Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Aug 20: Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship Fund (VKSSF), established by World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru on Thursday August 20 awarded merit-cum-means-scholarships worth Rs 3.5 crore to deserving students from Konkani communities in a ceremony held at T V Raman Pai Convention Centre here.

T V Mohandas Pai, chairman, Manipal Global Education in his keynote address said, "Through World Konkani Centre's Kshamata initiative, the youth have been transformed. Their suppressed dream has been bought forward and confidence has been instilled in them to move ahead in life. We know our parents have gone through so many difficulties to provide education to us. Our Konkani academy has taken up the work of building leaders for our society, our country.

"My mother was a school teacher for 30 years, and she did not waste even five rupees. My dad worked in Mumbai and because of their sacrifice I have reached this position today. Our success is because of the sacrifice of many people, we should always remember this. Our founding fathers sacrificed their lives to give us freedom to live with dignity. Having received this freedom, it is obligation on us to ensure that no child in India is deprived of education," he added.

"Happiness does not lie in having a big house, building a big building. Our happiness lies in giving. We are a poor country, and we to have to invest in the education of our younger generation. So every generation should invest in the future of the next generation. Do well and become leaders. Take over the leadership from your older generation. We have to preserve our language, preserve our culture. Our dream is that you must prosper, you must become successful," Mohandas Pai told the students.

Ramdas Kamath, chairman of VKSSF said, "This scholarship initiative has entered the sixth year. This is a basic thing which any organization can do. But what makes it different from others is that all the students who have passed out from here have been placed. Of course, it was mainly because of their ability and had nothing to do from our side. We want to see more and more entrepreneurs coming up. This year, 14 scholars have gone abroad for higher education."

Sundeep Bambolkar, joint managing director, Indico Remedies, Mumbai, said "My hearty congratulations to all the scholars who have brought pride not only to their families but also to the community. Passion is very important. If you desire something from the bottom of your heart the entire universe will join together in helping you to achieve it."

Ullas Kamath, joint managing director, Jyothy Laboratories, Mumbai, said, "I was from a poor family. We were 5 siblings and we got help for studies from my uncle and Ganesh Beedis, Mysuru. Today I have reached this position. When i joined Jyothi Laboratories there were only 60 employees, but today we have 12,000 employees and we sell 12 lac Ujala products everyday. Integrity and sincerity is very important. Be greedy when you dream about your future plans. Work tirelessly towards achieving them."

Syed Khaleelur Rahman, mentor, Anjuman Group of Institutions, Bhatkal said, "We should take inspiration from Basti Vaman Shenoy, at this age he is doing so much for the society. Knowledge creates man. You should take in as much knowledge as possible. If a country has to prosper then economic development alone is not enough. We should understand each other, that is very important."

Jayanarayan Bhat, CEO, Raycam Ltd, United Kingdom, and Prakash Pai, managing director, Puzzolana Group, Hyderabad, Pradeep G Pai and others were present.