundays and public holidays.

Speaking to Newskarnataka, John Monteiro, a retired employee of L&T says that the club started off with 60 members. But over the years the number of its members has gradually declined as the club was forced to keep changing its venue due to encroachments or acquirement by builders. It had been conducting its laughter session at Kadri park too for some time before getting a fresh lease of life at this Maidan, said the founder who is hopeful that the members may now see a rise.

Today’s session was started with a prayer by Winnie Hart. Thereafter members participated in the warm-up exercises and the laughter sessions.

Mohan Monteiro welcomed the gathering and vote of thanks was proposed by MA Khalid.

Former MCC mayor Harinath was among those present on the occasion.