Report and Pics from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)
Mumbai, Jun 9: Konkani Catholic Association (KCS) Nallasopara organized a free distribution programme of school books and stationery to poor students, at St Francis De Sales School Auditorium, Nallasopara (East) here on Sunday June 7. KCS Nallasopara undertakes free distribution of school books and stationery to poor students of several schools in the neighbourhood of Nallasopara every year.
The distribution programme was presided over by KCA president Harry B Coutinho.
Nallasopara senior police officer Pradeep Mane was the chief guest on the occasion.
Nallasopara deputy councilor Ramakant Dalvi, local social activist Atmaram Patel, St Francis De Sales School principal Fr Robert D’Souza, parish priest Fr Agnel Lawrence, assistant parish priest Fr Sushan were the guests of honour.
Pradeep Mane, speaking at the occasion, said that education sphere poses new challenges to students, their parents and teachers alike, at the time of knowledge explosion in present times. Meanwhile, the free distribution of books and stationery to poor students by the social welfare organizations are commendable as it serves as a boon to educationally deprived students to study further, he asserted.
KCA president Harry B Coutinho said that primary and higher primary study plays key role in shaping the personality of students, because the student set their goals at this point of their life. The financial support is just a symbol of encouragement for the poor students, to pursue study diligently and excel, he called on.
Fr Robert D’Souza said that the educational aspirants are focusing on future employment prospects at the changed circumstances in the global era. The computer studies are taking prime importance than the old fashioned study. Hence, the students and their parents ought to go by the change, he urged.
KCA secretary Patrick Fratas, vice president Grace Pinto, treasurer Alwyn F D’Souza Shirva, working committee members Inez D’Souza, John Alva, Leena Lobo, Claude D’Silva, Lilly Quadros, Leena Pereira, Richard D’Souza, Violet Moraes, Mary Veigas, Laveena Dias and others were present.
The school uniforms, books and stationery were distributed to around 500 students at the occasion.