Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 13: The Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP), the social development arm of the diocese of Mangalore, disbursed scholarships amounting to Rs 11.52 lac to 140 deserving students during the Education Aid Cheque Distribution Programme 2026 held at Mother Teresa Hall on Saturday, June 13.
Presiding over the programme, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, highlighted the community effort behind the financial assistance.
"The money distributed is pooled from our people out of their savings and sacrifices during the season of Lent," the bishop said. He noted that these funds are distributed irrespective of caste, creed, or religion for education, housing, and medical assistance, fulfilling Jesus Christ's mandate to "Love your neighbour as yourself."
Reflecting this inclusive mission, the list of beneficiaries included 18 non-Catholic students.
Emphasising CODP's primary role as a social development institution, Bishop Saldanha called upon the students to cultivate a strong sense of civic responsibility.
"As beneficiaries of CODP, we need to become socially responsible people. Help the needy and accompany the underprivileged," he urged, encouraging the youth to adopt a guiding principle: "I shall help the needy around me, as I am helped by others."
Representing the student beneficiaries, Rocshell from Kelarai addressed the gathering and expressed profound gratitude for the timely financial assistance supporting their academic pursuits.
The programme was gracefully compered by Dorice Fernandes, who conducted the proceedings with poise and ensured the smooth flow of the event.
The entire programme was meticulously planned and successfully organised by the dedicated staff of CODP and ISD, whose collective efforts contributed significantly to the success of the Education Aid Cheque Distribution Programme. Their commitment and teamwork reflected the spirit of service and concern for the educational advancement of deserving students.
The event was attended by Fr Vincent D'Souza, director of CODP; Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant director of CODP; and Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of the Canara Communication Centre, who joined in supporting the students in their educational journeys.