Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 14: Even if the share given by God is small, offering a portion of it to society is an act pleasing to God. The culture of giving back to society should grow among those who have received, opined Nadoja Dr G Shankar.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Prathibha Puraskara (merit award) ceremony organised by Mogaveers Bahrain at the premises of Urva Sri Mariyamma Temple and presenting awards to students.
Dr Shankar said that through initiatives such as the G Shankar Family Trust, Maruti Janaseva Sangha, Uchila, Bennekudru, and with the support of the Urva Mariyamma Kshetra, continuous efforts are being made to encourage education among children of the community. While opportunities for education are more accessible today compared to the past, children must take responsibility for pursuing education seriously. Students should make use of the various scholarships available across society and ensure that they do not miss out on education.
He said the initiative of Mogaveers Bahrain, which has not forgotten its roots and continues to turn back towards society, is commendable. He expressed hope that programmes bringing together people from two districts would extend support to the educational needs of many poor children, especially in the Kundapur region.
Urva Sri Mariyamma Temple administrative trustee Lakshman Amin Kodikal said children must support their parents in old age and never hurt them. True service is not performed after parents pass away, but while they are alive. He urged students not just to receive assistance from society but to develop the mindset of giving back in the future. Drawing inspiration from the hard work of community members in Bahrain, he called upon students to work diligently and achieve success.
President of the Mangaluru Mechanised Fishermen Primary Cooperative Society, Varadaraj Bangera, advised students to learn good values from home. He said nature and parents who give without expecting anything in return are the greatest wealth. Expressing concern over increasing corruption among the educated, he urged the younger generation to distance themselves from such tendencies and lead lives guided by natural wisdom. He appreciated the efforts involved in building and sustaining organisations abroad and called upon the community to respect that journey and set an example for society.
Speakers noted that Mogaveers working in Bahrain have educated themselves, worked hard, and are now helping others grow, which is highly commendable. Students were advised not to remain confined to books alone but to engage with society and build successful lives. The social service initiatives led by Dr G Shankar have inspired many in the community to take up various forms of service. His effort to unite and organise the Mogaveer community from Uppala to Shirur was described as a significant achievement. The objective, speakers said, is for the community not to lag behind but to move ahead of others through collective effort.
Mogaveers Bahrain president Shilpa Shamit Kundar thanked all executive committee members who worked for the success of the programme. She said the event was made possible through discipline, commitment and determination. The enthusiasm, learning spirit and readiness among young achievers were clearly visible. She added that the award should be seen not as an end, but as the beginning of greater achievements.
President of the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association, Chetan Bengre, said the programme conceived with the intention of giving back to the Mogaveer community by those working in Bahrain was truly remarkable. He expressed confidence that assistance given to one student today would transform into the strength to help a hundred people in the future.
BJP Mangaluru South vice president Gautam Salyan Kodikal said the Mogaveer community still needs more leaders. He stressed the importance of active participation by community members across all fields including education, politics, administration, business, sports, culture and social service. Youth must step forward to take up leadership roles and develop a vision that goes beyond employment to societal progress. Only through unity and organised efforts can a strong future be built for the community.
On the occasion, Lokesh Suvarna, president of the Ezhupatna Mogaveera Sabha, and Mogaveers Bahrain vice president Vinod Shreeyan were present.
Mogaveers Bahrain president Shilpa Shamit Kundar welcomed the gathering, secretary Sumanth Suvarna delivered the introductory address, while Praveen S Kumpala compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
About the organisation
Founded 20 years ago by a group of youth, the organisation emerged as the first Mogaveer association of its kind. Its grand anniversary celebrations were successfully held last year. Over the past three years, the association has organised various programmes ranging from bhajans to cricket, volleyball, dandiya and Diwali celebrations. It has been consistently encouraging education among poor and economically backward children. So far, 460 scholarship applications have been reviewed and assistance has been extended to 120 students. This year, 120 applications were received, of which 112 students have been included under the scheme. The Mogaveer community in Bahrain also continues to organise several programmes, with the association planning to extend special support to students pursuing professional courses in the coming days.