Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 13: The 27th annual Sandesha Awards, instituted by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education were presented to seven eminent personalities in a befitting ceremony at Sandesha premises here on Saturday, January 13.

Sandesha Literature Award was conferred on Dr Giraddi Govindaraju, Sandesha Konkani Literature award on Edwin Marian Netto, Sandesha Art award on Ashok Gudigara, Sandesha Media award on N Gururaj, Sandesha education award on K Gadhilingappa, Sandesha Konkani Music award on Wilson Olivera and Sandesha special recognition award on T Raja (auto raja).

Sandesha award consists of Rs 25,000, trophy, certificate, citation, shawl, fruit bowl and garland.

The selection was made by a jury which comprised of Na D’Souza, Richard Louis, Dr Na Da Shetty, Eric Ozario, Chandrakala Nandavara and Sara Abubakar.

In this presidential speech, bishop of Ballari diocese, Fr Henry D Souza said, “During his time, Thomas Alva Edison led his life by example to his fellow workers. These honoured distinguished have joined the list of people who have served the society and get recognized for their deeds. Achievement and changes will be made because of the sacrifice and these achievers have done the same to society.”

Karnataka High Court Justice John Michael D Cunha said, “It is a proud moment for me as am closely associated with Sandesha. I can remember that Sandesha was an idea conceived by Fr Henry D’Souza who had a passion and nurtured this institution. Later it was taken forward and relentlessly pursued for the upliftment of this institution. We have honoured exceptional men who made great difference to the society. We bow our head with deep appreciation. We need men like you in the society with lofty ideas. Society has become divided, mood and decency have lost place. Self respect and belief have not eroded but vanished. I once again congratulate all the awardees.”

President of Sandesha awards jury Na D Souza said, “It's the happiest moment for the jury members because so far we had given cash prize of Rs 10,000. For the first time this year, we are giving away cash prize of Rs 25,000 for the awardees. The support from Fr Victor Vijay Lobo is enormous for this. All jury members selected the most deserving personalities and I am confident that all the people will welcome our selection.”

After receiving the Sandesha Literature award, Dr Giraddi Govind Raj said, “It’s a happy occasion for me to receive this award. 15 years ago, I was part of Sandesha award jury and got a chance to select others for this award. I had shared good memories with Sandesha and after many years my name once again was remembered and I am so happy to be in Sandesha again. Sandesha is always known for its well organized way of functioning and serving others. I once again thank everyone for this award.”

After receiving Sandesha Konkani Literature award Edi Netto sang a Konkani song on dais.

After receiving Sandesha Art award Ashok Gudigara said, “I always feel happy whenever I am in Mangaluru. I am happy to be recognized by Sandesha for my works. Na D’Souza’s support encouraged me. He recognized me at a small age and today I am blessed to receive this award in the presence of Na D’Souza.”

After receiving Sandesha Media award N Gururaj said, “Sandesha award is always a special one as the jury members select without any bias and without any pressure. This is really a special one.”

After receiving Sandesha Education award K Gadhilingappa said, “I was pleasantly surprised when I was selected for Sandesha award as I did not know much about the award. Sandesha award is conferred on great personalities and today I know the importance of the award. This is a good message by Sandesha which recognize hard work by an individual.”

After receiving Sandesha Konkani music award, Wilson Olivera said, “I visit Sandesha every now and then for recording and practice for my performance. I never expected that I would receive this award so early. It is a proud feeling to receive this award.”

After receiving Sandesha special recognition award, T Raja (auto Raja) said, “I am not educated and studied only till the third standard. When I was in third standard, I was involved in theft and goondaism and wanted to become don or a terrorist. I even robbed my mother’s Mangala and was sent to jail. I changed a lot in the jail because i followed the footsteps of Jesus and believed him and wanted to be like him helping the needy. While in the jail, daily 2-3 inmates would die in our ashram and their last wish would be to have chicken, egg or masala dosa. The wish of inmates look small for us but it's big for them and I wished that they died with dignity. We should not wait for another Mother Teresa to enter our country but we should be like Mother Teresa and help the needy. One Auto Raja can’t change the world but more Auto Rajas should come up to make a difference.”

Vicar general Fr Dennis Moras Prabhu and Sandesha Kala Kendra assistant director Br Victor Crasta were present.

Arun Kulal compered the program. Director Sandesha Kala Kendra Fr Victor Vijay Lobo welcomed the gathering and Sandesha trustee Roy Castelino proposed vote of thanks.