Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 27: Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha distributed 46 scholarship cheques from the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) to deserving students from in and around Mangaluru pursuing their professional courses, college graduation, post-graduation and even primary schooling, irrespective of caste or creed, during a programme held at Bishop’s House Hall on August 24.
The scholarship programme began with invoking God’s blessings. Patsy Lobo welcomed the gathering. Dr Derick Lobo introduced the chief guest Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, who we are privileged to have as the patron of CASK too. Nayana Fernandes, president of CASK addressed the audience, which was graced by the governing council members besides others and briefly summarized the various projects undertaken by CASK. The thought-provoking quote by Saint Mother Teresa aptly suiting the voluntary and community service rendered by the members of Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK), who have been doing yeomen service in helping the needy and less-fortunate for decades and their service with love and care towards the poor and downtrodden still continuing as of today, even after 104 years of their existence. CASK has contributed towards the education of deserving students which was done today again by distributing the scholarships.
CASK celebrated its centenary during 2013-2014 and successfully launched and implemented programmes in honour of the Centenary, which still continue till date like promotion of blood, organ and whole body donations in collaboration with Fr Muller Hospital. It is involved in creating awareness to encourage people to donate blood and pledge organs and organizes Eye and Paediatric camps; personality development programmes for school/college students. Teacher enrichment programmes, provision of purified drinking water for poor schools and footwear for barefooted school kids and many more.
The most recent unique project undertaken by CASK with regards to environment is planting saplings, which was briefed at the function by Dr Anand Pereira, joint secretary of CASK. A cheque for Rs 48,000 was handed over to Selma Roche (wife of Jeeth Milan Roche, who couldn’t make it to the function) to be used towards the expenses to plant saplings in the Hindu Rudhra Bhoomi in Nandigudda which was being jointly done with CASK, as part of Pope Francis’s initiative ‘Laudato Si’ and promoted extensively in Mangaluru by the Bishop. Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in his address appreciated and was overwhelmed by the projects undertaken by CASK. He further said, “CASK is showing their concern towards people with snake bites, to recover from the agony, through financial aid for treatment should be immensely appreciated. Also CASK’s blood donation camp which has given new life to many also needs to be commended. And today CASK distributing scholarship cheques to the deserving students is indeed a generous act to students.”
Scholarships were distributed to 46 students, who after receiving the cheque from the bishop were delighted and felt grateful to CASK for recognizing their efforts in pursuing their education.
Patsy Lobo rendered the vote of thanks.