Manjeshwara(Mangalpady): Little Brothers Kokkechal, a registered cultural club celebrated its third annual 'Christmas Fiesta' at Kokkechal junction here on Monday(Dec 25). The event was graced by the presence of chief guest Moosa Kunhi, Principal Manavatti Beevi English School, Dharmanagara and Baby Shetty, former Block Panchayat Member and social worker.

The organisation's president, Prakash, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the spirit of unity and inclusivity in his inaugural speech.

Addressing the gathering, Former Block Panchayat member, Baby Shetty highlighted the significance of the organisation's activities in the town and stressed on Jesus Christ's message of spreading love, regardless of religions. She further stated that," Christmas Fiesta serves as a platform for people of all faiths to come together and celebrate Christmas."

Moosa Kunhi D, speaking about the unity in diversity in India said, "India is like a beautiful flower garden with many varieties of flowers. Unlike other countries who have a state religion, India is diverse."

Avinash Machado, Congress Leader and Panchayat Member, commending the organization's contributions, remarked, "The club has played a significant role in the development of this region."

Various programs, including carol singing, dance and a Tulu Drama by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla,' added vibrancy to the festivities.

Sketch titled 'Ammer' performed by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla,'

 Sketch titled 'Ammer' performed by 'Amma Kalavider Kudla' (Courtesy:Peter Dsouza) 

Adding glamour to the celebration, Several renowned Tulu Cinema Actors, including Kantara movie fame Deepak Rai Panaje also performed in the drama.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Fr. Vishal Monis (Parish Preist, Christ King Church Kayyar), Sr. Jasmine Lewis (Superior, Vijaya Jesuraj Convent Kayyar), Avinash Machado (Paivailike Panchayat Member), Roshan Dsouza and Zeena Dsouza (Parish Pastoral Parishad, Christ King Church Kayyar).

Image Courtesy: Peter Dsouza

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Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.

In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.

Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.

In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.

The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.

Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.

It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".

"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.

It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.

The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.

On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.

Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.