Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today led the delegation of Punjab to felicitate Rt. Rtv. Bishop Franco Mulakkal at a special function organized at Thrissur in Kerala state on completion of his 25 years of baptism as priest.The felicitation ceremony became a rare symbol of unity of culture of border state of Punjab and southern state of India Kerala with Bhangra beats synchronizing with the rhythm of Kathakali.Conveying his heartfelt felicitation to Bishop on this historic occasion Dr. Cheema said that Bishop Franco Mulakkal has contributed a lot to bring about peace, harmony and religious tolerance in the state of Punjab.
The Minister lauded the personal efforts of Bishop Franco Mulakkal for spreading health care education among the masses especially in the rural areas. He said that the selfless service rendered by Bishop Mulakkal to uplift the downtrodden was commendable. He said that Chief Minister himself has deputed me to become part of this historic ceremony in the native village of Bishop to convey the best wishes from the people of Punjab.Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Former Union Minister, Mr. C N Jayadevan, Member Parliament of Thrissur, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Channi, representative of Sikh Relgion, Mr. Thomas Unniyaden, Government Chief Whip, Mr. Therembil Ramakrishnan, MLA Thrissur, Mr. Rajan Pallan, Mayor of Thrissur, Msgr. Kurian C Muttathpadan, Vice general Jalanthar, V.Rev.Fr. Mathew Koyical, Chancellor & Judicial Vicar Delhi Arch Diocese, Msgr. George Manadan, V.Rev.Fr.Davis Panamkulam, Rev. Fr.Shajan Thermadan, Mr. Albert Dua, Member Minority Commission.