Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CLP)

Mangalore, Aug 17: Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO), Abu Dhabi and Samanvaya Mangalore jointly awarded scholarships to 170 deserving students in a programme held at Bendore church hall here on Sunday August 17.

The programme began with a prayer, after which president of KCO president Valerian Dalmaida extended a floral welcome to the guests.

Addressing the gathering, noted fruit vendor-turned-educationist Harekala Hajabba, said, "I am very happy to be here. I am illiterate but I got the opportunity to give scholarships to children. Education is important to life, all students should study well and reach their goals."

Leo Rodrigues said, "Students should not think that they are 'poor', but as 'economically backward'. Our motto when we started KCO in 1995 was to help the needy and we are happy that we have marched this far. All students need to be humble before their parents and become good human beings by denouncing bad habits and anti-social activities."

Builder Naveen Cardoza in his address stressed on the need for improving one's English language skills. He said, "KCO works really hard to raise funds and I know them from five years. I want to see at least some of the students get into administrative jobs. Most of the students choose to become doctors or engineers. Humanity is the biggest religion. Students after reaching their goals need to pay back to the society."

Rohan R Monteiro, MD of Rohan Corporation said, "Students need to take more resposibility and grow taller in society. After getting job it is difficult to study further, and hence students need to concentrate on studies now and strive to become good leaders in society."

Vote of thanks was given by KCO general secretary Leena D'Souza. Fr Ronald Cutinho, director of Samanvaya was the master of ceremony.