Chaitanya, Shimoga, December 15, 2021: On the occasion of Christmas 2021, the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (R), Shimoga organized a unique Christmas with Carpenters celebration at Chaitanya on 15 December 2021. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga and the President of SMSSS presided over the celebration. Shri Ma.Ni.Pra. Shri Channabasava Swamiji of Viraktha Mata, Shikaripura and Shri Janab Abdhul Lathif SaADi, President, S.S.F. Karnataka and General Manager, Markhajh SaADa were the Chief Guests.
The program began with the prayer dance performed by Ms Mariya Deeksha of Sharavathinagar. Mr Jagadeesha K. H., the Coordinator, SMSSS welcomed the gathering. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS in his key note address noted that Christmas is not receiving but giving. Last year SMSSS organized Christmas with Media Personnel and Civil Workers separately. This year we are having this unique Christmas with Carpenters celebration. Carpenters are the ones who through their skills and hard work give everything to make others’ houses beautiful. In this way Christmas becomes meaningful in their life.
In their address both Shri Janab Abdhul Lathif SaADi and Shri Ma.Ni.Pra. Shri Channabasava Swamiji noted that all religions speak of love and service. Caste, Creed barriers are all manmade obstacles. The blood of every human being, be it a Christian, a Hindu or a Muslim is of same colour. We as human beings should love one another and create a society where everyone is equally loved.
Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ in his presidential address noted that there is a close relationship between the carpenters and the Holy Bible. There is a mention of a tree in the very first book of the Bible, the Genesis and also in the very last book of the Bible, the revelation. This Christmas with Carpenters is also more meaningful this year because of the Year of St Joseph which we concluded recently. We may belong to different religions but we all are human beings. God became man to teach us how we can become better human beings. God became one among us and dwelt amidst us so that we progress in the path that leads us towards becoming one like him and dwell in his presence. The bishop congratulated all the carpenters for their hard labour and wished them every success.
121 carpenters from the working area of SMSSS participated in the celebration. All the carpenters received a Christmas gift from SMSSS. The celebration ended with Christmas dinner. All the participants were extremely happy and grateful for having recognized their trade and honouring them for their selfless service to the society. 
