Udupi: Prizes were distributed to the winners of the Christmas crib competition organised by Udayavani in association with Mandavi Real Estate Developers. The prize distribution ceremony was held on Monday at the Manipal head office of Manipal Media Network Ltd.
Executive Chairman of Manipal Media Network Ltd. T. Satish U. Pai presented the prizes to the winners and conveyed his wishes.
Maxim Stephen Saldanha, Business Associate of Tanishq Jewellery, Titan World and Titan Eye Plus in Udupi, said Christmas symbolises love, peace and sharing. He appreciated Udayavani for organising the crib competition on such a sacred occasion. He said competitions provide a platform to showcase creativity, confidence and talent. The winners earned recognition through their hard work and dedication, and their achievement should inspire others. He added that Udayavani continues to identify and encourage talent.
Glen Dias, Managing Partner of Mandavi Real Estate Developers, said the crib competition has created a positive atmosphere of harmony and unity in society. He said the contest helps children understand how to build a crib and its significance, and also supports the continuation of the tradition for the next generation.
Manipal Media Network Limited Managing Director and CEO Vinod Kumar, who presided over the programme, said building a Christmas crib is an important tradition during the festival. Through the crib, people express creativity, faith, love and the uniqueness of the birth of Jesus. He noted that the Christian community has been associated with the newspaper since its inception. He appreciated the large participation in this year’s competition and said community involvement is increasing in such events.
Jason Dias, Managing Partner of Mandavi Real Estate Developers, was present.
Udayavani Editor Aravind Navada said the competition engages the community and readers, and thanked them for their full support in making it a success. Resident Editor Krishna Bhat Aladangadi read out the list of prize winners. Head of Marketing, Udupi Division, Radhakrishna Bhat Kodavoor delivered the vote of thanks.
Vice President (Magazine and Special Initiatives) Ramachandra Mijar compered the programme and said Udayavani has been organising various competitions for readers. He said the crib competition has been conducted transparently for the past six years and appreciated the continued encouragement from the Christian community.
The competition was judged by Fr Vishal Monis of Kair Church and Alvin Richard D’Souza, Director of Family Life Centre.
Prize winners
First prize: ICYM, Alangar–Moodbidri.
Second prize: Anish Madanthyar (1), ICYM Tallur (2).
Third prize: Naveen Madtha, Aradhan Beeramangala–Sullia (1), Church Youth Organisation ICYM Nirkana (2), Arun Oswald Dias and Roshan Pinto team, Moodbidri (3).
Consolation prizes: Pius D’Souza, Anagalli–Kundapur (1), Shanthi Crasta, Mastikatte–Moodbidri (2), Clarilda, Udupi (3), St Joseph Church, Kota (4), Arol Stanley Lobo, Nitte–Karkala (5), Lucy D’Souza, Jeppu Kadekar–Mangaluru (6), Infant Jesus Church, Modankapu (7), Dikshan Praveen D’Souza, Pedamale–Mangaluru (8).
Winners’ reactions
Clarilda from Udupi said she has loved making Christmas cribs since childhood and was happy to participate and win in the competition. She hoped such contests would provide more opportunities to the community.
Jordan Fernandes from Alangaru said they prepare a crib every year but had not earlier sent photographs for competitions. He thanked the newspaper for motivating them and recognising their creativity.
Pius D’Souza from Anagalli said it was a matter of pride to participate in a competition organised by Udayavani, which he described as the only coastal newspaper providing timely and objective news. He said the competition promotes harmony in society.
