Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Aug 16: Billawas Dubai and Northern Emirates (BDNE) on Sunday August 18 organized a programme at Koragappa Memorial Hall at Gokarnanatha Temple, Kudroli here to distribute scholarships to deserving students and medical help to the needy .

While 18 students were awarded for excellence in academics, 211 students were awarded scholarships and 11 persons in need of medical assistance were handed over cheques.

H S Sairam, president of Shree Gokarnanatha Kshetra, Kudroli inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp.

Addressing the gathering, M S Kotian, professor at Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru said, "Students should try to save humanity along with obtaining good grades in studies. Poverty does not hinder education and progress in life, if you have self-confidence everything is possible. Former President of India the late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was an example of this.

"It is the duty of students who benefit from scholarships provided by organisations to give back to society in the same way once they are settled in life, without forgetting those who helped them. They must become service-minded persons," he advised.

"After you (students) have earned a better place in the society, you should help others students in future. Ironically, nobody is following this practice. It is sad to see the youths of our community being involved in unpleasant activities. To prevent these things, parents should give their children good education and guidance when they are small. Students should also give preference to careers in administrative and civil services," he added.

Nithyananda D Kotian, president, Billawar Association, Mumbai, Veda Kumar, president, Billawa Association, Bengaluru, Mohan C Poojary, founder president, Gujarat Billawara Sangha, Ganesh A Bangera, president, Shree Guru Charitable Trust, Sathish Poojary, president, Sudhakara Poojary, general secretary, Krishna Poojary vice-president, Udaya Kumar Kateel secretary, education committee and others were also present on this occasion.