Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 9: The 29th annual Sandesha Awards, instituted by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, were presented to seven achievers from various fields in a ceremony at Sandesha premises here on Sunday, February 9.

Sandesha Literature Award was conferred on Boluvaru Muhammad Kunhi, Sandesha Konkani Literature Award on Valli Vagga, Sandesha Media Award on Shiv Kumar, Sandesha Konkani Music Award on Helen D'Cruz, Sandesha Art Award on Dr K S Pavithra, Sandesha Education Award on Justin D’Souza.

Sandesha Special Recognition Award was presented to Vincent Prakash Carlo.

Each award consisted of Rs 25,000, trophy, certificate, citation, shawl, fruit bowl and garland.

The selection was made by a jury which comprised of Dr Na D’Souza, Dr B S Talwadi, Dr Na Da Shetty, Concepta Alva, Chandrakala Nandavara and Sara Abubakar.

In this presidential address, bishop of Ballari diocese Fr Henry D Souza said, "The mentality of dividing people on religious basis is against humanity. St Francis Assisi is a role model for all of us, who sees humanity without barriers of religion, caste or creed. At the time of war between Christian and Muslim forces for the land of Israel, he appealed to both sides to stop fighting. He personally met the king and commander of the Muslim army and took the initiative to stop the war and massacre of innocents in the name of religion and land. It is time to remember St Francis Assisi because nowadays, hate in the name of religion and land is spreading rapidly.

"Secondly, I appreciate the award winners for their efforts to unite the society and give a message of harmony and peace. All the seven award winners have served the society in their own way irrespective of any religion, caste or region. They have served people with the intention of giving love and care. They have tried to spread truth in society. I congratulate them all and wishing them bright days ahead," he added.

Dr B V Vasanth Kumar, president of Karnataka Sahitya Academy who graced as chief guest said, "Artists, litterateurs, and activists should always think beyond religion and regional boundaries. They should reflect humanity in their art forms or literary works. If works by writers and artists remind people of religion and regionalism, they will see the writer or artist as a political personality. Society will lose faith in such artists and writers. When an artist or litterateur becomes a spokesperson of a particular religion or region through his/her works, he/she becomes an ambassador of a 'divided society'.

"In our country all of us have freedom of expression. But when it comes to literature or art, it becomes freedom with responsibility. In the name of freedom of expression, they cannot spread lies in society. Some are engaged in spreading lies with regard to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claiming that people of a particular religion can face deportation. Such kinds of lies pave the way to division in the society. Artists and litterateurs should restrain from spreading such lies and instead try to give the right information to people," he added.

Na D'Souza said, "The jury members selected the most deserving personalities and I am confident that people will welcome our selection. People of the society already know the achievers, but by this award, we are recognizing them on behalf of society. We hope the awards and award winners will inspire many in society with a positive message."

After receiving the Sandesha Art Award, Dr K S Pavithra said, "It is a happy occasion for me to receive this award. Sandesha Foundation's vision of 'value-based society in promotion of Indian culture and heritage' has influenced me a lot. The goals of Sandesha to own and live our culture in a value-based society and to live in harmony in a multicultural context itself is a message to the society."

Sandalwood music director Cajeton Dias and senior musician Madhav Prabhu were felicitated by the bishop and other dignitaries.

Director of Sandesha Kala Kendra Fr Francis Assisi D'Almeida welcomed the gathering and Sandesha trustee Roy Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.