Mangalore: Sandesha Annual Awards Conferred at Glittering Ceremony
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Feb 26: The 21st Sandesha Annual Awards 2012 were conferred on 10 achievers from diverse fields for their distinguished achievements and service to the society, in a glittering function held in the premises of Sandesha Lalithakala Mahavidhyalaya at Bajjody, Mangalore this evening. The awards were conferred by the Bishop of Mangalore Rev Aloysius Paul D Souza in the presence of Rev Henry D Souza, Bishop of Bellary, who is also the Chairman of Sandesh Foundation and Vaidehi, celebrated writer, who was the chief guest of the function.
The awards were conferred on Kannada writer K V Tirumalesh (Kannada literature), senior journalist Shree Padre (media education), Catherine Rodrigues (Tulu Literature), M Madhava Pai (Konkani literature), Geethapriya in absentia (cinema/TV), Peter Lewis (art) Indoodhara Honnapura (Journalism), Sr Maria Jyothi (best teacher) late Jerome D Souza (Konkani music). John D Silva received the Sandesha special recognition award.
All the nine awardees were present at the function except for Laxman Rao Mohite better known as Geethapriya to all, who could not be present at the award ceremony due to his ill health. Jerome D Souza who was conferred with the award posthumously was represented by his wife Agnes D Souza at the award ceremony. The awards comprise Rs. 10,000 in cash, a trophy, a citation and a certificate.
In her felicitation speech celebrated Kannada writer Vaidehi who was the chief guest at the award ceremony lauded the services of the Christian community for the progress of undivided Dakshina Kannada District saying “the services rendered by the Christian community to this district cannot be quantified. If our district has progressed to this extent it is mainly due to the work of the missionaries”. She also stated that in today’s society where market has come to dominate every aspect of our life, it is really our good fortune to see and honour such stalwarts who have rendered selfless service in diverse fields.
Vaideshi also said by felicitating the 10 stalwarts Sandesha Foundation has honoured people who have contributed to the promotion of language and culture and these awardees will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation to shed their lethargic attitude and work for the betterment of the society. “By honouring these achievers Sandesha has identified the inner meaning conveyed by the language within the language”, she remarked.
In his presidential address Bishop Rev Aloysius Paul D Souza remarked that Sandesha award conveys the special message of the need of promoting and propagating our language, art and culture. “Culture is a part of our life. It was Edward Tailor who coined the name culture and defined it. Art and culture knows no boundaries of religion, race or language and all religions patronize art and culture. Culture is an important component of the society because it is based on human relations. It has everything about human life. A life without music, art, literature and culture is no life at all. Art and culture teaches us what life is all about”, he declared.
The Bishop also stated that art and culture unites the people of all hues and it creates happiness for all those people who are able to appreciate it. He also expressed hope that the awardees with their distinguished service to the society will serve as an inspiration to others.
Bishop of Bellary Rev Henry D Souza described the 10 award winners as the precious gems of the state. He however lamented that despite the presence of such stalwarts amidst us we do not know where our society is heading to or what we are going to become.
“Our leaders like Gandhi, Tagore had dreamt of a bold, fearless, prosperous and democratic country. To achieve this we have to change our attitude. We must have concern for others. But unfortunately there are attempts to create a rift by building walls and divide people on the basis of race, religion and language. We have to demolish these walls and create better human relations by living in peace and harmony”, he remarked.
He also said that the awardees are an inspiration to others. “We have to inspire others and become role models to the society. Go the right way and do the right thing”, he said.
In his acceptance speech Kannada writer and teacher Dr K V Tirumalesh emphasized the need of literature in our lives saying we cannot learn everything directly. Reading good literature broadens our horizon and teaches us many aspects of life.
Catherine Rodrigues dedicated her award to the ‘Tulu Bandhus”, who she said played an inspiring role in shaping her writing in Tulu. She also credited Akashavani for her achievements as a writer in Tulu.
Konkani writer Madhava Pai stated that Konkani is an ancient language having its roots in Prakrit language and said we should work for the progress of the language. Painter Peter Lewis stated that art depicts to some extent the progress achieved by the society and called upon parents to encourage their children to evince keen interest in art and culture.
Indudhara Honnapura, editor of Samvada, a social political news digest categorically stated that mainstream journalism these days is profit oriented and unbiased or neutral journalism is impossible in such an environment. It is our tragedy that in mainstream media even a small issue is blown out of proportion. He also said that we have to overcome these inadequacies and build a society on the foundation of love, mutual trust, truth and good faith.
Shree Padre thanked Sandesha for giving the award by selecting people on their own and said media awareness has a major role in shaping the future of our people. Sr Maria Jyothi and John D Silva also thanked Sandesha for honouring them for their achievements.
Earlier the awardees were escorted to the dais in a ceremonial procession complete with poornakumbha swagatha. The function began with a prayer dance by the students of Sandesha College. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Director of Sandesha welcomed the gathering.
In his speech Dr Na D Souza, Chairman of Sandesha Awards Jury, gave a brief account of the aim of introducing Sandesha awards. He said the choice of the awardees by the jury has come in for appreciation from all.
After the presentation of awards the founders, trustees and jury members were honoured by the Chairman of Sandesha Foundation. P M Castelino, trustee of Sandesha proposed vote of thanks.
Formal function was followed by cultural programme by the students of Sandesh College.