Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri U. T. Khader, inaugurated the mega program with an inspiring speech emphasizing the transformative power of volunteers. “Volunteers are powerful changemakers, and through volunteerism, they can build a more sustainable and progressive Nation for all,” he stated.
The event featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including Special International Chief Guest Christian Hainzl, Regional Manager for Asia & the Pacific at United Nations Volunteers, Bangkok. His virtual address underscored the importance of volunteer efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering global cooperation.
Guest of Honour Shri Ivan D’Souza, MLC, delivered an impactful speech urging volunteers to lead with compassion, responsibility, and purpose. Smt. Meenakshi Arya, IAS, Assistant Commissioner of Mangaluru, also graced the occasion, emphasizing that volunteerism should be an integral part of everyday life.
The program was presided over by Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C., Principal of St. Agnes College, who praised the collective efforts of volunteers and emphasized their role in societal development.
Resource persons included Shri M. Jaikishen Bhat, Principal of Karavali Institute and Adjunct Professor at PIM Udupi, who spoke on the importance of volunteerism and as as part of the programme conducted motivational workshop session for the students , and Mr. Raghuveer Souterpete, Program Coordinator of Yuvanika Foundation, who shared a compelling message on the occasion’s significance. Rishi Bansiwal, Director of Health Volunteers, highlighted various volunteer opportunities available for youth.
Notably, the event celebrated the remarkable achievements of young volunteers such as Cadet Celine D’silva, who represented Karnataka & Goa at AIVSC 2025 in the Drone category and contributed to her directorate’s success as the Best Directorate in Drone, winning the overall championship for the third consecutive year. Cadet Sonal Jessica Crasta, who completed the Para Basic Course at Army Airborne Training School, Agra, exemplified discipline and commitment, while Mr. Hitesh Bangera was felicitated for his outstanding volunteer efforts.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Gayathri B. K., Coordinator of St. Agnes College, and highlighted the UN-declared theme for IVD 2025: “Every Contribution Matters.” The event underscored the vital role of volunteers in driving community resilience and collective progress.
As the nation moves towards IYV 2026, the celebrations reaffirmed the global commitment to volunteerism and the impactful difference each act of service can make.
