Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Aug 26: The Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO), Abu Dhabi in coordination with Samanvaya Mangalore disbursed educational scholarships worth Rs 12 lac to as many as 171 students of all communities, here in Shanthi Kiran Hall, Bajjodi on Sunday August 26.
Speaking after the inaugural, chief guest Ivan D’Souza, KPCC secretary said, “In India, the Christian community makes up for only 3.37% of the entire population, however, their contribution towards the society is immense”, he said pointing at the generosity of KCO, Samanvaya and other like-minded organizations.
Encouraging the students, he stressed “Study to the fullest, think of the highest level, deliver competency and ‘come out as an achiever’ in your respective field”. It is ‘commitment, sincerity that will uphold you in the walk of life’; he added motivating the students to put utmost hard work in all that they do.
“Even though India is the world’s second largest populated country, we have got zero gold medals in the Olympics-2012”, he said. Picking one of the discussions that arose in the parliament on the grounds of poor performance at London, he said ‘We are good only in the classrooms’, however, it is also important to excel in the extracurricular activities. Appreciating the goodness of each member of KCO and Samanvaya, he congratulated their service to education and society at large.
Lauding the good work of KCO, senior congress leader Ramanath Rai, also spoke at the occasion encouraging the students to make the best use of scholarships and urged them contribute to the welfare of the society.
During the introductory speech, Fr Ronald Cutinha, director of Samanvaya enlightened on Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO), Abu Dhabi and Samanvaya, Mangalore and thereby requested the students to make use of the money solely on education.
Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto, managing trustee of Samanvaya welcomed and Robert Rego, former president of KCO thanked the guests. Michael D’Souza, president of KCO presided over the occasion.
Franklin D’Cunha, treasurer, Leo Rodrigues, Gerry D'Mello, Bennet D’Mello, Leena D’Souza, Wilson D’Souza, Felix D’Silva, Archie Fernandes, Herald Ferrao, Leslie Rego and others shared the dais.
Leo and Lavina Rodrigues, Al Mazroui and Clevy Automobiles Services LLC, Abu Dhabi, Rohan Monteiro, Property Infratech, Naveen Cardoza, Marian Projects were the sponsors of the programme.
Dignitaries, members of KCO and Samanvaya, parents of the students and large number of audience were present at the occasion.