Mangalore: M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India lauded the contributions of Christians to the society, at the Valedictory Function of the Centenary celebrations of the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK), here on September 21.

In his first address in the city, Ansari said the Catholic community in India has been an important part of our country’s social mosaic. The contribution of the Christian church in social and charitable work in our country, especially in education and health sectors, has been particularly noteworthy’, he said.

He said, as CASK completes a hundred years of existence, it must be commended for establishing itself as a vibrant institution for promoting general welfare of not only the Manglorean Catholic community but all segments of society in this region.

Poverty & unemployment our challenge

The Vice President of India said, ‘Our country faces many challenges, of which none is bigger than poverty and unemployment’. He asked CASK to look into expanding its areas of work from health and education to skill development and employment generation. Every contribution, irrespective of its scale, would go some way in addressing this scourge of poverty which afflicts a very large percentage of our population, he said.

Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Governor of Karnataka highlighted the importance of unity in diversity. He said religion does not teach hatred but love towards fellow human being. We should unite for the progress of our country and prosperity of the lives of our people.

Hamid Ansari released a centenary souvenir of CASK, compiled by writer and columnist John B Monteiro. A postal stamp marking the centenary was unveiled at the occasion. As many as hundred scholarships were awarded to the deserving students.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza also spoke. Hamid Ansari’s wife Salma Ansari, and Ramanath Rai, district in-charge minister were present on the dais. CASK president Dr Derek Lobo and secretary Capt John Prasad Menezes shared the dais with them.