Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 22: The Sandesha Foundation for Culture & Education hosted the Sandesha Awards 2026 on Wednesday January 21 at the Sandesha Institute Grounds, Mangaluru, honouring distinguished personalities whose contributions reflect creativity, social commitment, and cultural leadership.
Presiding over the ceremony, Bishop Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop of Ballari and president of the foundation, highlighted the importance of value-based contributions in art, literature, education, and social service. He commended the Sandesha Foundation for its 35-year commitment to nurturing social harmony through culture and literature. Emphasising human values in an increasingly competitive world, he noted that achievements are meaningful only when rooted in love, respect, and coexistence. He reminded writers and artists of their responsibility to serve as the conscience of society and urged awardees to see recognition as the beginning of greater responsibility. He concluded by stressing peace and unity, calling unity in diversity the essence of Indian identity.
Chief guest Dr Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, noted film director, writer, and lyricist, reflected on the deep relationship between art, literature, and society. He described the Sandesha Foundation as more than an award-giving institution, calling it a bridge that connects religions, languages, and cultures. Art, he said, should humanise society and serve as a remedy for intolerance. Praising the cultural richness and literary awareness of the coastal region, he called it a model for the state. He also underlined the credibility of the Sandesha Awards, attributing it to transparent and merit-based selection, and urged young people to remain rooted in reading and literature even in the technological age. Stressing the need for global peace, he said the world today needs the path of peace more than conflict.
Several dignitaries from religious, cultural, and public life were present, including Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore diocese, Shalette Pinto, chairperson of the Karnataka Eco Tourism Board, Stany Alvares, president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, and Umar U H, president of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy. Their presence reflected broad support for the foundation’s mission of promoting value-based excellence through culture.
Prior to the programme, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi diocese, MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, and MLC Ivan D’Souza visited the venue to convey their greetings to the awardees, but were unable to attend the programme due to official commitments.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sandesha Awards 2026 to achievers in various fields namely Dr Na. Mogasale (Sandesha Sahitya Award – Kannada), Patrick K Moras (Sandesha Sahitya Award – Konkani), Indira Hegde (Sandesha Sahitya Award – Tulu), S G Tunga Renuka (Sandesha Media Award), Simon Pais (Sandesha Konkani Music Award), Srinivas G Kappanna (Sandesha Art Award), Dr Dattatreya Aralikatte (Sandesha Education Award), and the Navajeevana Rehabilitation Centre for the Differently Abled, Ballari (Sandesha Special Honour).
The awardees were recognised not only for professional excellence but also for their long-standing service and commitment to social values. The efforts of the jury were also acknowledged for ensuring balance, social relevance, and impact in the selection process.
Fr Sudeep Paul MSFS, director of the Sandesha Foundation, welcomed the gathering and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to promoting ethical leadership and community-oriented cultural expression. Dr Na Damodara Shetty, chairman of the Awards Selection Committee, introduced the awards, while trustee Roy Castelino proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Irene Rebello.
Founded in 1989, the Sandesha Foundation for Culture & Education continues to promote cultural education and artistic engagement through training programmes, festivals, seminars, and community initiatives, with the Sandesha Awards recognising excellence grounded in social responsibility and enduring values.