Mangalore : Sandesha Awards Presented to Eight Achievers
Pics by Dayanda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (FR)
Mangalore, Feb 7: The prestigious Sandesha Awards 2010 were presented to 8 luminaries from the state for in recognition of their value-based contributions to the society in their respective fields. The presentation function was held in Sandesha, Premanagar, Bajjodi in a glittering ceremony presided over by most Rev Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore. Most Rev Henry D Souza, Bishop of Bellary, who is also Chairman of Sandesha Foundation, graced the occasion. P Jayarama Bhat, Managing Director and CEO of Karnataka Bank was the Chief Guest on the award presentation ceremony. All the awardees were presented with a cash prize, a trophy, a citation and certificate in recognition of their outstanding and value-based contributions to the society.
The awardees included Dr Chandrashekar Kambara (Sandesha Literature- Kannada) Dr Edward Nazareth (Sandesha Literature – Konkani), Janaki Brahmavar (Sandesha Literature – Tulu) Kalamandhalam Usha Dathar, Classical Dancer (Sandesha Arts Award) S N Sethuram (Sandesha Cinema/TV Award, Walter Nandalike, Editor-in-Chief (Sandesha Media Education Award, Louis Mendonca, founder Principal of St Mary’s College Shirva (Sandesha Education Award) and Sandesha Special recognition award to Chandinya Mandira, Hassan (caring for the aged and the sick). Dinesh Amin Mattu who was selected for Sandesha Journalism Award was not present to receive the award.
The presentation ceremony complete with all the poornakamba welcome began with the guests and awardees being escorted to the dais in a ceremonial procession. True to the Sandesha tradition the programme began with a welcome dance by the Students of Sandesha College.
In his presidential address Rev Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza termed the 9 awardees as the Navaratnas and congratulated them for their value based service to the society. “You have done great service to by which the society is benefited. Today we find lot of people who criticize others but no one gives a pat on the back when good work is done. Criticism cannot solve the problem. We need people who recognize the services rendered by people and Sandesha has been doing it year after year”. He also said that the selfless services rendered by the awardees will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest P Jayaram Bhat pointed out “excellence is not an accident. It is the result of sincere efforts with willful execution with vision and to treat obstacles as opportunities”. He congratulated the awardees for their value based service and said “learning history is not so easy. But creating history is very difficult. You have created history with your dedication and service”. He said Karantaka Bank has always been in the forefront in recognizing art and artistes and every year for the Founder’s Day, which happens to be in February, reputed artistes are invited to perform in Mangalroe. He extended an invitation to all for the Classical vocal music programme of well-known vocalist from Chennia Aruna Sairam to be held on February 18, 2010, in the city.
Rev Bishop Henry D Souza who graced the occasion pointed out the need of role models in today’s society and said the awardees have fulfilled the role of role models to the society. “Our activities should be in accordance with our dreams and one should be identified and guided by the vision, values and commitment”, he pointed out. Bishop Henry also said “god does not expect us to do great things. He expects us to give our best, to become best and take the very best with us. We can give without loving but cannot love without giving” he stated stressing on the importance of the need and the ability to give.
Bishop Henry pointed out that there are some elements who are trying to build walls among people through their nefarious activities and he called upon the people to defeat the efforts of people by demolishing these walls and build a just society.
Na D Souza, Chairman of the selection committee of the awards speaking about the selection of candidates for the award said that the committee has been applauded for its fair selection of awardees that rightfully deserve the awards. He further added that as a result of the fair selection the awards are held in high esteem.
All the awardees expressed their gratitude to Sandesha for recognizing their services and said the award has added to their existing responsibilities of serving the society much better. Dr Chandrashekar Kambara said Sandesha Award have retained their prestige over the last 19 years due to the fair selection of awardees. Dr Edward Nazareth recalled he helping hand of all those who were responsible and nurturing his writing skills, especially Rakno Editor Fr Mark Walder and successive editors of the weekly. An emotional Janaki Brahmavar said she was remembering her childhood days and the award would bolster her spirits to work harder. Classical danseuse Usha Thodar said from 19 years Sandeshs should to on to see 90 years and spot talents from every nook and corner of the state.
Daijiworld Editor in Chief Walter Nandalike said he was happy that for the first time the award is given not to him but to daijiworld in recognition of its contribution. “Awards bring joy and at the same time they thrust more responsibility on us. Every award brings with it a question mark as to whether we really deserve it. With Daijiworld in the 10th year of its existence it is really a matter of pride our services are recognized”, he stated. He said that it is the team work which has helped Daijiworld to make an impression and thanked his entire team members.
S N Sethuram thanked Sandesha saying they have recognized his talents (which he says he does not possess) and felt he did not really deserve it. Gururaj Hebbar who received the special recognition award for Chaitanya Mandira said that his institution has made a small beginning in serving the needy and now would be inspired to do more in the same field.
Finally it was Louis Mendonca who sent a peel of laughter among the audience when he said “the award has come to me when I am preparing for my final exam”. He also regaled the audience with his witty remark saying “you have given me the award and now give me enough time to savor the award for enough time”, and the reference was obviously to his old age. Finally he said “I am just waiting for my hall ticket”.
Director of Sandesha Foundation Fr Valerian Mendonca, the trustees of Sandesha P M Castelino, Galdin D Souza, Roy Castelino, and Chairperson of the selection committee Na D Souza, Manager of Sandesha Leo D Souza were also present on the dais. Director of Sandesha Fr Valerian Mendonca welcomed the gathering. Galdin D Souza presented the vote of thanks. Mallika Shetty Siddakatte compered the programme. The stage programme was followed by cultural programme presented by the students of Sandesha College.