Mangaluru: The festival of Christmas was celebrated with pomp and gaiety at the Cultural Centre, Expert P U College in Valachil. The message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood of Jesus was effectively conveyed through the celebration of Christmas and the festive occasions added value to the education imparted by the college.

The academic block was adorned with sparkling lights and colourful stars. The guests marked the beginning of the celebration by inaugurating the Christmas crib and lighting candles. Chief guest J R Lobo did the honours of cutting the Christmas cake in the presence of fairies and angels. The arrival of Santa Clause added to the celebrations.

J R Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru south in his inaugural address expressed his joy in celebrating Christmas the festival of giving and sharing in the college. He also said that it is a day that reflects power, glory and nobility of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world. He stressed the importance of celebrating festivals by understanding humanitarian values embedded in them. He urged the students to work hard and make the best use of resources provided at Expert to reap good fruits in the future.

Vice chairperson Ushaprabha N Nayak in her keynote address said, "Christmas is not just celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ but also to remember his sacrifices to mankind. It is the gesture of love and giving that can bring minds and hearts together in an everlasting bonding. So, it is a festival that has power to weave magic over this world and bring everyone together."

Prof Narendra L Nayak, chairman of Expert Group of Institutions wished Merry Christmas and New Year Greetings to the students. He also presented a memento to the chief guest.

The celebrations witnessed the active participation of students and undoubtedly brought the creative potential in them through the decorated Christmas tree, crib and stars in the campus. They sang Christmas carols and danced to the tunes of Christmas-related songs.

Ankush N Nayak, Information and Technology director, Ustad Rafeeq Khan, trustee, Expert Group of Institutions and Dr N K Vijayan Karippal, principal graced the occasion.

Megnel Leona Menezes briefed all present about the historical significance of Christmas. Greeshma R Shetty welcomed the gathering, while Neha Aradhya, secretary of Fine Arts proposed the vote of thanks. Kusumitha S compered the programme.

Kavitha M, faculty of Biology and Programme Director coordinated the event. The celebrations concluded with a grand Christmas dinner served by ‘Chef on Wheels’.