Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Kudla Beacon Award was conferred on Michael D’Souza for his inspirational leadership in driving socio-economic growth and progress in Dakshina Kannada district. A distinguished NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, he has a global footprint in real estate, hospitality and equity investments as managing director of Ivory Grand Real Estate LLC.
He is a mentor and guide to emerging entrepreneurs and business communities in the UAE and has extended interest-free educational loans amounting to Rs 33.5 crore to 3,698 students. He played a key role in establishing the Civil Service Academy at St Aloysius University, provided financial support benefiting nearly 10,000 families, enabled the construction or repair of over 417 homes for the poor, and offered sustained financial support and strategic guidance to major institutional projects.
The Roshni Impact Awards (RIA) 2025 were conferred on six eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions to society at a dignified ceremony held on Saturday, Dec 20, at Roshni Nilaya, Valencia, Mangaluru, beginning at 5 pm.
The programme commenced with an invocation rendered by the students of the School of Social Work (SSW), setting a solemn and reflective tone for the evening. Anand D’Silva, president of RIA, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the vision of the awards in recognising individuals who create meaningful social impact through leadership, service and innovation.
Brian Fernandes, convenor of RIA, introduced the chief guest, Dr Ravindranath Shanbagh, while Meena Monteiro introduced the guests of honour Ahmed Kabeer, entrepreneur, YouTuber and brand builder of KTB Shop24, and Prof Vida Sequeira. Chairman of the jury Allen C A Pereira was introduced thereafter and addressed the audience, underlining the rigorous and transparent selection process adopted by the jury.
The Roshni Impact Awards 2025 were presented to the following distinguished personalities:
• Kudla Beacon Award: Michael D’Souza for inspirational leadership in driving socio-economic growth and progress in Dakshina Kannada district.
• Community Catalyst Award: Dr N Joshua Jayaseelan for outstanding grassroots work in community mobilisation, empowerment and development.
• Mind Matters Award: Dr Anish V Cherian for exemplary contributions in psychiatric social work and advancing mental health initiatives.
• Justice Trailblazer Award: Advocate Flavia Agnes for her pioneering efforts in criminology, corrections and restorative justice.
• Earth Guardian Award: Jeeth Milan Roche for remarkable contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development.
• Nazneen Abdulla Yenepoya Special Jury Award: Poonam Pardesi for advocating the philosophy of ability, not disability.
A special felicitation was accorded to Ahmed Kabeer in recognition of his entrepreneurial journey and positive influence on youth through digital platforms. Born healthy, he lost mobility at the age of one and, with a single functioning finger and the unwavering support of his mother, has built an inspiring digital enterprise that reaches thousands.
The souvenir released on the occasion was formally unveiled by Bhima Rao, Dharmaprasad Rai and editor Ronald Sequeira in the presence of all dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr Ravindranath Shanbagh commended RIA for celebrating real-world changemakers and stressed the importance of values-driven leadership in building a just and inclusive society. In her presidential address, Prof Vida Sequeira reflected on the role of education, empathy and collaboration in creating sustainable social impact.
Lydith Pinto proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the awardees, dignitaries, organisers, volunteers and participants. The programme concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem by SSW students, followed by dinner. The event was effectively compered by Dr Malini Hebbar and Ratna Pinto, ensuring smooth flow and engagement throughout the evening.