By C V Joseph

Bengaluru, Dec. 4, 2021: A Salesian parish was among 19 frontline Covid warriors honored by a member of the Karnataka legislative assembly.

K J George, who represents Sarvagnanagar constituency in the assembly, told a December 4 function that the Covid warriors, including the Don Bosco Shrine Lingarajapuram, had done commendable job in helping people in Bengaluru during the pandemic.

He also commended the Salesian parish for its work in education and skill training in collaboration with Lion’s Club Pyramid and Rotary Bangalore Kalyan.

Equating humanitarian service as God’s work, the legislator expressed happiness that the Bosco Shrine could much to alleviate the pain of the poor. “This is a noble work done jointly, cooperating and coordinating with each other,” added George, a former home minister of Karnataka.

The legislator honored the warriors with shawls, mementos, certificates and plaques.

Those honored included Claretian Father George Kannanthanam, the founder of Project Vision engaged in eye donation, who had distributed food kits during the pandemic.

Also honored were some officers of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation) such as Mohammed Rahamathullah, and inspector, S Chitra, a senior health inspector, S Nagabhushan, assistant engineer.

Doctor Sukanya, Medical Officer of Lingarajapuram who administered a total of 28,205 vaccinations during the pandemic, was also honored.

Others were Simha Shastry, founder and chief mentor of Prime Group that supplied oxygen cylinders and Anne Morris of Mercy Mission Team, who helped conduct last rites for Covid victims.

Tanveer Ahmed, a social activist, Ikram Ahmed Khan, a social activist, Doctor Venkatesh, a medical Officer at Lingarajapuram, and K S Prakash who served in the rural areas for the Covid cause.

Also honored were Naveen Krishna, who supplied dry ration kits to the needy, Manasa of the BBMP Hospital, and Samson Stephen of the Don Bosco Youth Group.

Salesian Fathers Joy Nedumparambil, who is engaged in developmental works in southern Indian states, P S George, a psychologist who counseled people during the pandemic and Rubin Mathew, a child activist.