Mangalore, Feb 13 : The prestigious Sandesh Awards 2011 instituted by Sandesh Foundation were presented to 10 individuals for their contributions in the field of literature, art, culture, media, education and sports.  The  presentation function held at Sandesha in Bajjodi today which was presided over by Rt Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore diocese.  Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy was the chief guest on the occasion. 

This  is the 20th year of Sandesha annual awards and the awardees include Kannada writer Sa Shi Marulaiah, Konkani activist and writer Paul Moras,  Bharatanatya exponent and Tulu writer and activist  Kudkady Vishwanath Rai, Bharatanatya Teacher Master Vittal Shetty,  actor  and writer M S Narasimha Murthy, journalist Gauri Lankesh, social organization  Vireshwar Punyashram  represented by its Managing Director V Basavaraj Hidkimuti Shastri,  best teacher Fr Sunith Prabhu S.J,  Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial Sandesha Konkani Music award to Fr Walter  Albuquerque S J and Sandesha  special recognition award to sports person and former Mr World Raymond D Souza. 

The awardees were felicitated  with a shawl, flowers, citation and cash award of Rs. 10,000 each by the Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza and the chief guest Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy.    All the ten awardees were present   at  the  award presentation ceremony. 

The citation of the awardees read at the time of award presentation said Sa Shi Marulayya  has been awarded the Sandesha award for his contribution to  Kannada literature as he has authored 93 books.  Paul Moras has been recognized for his contribution as  Konkani activist  who played a major role in the establishment of Konkani Sahitya Academy.  Kudkady  Vishwanatha Rai is a staunch exponent of Tulu cause and for his contribution to literature and culture.  Master Vittal Shetty has spread the fragrance of Indian dance both in India and abroad by training thousands of students. 

Well known T V personality M S Narasimha Murthy, who has acted in popular Kannada comedy  films has authored books and written dialogues for Kannada films.   Journalist Gauri Lankesh, whose father Lankesh was the first journalist to receive the Sandesha award  for journalism 20 years ago, is honoured for continuing the  journalistic work started by her father.   Fr Sunith Prabhu S J, is awarded the best teacher award  for his  work for the welfare of students and teachers  for the last 38 years.  Fr  Walter Albuquerque S J  has been chosen for training youngsters in  playing musical instruments and  his general contribution to Konkani music.  Raymond D Souza has been  honoured with  the special award   for his achievements as a body builder of international repute.  Vishweshwara Punyashrama, Gadag, is given the media education award for their service to visually impaired, physically challenged and underprivileged children. 

In his presidential address Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza said “Sandesha awards  in the last 20 years are given for recognizing, appreciating, encouraging and honoring  excellence in the field of art, literature, culture, music and media.  Sandesha has been awarding these awards to deserving persons and the selection has been done without inviting  applications or by lobbying.  Parents and youth should derive inspiration from these great achievers”.  He also said teachers have a great role  to play in the lives of students by encouraging them when they see special talent in young children.  He also said that these Sandesha 2011aawardees have excelled in their chosen field by sheer hard work and that is why their achievements are recognized. 

Chief guest Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy in his address said that Sandesha awards are different from others in two ways. “ I have noticed that no applications are invited for Sandesha awards  and therefore there is strictly no lobbying.   Secondly, all the ten awardees from varied fields are put on stage at a time, which is a tremendous achievement”.  He went on to add “the selectors have chosen gold mines from different corners of the state from diverse fields  without fear or favour.    

These people who are the recipients of the Sandesha Award are hard working, sincere, dedicated having emotional commitment  as only such people  can create history.  Recognizing the contribution of these people would inspire the younger generation to  work for excellence, he said.  Saying that education involves not just academic but also cultural, social and spiritual development he added that Sandesha is the only college which has been providing education in fine arts in this part of the state.  “In today age of information explosion where  questions are asked about the human relations,  and family values Sandesha has provided an alternative in the form of fine arts”, he said. 

In his response after receiving the award Sa Shi Marulayya  stated that though he has received many awards, Sandesha award  is like a crown  having no parallel.  Gowri Lankesh opined that the award is for the entire Lankesh team.   The award means that we must be doing something worthwhile, something which Lankesh would have approved of, she stated.  Paul Moras  said the award would spur them to work  with greater commitment and enthusiasm.  K Vishwanath Rai talked eloquently about the mother tongue and the injustice done to Tulu language.  Master Vittal Shetty  equated the award to sandalwood saying the fragrance of Sandesha award has spread far and wide. 

M S Narasimha Murthy pointed out that Sandesha awards carry lot of hold and once a minister had recommended the names of all the 8 Sandesh Awardees for Rajyothsava Award.  Basavaraj thanked his guru for the inspiration he had provided to work for the deprived sections of the society.  Fr Sunith remarked that the award is an  unexpected reward for him.  Fr Walter Albuquerque said he accepted the award with great humility and would continue to work for the cause of music. 

Former Mr World Raymond D Souza remarked that he is proud to be the first recipient of the award given to a sports person. 

The programme started  with the guests and the awardees being escorted to the dais  in a ceremonial procession followed by a prayer dance by the students of Sandesh College.  Fr Valerian Mendonca, Director Sandesha Foundation  welcomed the  gathering.  Dr N D Souza, Chairperson of Sandesh Awards Jury introduced the Sandesha Awards to the assembled guests.  The Bishop honoured the Founders, Trustees and  Jury Members of the Sandesha Awards.  Galdin D Souza, Trustee of Sandesha Foundation proposed the vote of thanks.  The stage programme was followed by cultural programmes presented by the students of Sandesha College. 

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