Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AM)
Managluru, Jan 26: Seven achievers and award winners from the Catholic community were felicitated by Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh at Milagres College auditorium on Thursday, January 26.
John D'Silva, banker and president of Fudar Pratishthan, singer Anil Patrao, winner of Sandesha Music Award 2017, Vinod Serrao, vice-president, Moodbidri town municipal council and ACP Valentine D'Souza who received the prestigious President Police Medal for Meritorious Service were felicitated along with the winners of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) elections - Joel D'Souza from Mulky and Ashok Goveas from Badyar. Celestine D'Souza, winner of APMC election from Madyanthar was unable to attend the felicitation ceremony due to illness.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese who presided over the function said, "It is a great honour to felicitate these personalities from our community. We are recognised by their contributions to the society. We want people from our community to be in every field and work for the betterment of the society. While achieving success, please do not forget the community you belong to. We, as part of the Catholic community should strive hard to produce good and capable leaders for future".
Allen C Pereira, former chairman, Bank of Maharashtra, the chief guest on the occasion thanked the achievers for their services and said, "John D'Silva cannot be thanked enough for his contribution in bringing up cooperative banks. The APMC election winners have achieved something which our community can be proud of. ACP Valentine D'Souza's contributions in the police department are praiseworthy. All these achievers have given great service to people. They deserve these felicitations."
John D'Silva, doyen of co-operative banks, Mumbai, who was awarded the New Year Award instituted by the Manipal University last week said, "I am happy to be felicitated for my service. Wherever I work or whatever I do, I see that I contribute in the best possible way. People from our community should come forward and join civil services, politics and business. I request our honorable bishop to visit parishes and advice people to come forward and join various fields. Everyone from our community should get along together for growth."
Earlier, Anil Lobo, president of Catholic Sabha, welcomed the gathering. Alwyn Danthy compered the event. Walter Monis, general secretary, Catholic Sabha delivered the vote of thanks.
Fr Matthew Vas, spiritual director; Godwin Pinto, convenor of political committee, Shalet Pinto, president, district women's Congress and others were present.