BELLARY, SEP. 07: The management, staff members, students and the former students’ association paid rich tributes to YSR Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh who died of copter crash last week.
YSR Reddy was the student of the St. John’s High School studying from Std. VII to Std. X, run by the Catholic Diocese of Bellary.
Earlier, there were readings from the Holy Books and prayers for the dead, the bereaved family and the country.
YSR Reddy’s classmate Dr. Leonard Gonsalves, school manager Fr. Lourdusamy and BDBE secretary Fr. Arokianathan and president of the Past Students’ Association, Mr. Janardhan paid glowing tributes.
“Emulate the great example of the departed leader, become your very best and do your utmost”, he added.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed leader, Bishop D’Souza also prayed for consolations from God for the bereaved family.
He complimented the school for forming such an eminent leader and urged the teaching fraternity to “shape the destiny of future leaders, philanthropists, scientists and artistes in their classrooms.”
“YSR practiced politics of a different type. He promoted human rights and freedom of conscience. He cared for the poor and was a champion of the Dailts”, affirmed Bishop D’Souza.
Paying rich tributes Bishop Henry D’Souza said,” “YSR Reddy was a leader of the masses, especially of the poor and marginalized sections of the society.”
The public function was held in the open-air premises of the school and it was attended by Bellary Bishop Henry D’Souza, Shimoga Bishop Gerald Lobo, a large section of the public, teachers and the students.
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary