Pics: Stany Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 2: Fudar Pratishthan, a trust working for the betterment of Canara Catholics, on Sunday, March 1 organised 'Fudar Pratishthan Puraskar-2020', a felicitation programme for students who have scored ranks and high scores in their SSLC, PUC and degree course, at Milagres Jubilee Hall here.

Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. John D'Silva president Fudar Pratishthan presided over the programme. Ellen Rajesh Vas senior intelligence officer, directorate general of GST Intelligence, Mangaluru unit was the chief guest. Rolphie D'Costa president Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru, Alwyn Quadros, president Catholic Sabha, Udupi, Dr Norbert Lobo HoD, economics department, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru were present as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, bishop Saldanha said, "This programme of honouring the students who have scored ranks is a meaningful one. It is our duty to recognize such students and felicitate them in any form so that it will encourage them to do well in their future. For the last 11 years, Fudar Pratishthan is doing this job very meaningfully. We must render financial help to such institutions.

"Students should challenge themselves. There is no need to compare marks or achievement with another individual. Students should compete with their own talent and capacity. By doing this, they can achieve remarkable success in their life. Every child is talented in a unique way. When parents or elders give them positive support, students get motivated which helps them shine. I congratulate all students and their parents who were honoured here and wish them a bright future," he added.

In his keynote address, Dr Norbert Lobo said, "Catholic community is known for education and wisdom. But somewhere we are not succeeding in using our talent pool efficiently. Our youngsters are only dreaming of jobs in the Gulf. But the reports regarding the job market in the Gulf are terrifying. Since the last five years, the job market in the Gulf countries is facing a steep decline. Thousands of people are losing their jobs for various reasons. The salary scale has also decreased sharply. Secondly, in India, 99 percent of the youth dream of salaried jobs. In our country day by day more and more firms are adopting advanced technology instead of using manpower. Hence, year-by-year salaried jobs are decreasing rapidly. But in the government sector, there are thousands of jobs with good pay and security. Majority of our youths are unaware of it. It is now time to do an evaluation. Our students should dream about government jobs and need to prepare for the same."

In his presidential speech, John D'Silva said, "It is very easy to get government jobs for our youths because our youngsters are very good in studies. But they are lagging when it comes to applying for a government job. If the youth take it is a challenge then definitely they could land a good government job. Our community should think about this very seriously. Our organizations, institutions should take the initiative to give awareness to our students and youths about it. Past 11 years Fudar Pratishthan has been actively involved in this mission. Hope our brilliant students and youths will understand the importance of government jobs, start-up venture and active participation in politics."

On behalf of Fudar Pratishthan, the bishop and dignitaries felicitated Allen Rajesh Vas for his achievement. Alvita Ancilla D'Souza, rank holder in PUC for the year 2019 was felicitated during the event. In her absence, her parents accepted the honour from the bishop and dignitaries.

During the event, a suicide prevention campaign was inaugurated by the bishop and the guests. Fr Richard D'Souza director Canara Communications briefed about the 'Year of Life' and the suicide prevention campaign initiated by Mangaluru Diocese.

On behalf of the felicitated students, Princita Correa, Esha Pais and Ivy Kutinha expressed their gratitude to the organizers and gathering.

Fr Walter D'Mello, vice-president, Fudar Pratishthan welcomed the gathering. L J Fernandes, secretary rendered the vote of thanks. Lancy D'Cunha, president, All India Catholic Union, Nigel Periera, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Santhosh D'Silva, Ignetias Monis, and executive members Fudar Pratishsthan were present on the dais. Shanthi Priya, Bondel compered the event.