Report and Pics by Viju Mangalore for Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB)
- Margaret Alva bestowed with ‘Kanarachi Amma’ title
Mangalore, Feb 26 [Sunday, 8.30 pm IST]: The prestigious Rachana Awards 2005 were conferred on J A Rebello, A V Rego and Dr V T D'Souza at a glittery show held at the St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, Bendore on Sunday February 26.
The Rachana Agriculturist of the year award was conferred on J A Rebello of Ujire, while Rachana Entrepreneur of the year award was conferred on A V Rego of Bangalore and was received by his son Sunil Rego in his absence.
The Rachana Professional of the year award was conferred on Dr V T D'Souza from Bendore.
Margaret Alva, AICC general secretary and Nelson Mandela Peace awardee who was the chief guest on the occasion and conferred the awards was also bestowed with the title ‘Kanarachi Amma’ for her contribution to the region and her affirmative leadership.
Speaking on the occasion Margaret expressed her happiness over the branching out of the community members into various fields. “Each one of us is called upon to contribute to other welfare. We however need to groom the new generation and make them effective leaders,” she said.
Crediting the growth of the community to the dynamism of the bishop Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Margaret said that true success is achieved by sacrifice.
Margaret also called the citizens of Mangalore to be prepared to the flow of opportunities in the city. The shifting of the IT capital to Mangalore, the oil and gas terminals gradually taking roots in the city, the entry of FDI is sure to place Mangalore on the international map. “Plan and be prepared,” she said “to face the challenges without being submerged by the inflow.”
Brig. Gerald Gonsalves (Retired) who was one of the guests of honour had words of caution to Rachana. “Exercise care while conferring awards so that the awards are not made to look routine,” he said.
Andrew Noronha, president, Catholic Sabha Central Committee, Rudolph D'Silva, president of Rachana.
An hour-long entertainment programme with dances and music was also presented by the Mandd Sobhann and Naach Sobhann music and dance troupes.