Mangalore: Pingara Rajyotsava Award conferred on Eric Correa

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Nov 26: The 9th annual Pingara Rajyotsava Award, instituted by Pingara weekly, was presented to philanthropist Eric Correa at Town Hall here on Tuesday November 26, in recognition of his exemplary service to society, especially in building 98 houses for the poor through his Souharda Nagar projects.

The Award was presented by bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza.

In his address, the bishop lauded Eric Correa for his work and also Pingara for instituting the award. "I have been a regular at this annual award presentation ceremony. It is imporant that the society knows about people like Eric Correa and their contribution, so that others would be motivated to do good for society," he said.

"A house is a basic necessity for a family apart from food and clothing. Mangalore diocese to mark its 125th anniversary had built a house in each parish for the poor. Besides, 28 more houses are under construction, after more poor people came to us with requests. We are living in a society and hence humanity is an essential element. This should be the motto of all. Eric Correa has been a role model to all of us," he added.

Raghuram Bhandary, joint secretary to the government and special officer (banking), state finance department, said, "Although Eric Correa is young in age, his work for society is highly laudable." He appreciate Pingara for instituting the award which he said would motivate others too.

MLA Gopal Bhandary who was one of the guests said, "People often lobby hard for awards, but only a few of them really deserve awards for their hard work. By choosing Eric Correa for Pingara Award, the award has become more meaningful."

Showering praises on Pingara, he said, "There is so much of competition these days. It is not easy to run a newspaper for long. It a laudable gesture by Pingara to institute an award to recognize deserving people."

VP Lobo, managing director of T3 Urban Developers, said, "One of the most difficult things in life is to build a house. Eric Correa has made this dream a reality for many families. He has helped so many to live a dignified life. Though I am a businessman and think of profits, I had a built a house for one family and I was so happy seeing them rejoice at my gesture. For me, their joy was greater than any profit. It is not easy to do social service - there are hardships and people pointing fingers. It is commendable that Eric Correa has not only engaged in social service but is also working to enrich others lives."

Acknowledging the honour, Eric Correa thanked Pingara for recognising him. "I do not go after any award, but it has come to me. I dedicate this award to all my supporters. This award is a source of encouragement to me," he said, thanking his parents and wife for their support and prayers.

Roy Castelino, who was among the jury, read the citation, while Titus Noronha introduced Eric Correa.

Harikrishna Punroor spoke on behalf of the jury. Another jury member, Srikar Prabhu said that god had listened to poor people's prayers through Eric Correa.

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Roy Castelino, Harikrishna Punaroor, Fr William Menezes, Srikar Prabhu, Rohan Monteiro, C G Pinto, Dr B G Suvarna, Elias Fernandes, Ramakrishna R and Elroy Kiran Crasta were the members of the award selection committee.

Pingara editor Raymond D'Cunha welcomed as well as thanked the gathering.

Hussain Katipalla and group entertained the gathering with Kannada songs.