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MERRY CHRISTMAS
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The euphoric merriment associated with Christmas brings in an element of optimism and cheer in everyone's lives, says P. SUJATHA VARMA
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Santa Claus at Christmas celebrations in Vijayawada. Photos: Raju.V
IT IS the time when church bells go ding-dong setting the mood for high-pitched celebrations. Sinking in the air of exuberance becomes almost an obsession for the poor and the rich who banish their niggling problems and get tuned to the stretching out mode. It is the time when even a habitual high muck-a-muck takes enough care not to shun high-mindedness.
Searching for happiness is an eternal goal for all of us. And, cheer and joyfulness was aplenty at the Social Service Centre, Gunadala, where kids had a blast at the pre-Christmas celebrations.
The kids whizzed up the lovely treats tossed off from a colourful sack loosely hanging around the shoulder of adorable Santa Clause. It was an assembly of charming people who were all keyed up to make the best of the occasion.
The place was abuzz with terrific activity sending energy level of the excited guests to soaring heights. "This was the best Christmas I have ever had," said a gregarious Serina, the special guest at the service center who has traveled milesto reach the city and join the delightful crowd.
Coming all the way from Italy to enthuse children bereft of attention and care, by donning the role of a Santa is a gesture that only someone as humane as Serina could think of.
Soul-awakening
Glitters and sparkles adorned the center. Houses were decorated and the entire stretch of the hill leading to the revered Mary Matha church was festooned with balloons and colour papers. It was a time of regeneration and spiritual growth.
Religion is as basic as the air we breathe. Participation in such events awakens the soul to a higher plane of emotions and feelings.
The significance of the festival was amply brought to the fore by staging a Christmas play.
The festive spirit was infectious and caught on like wild fire. The celebrations at Andhra Loyola College echoed similar sentiments.
The depiction on the stage of how Virgin Mary conceived the Christ and how she gave birth to Baby Jesus, away in a manger with no crib for a bed, at Bethlehem, heightened the curiosity of the viewers.
"Christmas heralds a message of joy and peace for all Christians across the world. The birth of Jesus signifies that all our human feelings, joys, sorrows and emotions have been ennobled and elevated with arrival of the Christ.
It indicates God's involvement in human race, becoming a part of the mankind and thus the merry-making," explains the principal, C. Peter Raj.
Elated kids
The cultural programme was followed by the Christmas message by former principal, T. Inniah, who insisted that it was an occasion to contribute for the betterment of the world.
Fascinated by the turn of events preceding the birth of Jesus, girls of Maris Stella enacted a playlet.
Girls of Maris Stella enacting Birth of Christ.
For the over 700 kids rehabilitated at various units run by the Navajeevan Bala Bhawan, in and around Vijayawada city, it was a `family affair'. "Children were elated at the very idea of enjoying a community meal which culminated in many other programmes stretching to the late evening hours," said Koshi, Director of the Bala Bhawan.
Though completely submitting to the jubilation, the participants, even for a split second, never overlooked the spirit of the carnival- love, forgiveness and compassion for others.
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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