KCO Abu Dhabi disburses Rs 7 Lakh Worth Scholarships to 87 Students
Mangaluru: Abu Dhabi’s premier socio-cultural organisation Konkani Cultural Organization Trust (KCO)- Abu Dhabi in co-ordination with Samanvaya Trust, Mangaluru disbursed Rs 7 lakh worth of educational scholarships to 87 economically backward college students in a function held at Centenary Memorial Hall, St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu here on August 21.
Every year during the month of August, KCO supports deserving and needy students aspiring to continue their education after SSLC and PUC to pursue their careers. KCO has partnered with Samanvaya, an NGO which receives applications from these students through various sources and scrutinises them.
Selected students were invited today for the disbursement programme and scholarship cheques were distributed to them directly in the presence of distinguished guests, parents, well-wishers. KCO members and parents of the beneficiaries. The programme with invoking God’s blessing through a hymn sung by a group of students, followed by welcome address by Founder president of KCO- Leo Rodrigues. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the chief guest, Fr Michael Santhumayour, Principal of Milagres Degree College-Mangaluru, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Leo Rodrigues-Founder president of KCO, Michael D’Silva- Immediate PP, Canute Pinto-Gen Secretary, Vivek Serrao- VP, Jerry D’Mello- Past President, Valerian D’Almeida- Trust Adviser, Leena D’souza- senior member, Franklin D’Cunha- senior member (all of KCO), Ronald Cutinho – Director of Samanvaya Trust, Mangaluru, and Fr Francis D’Almeida- Former Vice Principal of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.
In his address to the students, Fr Santhumayour said, ” This project is just another feather in the cap for KCO, and is an good initiative by KCO who have been striving hard in helping needy students pursue their academic career. All these 87 poor students who are dedicated, committed and hard working are very fortunate to receive these scholarships. Just like Mount Everest which has earned the greatest height, similarly KCO has also reached greater heights through their unique projects. Students you need to have a goal in your life, and should try hard to achieve that goal in your academic and future career”.
He further said, “You need to have a very creative thinking, learn new things, explore new ideas, need to face challenges, overcome any hurdles and try to solve them, stay away from bad habits and bad friends, learn to stand on your own feet and not always depend on others help, and that way you can make a difference in your life and also in the society. You need to help other students who are in need, and mix with them rather than ignore them. You need to be grateful to your parents for bringing you up, for their love and caring. Always be a role model and a good example to your friends”.
Leo Rodrigues speaking on the occasion said, ” Students, have you prayed for the members of KCO for their kind gesture and support towards you all? If not, as of today start praying for us, for our health and wealth so that we can continue supporting your education financial needs. I came from a hard-working poor family, and in the year 1971, I bought a bicycle worth Rs 90 for my conveyance. I didn’t lead a lavish life when I was a student, instead responsibly utilized my parents hard earned money. You also need to live a simple life and control your expenses. Follow the saying, ‘Today’s Pain is tomorrow’s Gain’. You need to assist your parents in their housework, kitchen, etc. We the members have worked hard, and part of our savings we always contribute to your scholarships. I kindly request in future, only financially drawback students should apply for the scholarships, because we have come to know that even wealthy students have been applying for the scholarships, by lying.”
Michael D’Silva, the immediate past president of KCO also shared his feelings being associated with KCO. 87 students were then handed over scholarship cheques by various dignitaries on the dais. Canute Pinto delivered the vote of thanks. One of the girl students who received the scholarship cheque speaking to Team Mangalorean said, “This scholarship really helps out my family. My parents have to provide for both my education and my brother’s so I am really grateful for this generosity. It’s a blessing for people out there to give back to others they don’t even know. It really means a lot and it helps my family out a lot. And knowing you have these supporters behind you, you just feel right at home. My family is grateful for it and I’m grateful for it — it will make things a lot easier in pursuing my education.”
Other than educational scholarship, KCO financially supports people with critical medical diseases, mass wedding programmes and other social activities through its KCO Trust. Currently, KCO is in its 21st year of existence ably led by its founder president Leo Rodrigues. Since 12 years, KCO has handed over scholarships to 407 students worth Rs 1 Crore 11 thousand.
Fr Francis D’Almeida also complimented KCO for their efforts and projects and said grace before meals.
Pics by Astel Pereira, Team Mangalorean