Mangaluru: The Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education (under the auspices of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council) presented the “Sandesha Awards 2015”, at Sandesha, Bajjodi here on January 23.
The programme began with an invocation followed by a prayer dance. Director of Sandesha Fr Victor Vijay Lobo welcomed the gathering.
President of the Sandesha award selection committee Dr Na D’Souza introduced the Sandesha Awards and the awardees to the gathering. He thanked all the committee members for their wonderful job in choosing the deserving candidates for the award. The presentation of the award ceremony was held and citations of the awardees were read out.
Dr C Veeranna – the Sandesha Literature Award, Dr Jayamala Ramchandra – the Sandesha Media Award, Naveen D Padil- the Sandesha Art Award, Jayalaxmi Damble – the Sandesha Best Teacher Award, Henry D’Souza – the Sandesha Konkani Music Award and Gopala Kharvi – the Sandesha Special Recognition Award were presented by the Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Puttur Diocese Geeverghees Mar Divannasiyos and Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza.
The awardees expressed their happiness on receiving the awards. Dr C Veeranna said that the people who raise their voices against the injustice should not be discriminated, instead they should be recognized.
Dr Jayamala said that the coastal soil and the sea is strengthening the women to achieve their goals. She recalled her struggle during the initial stages and said that her way was full of thorns to reach where she is today. She also said that Sandesha is respecting men and women equally. When we treat women and men equally there wont be any discrimination.
Naveen D Padil said that the award is a reward for his 26 years of service for Tulu which is a treasure for him.
Jayalaxmi Damble said that in school we need to create such an environment that the students feel a homely atmosphere. Instead of concentrating on marks teachers should concentrate on the total development of the students. If a student is poor in studies he/she should be encouraged to be active in her studies as well as extra curricular activities.
Singer Henry D’Souza recalled his old memories of organizing musical nites at Mangaluru. Gopala Kharvi thanked the institution for recognizing him and awarding the prestigious Sandesha award.
Bishop Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop Geeverghese Mar Divannasios and Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza also spoke on the occasion. A cultural programme was also held on the occasion. President of the Konkani Sahithya Academy Roy Castelino, Boluvaru Mohammed Kunhi, Fr Ivan Pinto and Fr Jayaprakash D’Souza were also present.
