Pics: Rony Bela

Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SB)

Dubai, Nov 12: The ‘Kasargod Deanery Achievers Award’ was presented to Vinola D’Souza from Narampady, an athlete and team member of Qatar Women’s Cricket Team.

Vikith M Jogi, international martial artiste, Dayan D’Souza, founder convener, Daiji Dubai, and Cynthia Govias, leader, Sharjah Konkani Community graced the event as chief guests.

Karnataka Urban Development and Housing minister U T Khader presented the award in Dubai recently and appreciated Vinola’s achievement. “Getting selected in a national cricket team is not an easy job. That also in a foreign country, it’s a difficult task. But Vinola who hails from a small village located in Kasargod district proved hard work and dedication takes a person to higher levels. I congratulate Vinola for winning the award. At the same time, I appreciate the Konkani community of Kasargod who are residing in U.A.E. The award itself speaks of their generosity when it comes to supporting talents. The community members are engaged in various social activities which help the needy. Others should take this is as a model and continue the good work,” Khader said.

Founder convener of Daiji Dubai Dayan D’Souza said, “I know many from Kasargod who have achieved in various fields such as music, sports and literature. Compared to Konkani community of Mangaluru, the Kasargod community gets less exposure. But they are very intelligent and talented. They can speak more than four languages and are hard workers. In a country like UAE, they are living united and maintaining the attitude of helping each other. This is the basic thing everyone should do. I congratulate Vinola for her achievement and wishing her many more awards to come.”

Vinola Dsouza, who is currently working as PE and swimming teacher at New Delhi Private School, Sharjah has been continuously involved in various sports activities from her childhood and also bagged numerous medals and prizes. On top, she was selected for Qatar National T20 Women Cricket team and represented the team in international tournament held in Sharjah in 2016.

The Kasargod Konkan expats, every two years honour the best achievers from Kasargod Deanery with Achievers Award. Earlier in this series, prominent artist Wilson Kayyar (2013), Social worker and Snehalaya founder Joseph Crasta (2015) bagged this prestigious award.

Vincent Rodrigues, Kollangana welcomed the guests and gathering. Santhosh Perla introduced the guests. Edward Monteiro, Bela conveyed vote of thanks. Preethi Bela and Mithun Kumble compered the event. After the event, a musical performance was held.