Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Nov 17: The 11th 'Pingara Rajyotsava Award - 2015' was conferred on Joseph Crasta, managing trustee of Snehalaya Charitable Trust in a ceremony held at Don Bosco hall here on Tuesday November 17.
Joseph Crasta has been serving the orphans, aged, poor, destitute and needy people at his Snehalaya Charitable Trust for many years. Presently he is looking after 120 such people at Snehalaya by providing them free food, shelter and treatment.
Addressing the gathering, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza who presided over the programme said that Joseph Crasta has showed his humanitarian side by helping the society. "Joseph is a role model to all of us. God has graced us with a lot of talents and life itself is also a kind of talent. God has favoured us by sending us to earth and it is time for us to return the favour by helping the needy people. The society will recognise us for our service to the poor people."
"I am worried that society and educational values are changing. Education must teach students to serve the society and not only to build their future," he added.
Former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Harikrishna Punaroor said, "There is immense respect for the Pingara Rajyotsava Award, and it is given to the most deserved person, one who has served the society. Joseph Crasta is most deserving of this award, and with this, his responsibility has increased. Working for the betterment of the society is like bringing about a great revolution. There are many poor people in society and it is our duty to help them."
Acknowledging the honour, Joseph Crasta said, "The word of God and Jesus Christ are the real inspiration for me. Without them I would be a zero in the society. Be happy with what you are earning and give a part of your income to the poor and the needy people."
Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino said that Joseph Crasta is an inspiration to everyone and that God has already liked his work.
President of Mangaluru Central Rotary Club Elias Sanctis said, "People are spoiling the society in the name of caste, creed and religion. If we forget caste, creed and religion and live together we would no longer say that Mangaluru is a communally sensitive city. Let us unite those who are divided from the society."
'Vazram Ani Mothiyan', a Konkani short story book written by Patrick Moras was released by bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza on the occasion.
Mementos were given to the guests as a token of appreciation.
Raymond D'Cunha, editor-in-chief of Pingara Weekly welcomed the gathering. Natalia D'Cunha proposed the vote of thanks.
Fr William Menezes, Elias Fernandes, Lewis J Pinto, Dr B G Suvarna, C G Pinto, C G S Taccode and others were present.