Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 9: "Life becomes fruitful and turns into an accomplishment because of the efforts and socio-centric initiatives. Dr P Dayananda Pai, an unparalleled achiever who is a successful businessman, academician, propagator of humane qualities and readily responds to the woes of the deprived people, is an excellent example for this," said T V Mohandas Pai, chairman of Manipal Global Education.

He was delivering the congratulatory address on the occasion of the 77th birthday celebrations of Dr P Dayananda Pai, chairman of Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskrit Pratishtan, and the foundation laying ceremony for the central tower proposed to be built at Vishwa Konkani Kendra here. The function was held at Vishwa Konkani Kendra on Tuesday February 8. He hailed Dr Dayanand Pai for his immense contributions to Vishwa Konkani Kendra.

Vice chancellor of Mangalore University, Prof P S Yadapadithaya, who unveiled the portrait of Dr P Dayananda Pai at Keerti Mandir of the Kendra, hailed Dayananda Pai for accepting everything in a positive way and being good hearted person, who has been an inspiration to the others.

Pradeep G Pai, convener of Vishwa Konkani Kendra student fund, in his address, was profuse in his praise of Dayananda Pai for his contributions in making Vishwa Konkani Kendra a reality.

Dr P Dayananda Pai, who accepted the felicitation on the occasion, said that one's life gets fulfilled when he responds to the problems of the ones who are helpless and who face problems, and wipes out their tears, and then participates in their moments of elation. He announced assistance of one crore rupees for the social initiatives of Vishwa Konkani Kendra.

On this occasion, Dr P Dayananda Pai and Mohini D Pai were honoured by draping a shawl around them and garlanding. Dr P S Yadapadithaya, Vishwa Konkani Kendra president Nandagopal Shety, vice president Gilbert D'Souza, Kudpi Jagadeesh Shenoy, Melvyn Rodrigues, Dr K Mohan Pai, B R Bhat and Shakuntala R Koni joined in felicitating Dayananda Pai. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and K Ullas Kamath extended their greetings in virtual mode. Secretary of the Kendra, Giridhar Kamath, read out the resolution.

P Satish Pai unveiled the Vishwa Konkani social support portal. Satosh Pai and P Sabita S Pai were honoured on the occasion. P Raveendra Pai and Aswini P Pai were present.

Before the function began, floral tributes were paid to Basti Vaman Shenoy's photo at the Vishwa Konkani Kendra. President of the centre, Nandagopal Shenoy, welcomed. Gurudath Bantwal proposed vote of thanks.

Nandagopal Shenoy announced that to commemorate the birthday of Dr Dayananda Pai, every year, Vishwa Konkani literary translation award and Dr P Dayananda Pai best theater artiste award comprising cash component of one lac rupees each would be given.

Dr Dayananda Pai revealed on the occasion that he never celebrated his birthday and that his resolve was broken on his attaining 77 years of age now. He suggested to install the bust of Basti Vaman Shenoy, who was the brain behind the Kendra and who worked hard for Konkani language, literature and culture at the Kendra premises.