Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Sep 2: Bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said that the students have to achieve the impossible in life and make their life a success.
The bishop was speaking after inaugurating the student scholarship and Manipal Arogya Suraksha card distribution programme, organized by Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh and John D'Silva Foundation, Mumbai at the Rotary Kalamandir of the town on Sunday, September 1.
Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo further said, "In the present times, there is no need for students to discontinue their education for shortage of financial funds. There are many large and kind-hearted donors who will provide financial assistance. There are lots of opportunities in the society today for the students to make use of. The dream of having at least 25 Christian students in government service by 2025 is getting realized. Already five Christians are serving in high-ranked positions in the government." The bishop also called for mutual cooperation for the development of students.
Giving the keynote address on the occasion, Shaman Castelino, assistant forest conservator officer of Madikeri, said, "The number of people opting for government service is very less among the Christian community. The Christian youths should take more interest in the government jobs. When students put efforts towards this in the primary stage itself, it is possible to get good results."
Shaman Castelino also inaugurated the Manipal Arogya Card scheme, which is a significant scheme of Catholic Sabha. During the last year, 13,453 families of Udupi Diocese had the Manipal Arogya Card and they got the benefit to the tune of Rs four crore. This time around 12,724 families have applied for the card as per the information shared by convener Veronica Vivian Cornelio.
During the programme students who secured high marks in the last SSLC and PUC examinations were felicitated with the sponsorship of John D'Silva Foundation Mumbai. Scholarship was distributed to financially poor students under the patronage of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh.
President of John D'Silva Foundation, Mumbai John D'Silva, Gladis D'Silva, chief priest of Kundapur zone, Fr Stany Tauro, spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, immediate past president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Valerian Fernandes, president of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Allwyn Quadras, treasurer Jerald Rodrigues, convener of the programme Dr Jerald Pinto, Kundapur zone president Herick Gonsalves, convener of Arogya Card Vivian Veronica Cornelio, Kundapur unit president Walter D'Souza and others were present.
Kundapur zone president Herick Gonsalves welcomed the gathering. Central secretary Santhosh Cornelio rendered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Flavian D'Souza and Pramila D'Sa.