Mangalore: The All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKCFHR) Western Zone hosted a felicitation ceremony for the newly elected member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC), Ivan D’Souza, on Saturday, June 29, at Bishop House.
Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, expressed his joy at the event, stating, “I can confidently say that Ivan represents everyone. There was a need for a strong leader, and I heartily congratulate him on this occasion. During our meetings, we predicted that we would secure the MLC post, and that prediction has come true today. Ivan D’Souza has always helped people in lower segments, and once again, I congratulate him.”
Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the Church of South India, Karnataka Southern Diocese, also attended the ceremony. He remarked, “There is much to say about the contributions of MLC Ivan D’Souza to the state. I have known him since 2016, and he truly represents everyone. We recognize Ivan as our leader. Regardless of his position, Ivan is always joyful. He is very popular in Chamarajanagar and respects his religion. Ivan has consistently helped people who sought his assistance. We wish that Ivan will receive a prestigious portfolio in the future. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivan supported and encouraged many people across our community.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza expressed his happiness and said, “I have been appointed as secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), and my primary task is to work for the Congress party in the Northeast. One day, Kharge and Venugopal called me to Rahul Gandhi’s house, and they asked me to review and secure good results in the Catholic-majority states in the Northeast. Despite never having been to the Northeast before, I accepted the responsibility. For nine months, we worked hard and campaigned in Nagaland, where 85% of the population is Catholic. For the first time in history, we visited every single booth, and with great difficulty, we managed to select and win with two candidates. The same thing happened in Manipur. I believe that with commitment, one can grow to any level in politics.”
He continued, “Initially, I was the president of ICYM and later contested in many elections. Although it is challenging to contest elections after a loss, I believe that losing is the first step to success. I wanted to represent students’ issues, so I joined as a syndicate member of Mangalore University, and we struggled a lot for students. If I had wished, I could have become an MLA at a very young age. During that time, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave me a chance, and I was appointed as Chief Whip. I have successfully presented the problems of common citizens in parliament, and I will not go back on my word. Politics should not be stagnant; it should be dynamic, like ocean currents. In my previous tenure, I secured Rs 7.5 crore for the people, and I need support and advice from everyone.”
Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editr Raknno welcomed the gathering, and Very Rev. J B Saldana, parish priest Bejai Church delivered the vote of thanks. Dr John Dsouza, Secrtary, Diocesan Pastoral Parishad compered the event.
H.G. Joseph Mar Demetrius, Bishop of Believer’s Church, Yedapadav, and others were also present.
