Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: The Moras Charitable Foundation recently organized a scholarship distribution and financial assistance event at Kilenjaru Aramani Government High School, Kuppepadavu. The selection criteria for the scholarships were based on financial need and academic excellence. Scholarships and financial aid were provided to the top SSLC student of the school and other deserving beneficiaries. Students were selected based on their family background, study habits, and future aspirations, with a focus on inclusivity across all religions. Financial assistance was given to two families for house repairs, and a laptop was provided to a well-deserving undergraduate BEd student.
The programme commenced with a welcome song performed by the school students, followed by a welcome address by the school head master, Philipo Arthur D’Souza. He acknowledged the Moras family's ongoing support for education over the past three years and emphasized the importance of giving back to society.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including chief guests Kuppepadavu parish priest Fr Marcel Saldanha, Mark J Mendonca (assistant teacher), Suddeer Jain (SDMC president), Shek Abdulla (SDMC member), and Sr Maria Giri (convent superior). The Moras Charitable Foundation Trust members present were Martin Moras, Edmond Moras, Cruz Moras, Joseph Moras, Reginald Moras, and others. The chairman of the foundation, Bernard Blasius Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and currently serving as the temporary Apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, was also honored.
Praveen Kumar Alva of Muttor gram panchayat highlighted that Kuppepadavu is a small, low-income village with many students in need of support. He expressed gratitude for the laptop provided, including one for Dr Kiran Primary Health Care, Kuppepadavu Hospital.
Fr Saldanha praised Archbishop Moras, noting his global reputation and long-standing contributions. He emphasized that true richness comes from reaching out and giving back, as demonstrated by the Moras family.
The chairman of the foundation spoke about the importance of gratitude and giving. He quoted, "The more you give, the more you receive," and encouraged students to share their knowledge with others as a form of giving. He used the analogy of lighting a candle: when you light another candle, the original candle's light does not diminish.
Archbishop Moras expressed happiness at the 100% SSLC results from the previous year and advised students to maintain a disciplined and organized life, avoiding distractions like social media and unproductive television.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Reginald Moras, one of the trustees of the Foundation. Many grateful parents and students expressed their appreciation for the support they received from previous events, highlighting the impact of the Foundation's efforts in their lives.
The Moras Charitable Foundation was established on August 16, 2016, during the golden jubilee of Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras’s priesthood, in memory of late Francis Moras and Monthin Moras. Since its inception, the trust has been actively involved in healthcare programmes, family house repairs, scholarship programs, and financial assistance to the needy.