Media Release
Udupi, Jul 27: Students, no matter how highly they rise in life after receiving a good education, should never forget their hometown and parents, said Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the diocese of Udupi.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Pratibha Puraskar programme jointly organised by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and the John D’Silva Foundation, Mumbai, at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, on Sunday.
Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the diocese of Udupi further said that parents and teachers have a significant role to play in shaping the educational future of children. Students from rural areas should make the best use of the facilities available to them and strive to secure good marks. In today’s competitive world, securing high marks is important for pursuing higher education.
One’s hometown is the root of one’s identity, and it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute as much as possible to the development of the place where they were born and raised. Education becomes truly meaningful only when success is accompanied by human values and a sense of gratitude.
Dr Jacinta D’Souza, joint director of the State Department of Women and Child Development, who was the chief guest, said parents should give their children the freedom to choose their field of interest for the future. Allowing children to pursue subjects of their choice without imposing pressure on them will help them build a better future, she said.
John D’Silva, head of the foundation, said that in today’s digital age, students should focus more on competitive examinations and work towards building a bright future.
At the programme, five students who had cleared the CA examination, seven individuals who had earned PhD degrees, and students from 52 churches of the diocese who had secured the highest marks in the SSLC and PUC examinations were honoured with cash prizes.
The programme was presided over by Melvin Aranha, president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh.
Gladys D’Silva, former president Ronald Almeida, treasurer Urban Lewis, former presidents Walter Cyril Pinto, Valerian Fernandes and Alvin Quadros, Santosh Cornelio, office-bearers Louis D’Souza, Sonu Sequeira and Theodore Mendonca, among others, were present.
Programme convenor Dr Gerald Pinto welcomed the gathering, while secretary Juliette D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Alani Danti compered the programme.