Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jan 20: The Fernandes Group organised a meaningful and vibrant Souharda Koota and Pratibha Puraskar as part of Milagres Utsav 2026 at the Milagres Cathedral Grounds, celebrating unity, harmony and community achievements. The event drew hundreds of parishioners, youth groups, achievers and cultural teams, who participated in a lively procession from Mount Rosary Church to Milagres Cathedral, showcasing the spirit of togetherness.
The programme was inaugurated by Celine Fernandes, mother of Wilson Fernandes, by lighting the lamp.
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, in his address, said, “No child is born into a religion by choice, but grows by following what parents teach about goodness, love and brotherhood. There are several instances of interfaith unity in Udupi — members of the Muslim community helping Sri Krishna Math with grains, Prasad Raj Kanchan organising competitions on church grounds, and Muslim artistes performing during the Paryaya. India is like a garden of colourful flowers — different yet one. We breathe the same air and drink the same water. This 300-year-old Milagres church ground stands as a symbol of that unity.”
Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of Udupi, noted, “This was the third major programme under Milagres Utsav. I congratulate Wilson and Leena Fernandes for their dedication in organising inter-parish sports, youth concerts, feast preparations and the upcoming Wilfy Nite. Wilson has given jobs to many people without seeing caste or religion. Today, all religions are seated on one stage at this event. Many achievers are being honoured for their contributions, and I congratulate each one of them.”
Jayakrishna Shetty Thonse, president of the Jayakrishna Environment Committee, said, “Souharda Koota sends a strong message of unity. Wilson considers his mother his greatest strength, inaugurating every programme through her. He has worked tirelessly for three decades to reach where he is today and has provided jobs to thousands. At a time when communal tensions are increasing, programmes like this are much needed and encourage harmony.”
Entrepreneur and Udupi Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan, speaking on the occasion, said, “Thirty years ago, when people were struggling financially, they would say, ‘If we want to go to the Gulf, Wilson will help’. That was his nature. Many poor children studied free at Milagres because they could not afford high fees, and this institute has moulded many futures. When we are hungry, we do not see religion; when the stomach is full, communal clashes begin. We should remember the interfaith friends who stood with us in school whenever we needed them. I thank Wilson for organising such a wonderful event.”
Philanthropist Joseph Elias Menezes, who was honoured at the event, said, “People have only a short time on earth and should live happily and meaningfully. I know poverty because I lived through it. Eighty per cent of our business earnings go to the poor and needy. We will not take anything with us when we go to God. Whatever honour I receive belongs to God; we are only instruments of God.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza praised the work of Wilson and said, “Many people fly high and become successful, but the greatest quality is helping others. Wilson has built a vast global network and generated employment for many. May God bless him with more so that he can help more people. This venue and the event are beautifully organised.”
Outstanding achievers from different fields in Udupi were honoured during the Pratibha Puraskar ceremony. The awardees included Vijay Kodavoor (Social Worker); Tanushree Pithrody (10-time World Record Holder – Yoga); Vital Poojary (Social Worker); Vishu Shetty Ambalpady (Social Worker); Vidushi Deeksha (Golden Book of World Record Holder); Joseph Elias Menezes (Philanthropist); Preeti Devadiga (Social Worker); Mohammad Rafiq (Social Worker); Sai Prasad (Social Worker); Reginald Furtado (Artiste & Social Worker); Devadas Kapikad (Artiste); Bhojaraj Vamanjoor (Artiste); and James Mendonca and Valentine D’Souza (former DySPs).
The evening concluded with the popular Tulu comedy play ‘Ennane Kathe’, written by Devadas Kapikad and performed by the state award-winning troupe Bale Cha Parka, leaving the audience in splits.
A fellowship meal was served to all attendees, reinforcing the core message of friendship and unity.
The programme was also attended by K P Jagadish Adhikari, BJP leader, Dakshina Kannada district; Prasad Raj Kanchan, entrepreneur and Udupi Congress leader; Veronica Cornelio, KPCC spokesperson; Janardhana Thonse, former president, Urban Development Authority; MLC Ivan D’Souza; Dinakar Heruru, president, Udupi Urban Development Authority; Fr Pradeep Cardoza, parish priest, Milagres Cathedral; Joachim Stany Alvares, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy; Geetanjali Suvarna, zilla panchayat member, Udupi; Wilson Fernandes, Leena Fernandes and family members, among others.
Renowned singers Ram Kumar Amin, Dhananjay Varma and Gurukriya entertained the audience with soulful performances and also recited the prayer.
The gathering was welcomed by Wilson Fernandes. The procession was compered by Prashanth Shetty, while the formal stage event was compered by Steven Colaco.