Harshini Brahmavar
Udupi, Oct 3: International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), Udupi and Big J Media Network conferred 'Rathnashree Award-2017' on ten different personalities for their dedicated service at Basel Mission Memorial Auditorium, near Mission Compound here on Monday, October 2.
A Gospel singing competition was also hosted by Big J Television channel on the same occasion.
Fr Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, speaking after conferring the awards, appreciated the works done by different personalities and said, "Service is not for appreciation. Jesus Christ rendered service throughout his life. It is important to adopt his principles in our daily life. Nearly 1.8% of total population is minorities. So let everyone do service for the betterment of society. Let God may bless all."
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, "Udupi stands first in maintenance of law and order in the state. It is the responsibility of the district administration to safeguard and protect all. The government has been providing financial assistance to rejuvenate community halls. The government has always been there with the public."
"People who received honour from IFKCA and Big J are an inspiration to all," he added.
The programme began with invocation which was rendered by Steven Sarvottham.
The awards were conferred by the guests on Voilet Barretto, Kundapura (political), Joseph Rebello, Kallianpur (social service), Sr Rose Agnes, Udupi-Mangaluru (education), Dr Susheel Jathanna (health), Rancy Karkada (sports), John R D'Silva, Karkala (Business), Fr Chethan Lobo Capuchin, Udupi (Journalism/ Literature), Sarala Lillian Sonse (cultural/music), Lowren Pinto, Palimaru Karkala (art) and Donath D'Almeda, Thottam (Journalism/ Literature).
Jayaprakash Simons, chairman, UBM Church Board and Trust Association Udupi and Coorg district; Louis Lobo, convenor, award committee; Prashanth Jathanna, president, IFKCA, director, Big J TV; Dr Nery Cornelio, secretary, IFKCA; Bonifac D'Souza, treasurer, IFKCA; Jerry Vincent Dias, president, CREDAI; Jithendra Futardo, Lawrence Devoid Crasta, Syrian Church Kolalagiri, Dennis D'silva and others were present.