By Rashmi Fernandes, Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 12: The 7th annual awards of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Association (FKCA), Bangalore were announced by its Chairman, Valerian Fernandes. These awards will be presented to 3 eminent Konkani Catholic personalities for their role in promotion of community service besides excelling in their own professional field.
These awards will be conferred at the Federation Day celebrations at St Joseph’s Indian High School Grounds, Opp Kanteerva Stadium, Bangalore on Sunday, 29th January, 2012. The function will begin with a Konkani mass at 4:00 pm celebrated by His Excellency Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore who will also preside over the function.
D V Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka will be the Chief Guest.
The Guests of Honor will be Sri S Suresh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development, Government of Karnataka and Ronald Colaco, well-known Philanthropist and Chairman, International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations.
LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A singer, performer, music composer, innovator, organizer, campaigner, trainer, promoter, founder, all in one is none other than Eric Alexander Ozario. He is a globally well known Konkani cultural activist. He has 18 albums to his credit, over 800 shows and composed tunes for over 1000 songs. 62 year old Eric is better known for his Mandd Sobhann, Bhakti Sobhann, Aangann Sobhann, Jeevan Sobhann, Mattov Sobhann, Gumott Sobhann, Bhurgyanlem Sobhann, Pallnnya Sobhann, Moga Sobhann, Nach Sobhann, Sangeet Sobhann, Bosnni, Dabazo, Sobhann Sanz, Konkani Darshan, Baila experiment, Brass Band Concerts, etc.
He has successfully organized ‘Porob’, ‘Saanth’, Manddo Fest, Manddo Utsav, World’s First Baila Show and Baila International.
The Konkani Nirantari organized by him has made an entry in the Guinness Book of World Record as the longest singing marathon.
The highlight of all his achievements was the First World Konkani Cultural Convention which went on for over 25 days and had the honor of the attendance of the President of India.
Eric has campaigned for several social causes as well. Not many know that he has taken up the crusade for protection of environment and fought for the rights of laborers. He was responsible for introduction of Konkani language in the school curriculum in Karnataka.
He is now putting in all his efforts towards “Jagotik Konkanni Songhotton” a global organization with 126 associations from 13 countries.
His contribution towards establishing “Kalaangann”, a Konkani Heritage Centre is laudable.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
The recipient of this award is 74 year old veteran Kannada writer, social worker and environmentalist, Dr Na (Norbert) D’Souza of Shimoga. He has been honored by the Central Literature Academy with the “Bala Sahithya” award for children’s literature for the year 2011 on November 14, 2011 at Kolkatta for his mini novel “Mulugadeya Oorige Banadavaru”.
He has to his credit various other prestigious awards like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Sandesha Sahitya Prashasti, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Prashahti, Sha Mu Sha Prashasti, Katha Prashasti, to name a few.
He has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate for his literary works from Kuvempu University.
He began writing in 1959 and his first novel “Banje Benki” depicted the troublesome days of a little girl.
He has contributed immensely to Kannada literature during the last 3 decades through 45 novels, 4 plays, 7 poetry books and 25 children’s novels, besides various short stories. He has also raised several social issues through his writings. For instance, “Dweepa” deals with the raging issue of building dams and the displacement of natives. Many of his works have been translated into Telugu, Malayalam, English, Tamil, Sanskrit, Hindi and Konkani.
“Kadina Benki” and “Dweepa”, two of his popular novels have been made into films directed by Suresh Hebblikar and Girish Kasaravalli, having won him national acclaim by way of the “Belli Padaka” and “Suvarna Padaka”.
Sri Kudlu Rama Krishna has directed a children’s film “Bettada Purada Dittaru” based on one of his novels.
His ever lasting contribution to Kannada language is commendable.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD
A well known figure in the construction industry, 62 year old charismatic Lancy Mascarenhas has been chosen for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He climbed the ladder of success through sheer hard work, determination and his never-say-die attitude.
What began in 1973 from a modest beginning as a plumbing contractor rose to being a multi crore construction magnet with 25 engineers, 150 supervisors and a 2,000 strong workforce.
Lancy always dreamt of being an entrepreneur and at a very young age he jumped into the fray and today stands at the pinnacle of achievement.
A name synonym to construction, Lancy has build several multi-storey buildings, 27 churches, 4 engineering colleges, 30 schools, 33 convents and 4 temples and mosques in Karnataka, Goa and Kerala. Lancy Constructions is the only full fledged construction company in Mangalore to be awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification from Pery Johnson USA ISO 9001.
He developed the opportunity that was at hand and diversified in varied fields. Building material like fibre doors, hollow wall blocks, interlocks and pavement blocks, instant concrete mixers are produced in their own factory.
He has been conferred with the “Rachana Award”, “Ultra Excel Award”, “South Canara District Rajyostava Award”, “Prasar Konkni Puraskar”, “Noble Man Award”, “Hradaya Vahini Award”, “State-level Aryabhata Award”, “Suma Saurabha Award” and many more.
Since he took the entrepreneurial plunge, there is no looking back. Lancy’s only hobby is hard work and more hard work. While doing so, he has contributed to many a needy cause. He deserves kudos for his unparalleled achievements in the field of construction by reaching its zenith by sheer hard work.
Established in 1998, the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) was established for upholding the cause of Konkani Catholics scattered in and around Bangalore and to also work for the welfare of the community not only in Karnataka but around the globe. FKCA comprises of 26 Konkani Catholic Associations in Bangalore and Mysore, besides 9 abroad.
Since the formation of the Federation, it has been a mouth- piece for the community and has taken up its grievances very strongly with the Government while fighting for their rights.
Besides, the annual programs like sports day and medical camps, it also provides for free placement cell, matrimonial cell, entrepreneurs’ forum.
Member associations have benefited immensely through the initiative taken by the Federation in procuring well developed housing sites on the Bangalore-Tumkur highway near Nelamangala as well as low budget flats.
Log on its website, www.fkca.net to keep up with the latest news on the Federation activities. A worldwide directory of Konkani Catholics is also available on the website.
All those who can make it to the Federation Day celebrations are welcome to attend the same and support the awardees for their achievements and service to society.