Welcome to Holy Family Church, Brahmavara. Holy Family Church Organizes Seminar on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Voters List
Holy Family Church successfully organized a seminar on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Voters List on 28 June 2026 at 4:00 PM in the church mini hall. The seminar aimed to educate and empower parishioners about the importance of accurate voter registration and participation in the democratic process. Fr. John Fernandes, the Parish Priest, began the programme with an opening prayer and warmly escorted the dignitaries to the dais. He also welcomed the guests by presenting them with floral bouquets.
The main resource person for the seminar was Mr. K. Phaniraj, a retired professor from the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT). A multifaceted personality, Mr. Phaniraj is also a well-known social activist and human rights advocate. In his detailed and insightful address, he traced the history of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) from India’s Independence to the present day. He explained the procedures, objectives, and significance of the SIR process in a clear and engaging manner.
Mr. Phaniraj emphasized the critical importance of the Special Intensive Revision of the voters list. He highlighted that SIR is a vital democratic exercise that ensures only eligible and genuine voters are enrolled, thereby strengthening the integrity of elections. An accurate voters list prevents electoral fraud, eliminates duplicate or fake entries, and guarantees that every citizen’s voice is heard. He encouraged all eligible parishioners to actively participate in the revision process by verifying their details, submitting necessary forms, and ensuring their names are correctly included. He stressed that active civic participation is the foundation of a strong and vibrant democracy.
The seminar was efficiently organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the parish under the leadership of Mr. Valerian Lewis and his dedicated team. Mr. Valerian Lewis also served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the programme.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Mr. Ravi Prakash Gonsalves, Vice President of the Parish Council, and Mrs. Gretta Dsouza, Coordinator of the Commissions.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation, with a total of 125 parishioners attending. The participants greatly benefited from the session, actively clarified their doubts, and expressed their readiness to complete the enumeration forms in the second stage of the SIR programme. Many appreciated the timely initiative taken by the parish.
The programme concluded with Fr. John Fernandes extending a heartfelt vote of thanks to the resource person, Mr. K. Phaniraj, all the dignitaries, the organizing team of the Justice and Peace Commission, and the participants for their valuable presence and engagement.
This seminar has significantly contributed to creating awareness and motivating the community to actively participate in strengthening India’s electoral democracy through the Special Intensive Revision of the voters list.