Fuddar Prathisttan Felicitates 405 Students in Grand ‘Fuddar Prathisttan Puraskar-2025’ Ceremony
Mangaluru: Fuddar Prathisttan (R.), a prominent organization dedicated to the socio-economic and cultural well-being of the Canara Konkani Catholic community, held its prestigious ‘Fuddar Prathisttan Puraskar-2025’ ceremony on Sunday, April 6, at the Milagres Jubilee Hall in Mangaluru. The event served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of 405 Catholic students hailing from the Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses.
The distinguished gathering witnessed the felicitation of students who demonstrated exceptional performance in a variety of academic pursuits, including SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), PUC (Pre-University Course), undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as those who excelled in various competitive examinations and achieved notable success in sports at the international, national, and state levels.
The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Most Reverend Father Maxim L Noronha, Vicar General of the Mangaluru Diocese, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the pursuit of excellence. Nigel Pereira, President of Fuddar Prathisttan, presided over the ceremony, while Professor John D’Silva, Diocesan Parish Council Secretary of the Mangaluru Diocese, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Santhosh Cornelio, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Secretary Vivid D’Souza, Joint Secretary Alwyn Quadros, and directors Jerald D’Costa, Anil Lobo, and Harry Rego, further underscoring the significance of the event.
In his inaugural address, Fr. Maxim L Noronha extended heartfelt congratulations to the awardees and their families, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. He emphasized the paramount importance of education in contemporary society and urged the students to be proactive in raising their voices against injustice, both within the community and in the broader societal context.
Professor John D’Silva, in his keynote address, lauded Fuddar Prathisttan for organizing such a remarkable event to acknowledge and motivate young achievers. He passionately advocated for increased representation of the Catholic community in government service and encouraged the students to pursue various competitive examinations to achieve this goal. Furthermore, he implored the students to remain in the country, contribute to its progress, and maintain strong ties with their families.
In his address, Santhosh Cornelio articulated the importance of education in fostering a value-based society, emphasizing that it should not lead individuals away from spirituality and family life. He encouraged the students to use their education to build a more just and compassionate world.
Representing the felicitated students, Sohan Alva, Alston D’Souza, Reshel Fernandes, and Dr. Anet D’Souza shared their personal success stories, offering inspiring insights into their journeys and expressing profound gratitude to Fuddar Prathisttan for organizing the felicitation program. Their testimonies resonated with the audience, highlighting the impact of hard work, perseverance, and community support.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Fuddar Prathisttan (R.), the organization announced a series of programs planned for the year. A symbolic inaugural ceremony, involving the pouring of incense into charcoal, signified the launch of these initiatives. Nigel Pereira, in his presidential address, provided a glimpse into the programs, which will focus on the social, economic, and cultural advancement of Canara Konkani Catholics, in alignment with the core objectives of Fuddar Prathisttan. He commended the students and their parents for their accomplishments and expressed his sincere appreciation to all office bearers, trustees, and generous donors whose financial contributions made the event possible. He highlighted the remarkable scale of the event, with 405 students being felicitated simultaneously.
Joint Secretary Alwyn Quadros extended a warm welcome to the assembled gathering, while Secretary Vivid D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. Generous donors were honored with mementos in recognition of their invaluable support. Acknowledgment was also given to the support and suggestions of Vice President Rev. Fr. Walter D’Mello and Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh President Alwyn DSouza, who were unable to attend the program.
Jyothi D’Souza and Jane Mathias capably compered the event, ensuring its smooth flow and engaging the audience throughout the proceedings. The program concluded with a sumptuous lunch, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees.
The ‘Fuddar Prathisttan Puraskar-2025’ stands as a testament to Fuddar Prathisttan’s unwavering commitment to promoting education, recognizing excellence, and empowering the youth of the Canara Konkani Catholic community. The event served as an inspiration to students, parents, and community members alike, reinforcing the importance of education and community support in achieving success and contributing to a brighter future.