Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and John D'Silva Foundation, Mumbai jointly organized Prathibha Puraskar, Scholarship and Manipal Health card distribution programme at Rotary Kala Mandira, Kundapur on 01st September 2019. One student from each parish of Udupi Diocese who scored highest marks in SSLC examinations held in March/April 2015 and also one student from each Varado in CBSE and PUC-Arts, Commerce and Science examinations held 2018-19 were honoured.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; Rev. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Spiritual Director, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh; Mr John D'Silva, Chairman, John D'Silva Foundation;V. Rev. Fr Stany Tauro, Parish Priest and Dean, Kundapur. Mrs Shaman Castelino, Deputy Range Forest Officer, Madikeri; Mr Alwyn Quadros, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh; Mr Elroy Kiran Crasto, Mr Valerian Fernandes, Mrs Gerald Pinto, Mr Santhosh Cornelio, Mr Erick Gonsalves, Mr Vivian Cornelio, Mr Veronica Cornelio and others were Present on the dais.
The function began by welcome dance by the students. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the programme by lighted the lamp and addressed the students. Bishop Gerald Lobo said that in modern times students need not give up their education due to lack of funds as there are many organizations and generous individual donors who provide financial help to needy students. Students should take advantage of such assistance and continue their studies.
The Bishop also expressed hope that by 2025 at least 25 Catholic students would enter government service. At present, there are five Catholic youngsters who are in higher government service.
Mrs Veronica Cornelio, Coordinator of the health cards read the statistics of Manipal health card. Mrs Shaman Castelino inaugurated the Manipal Health Card 2019-20 and symbolically distributed to one family.
Mrs Shaman Castelino and Mr and Mrs John D’Silva were felicitated on this occasion.
Mrs Shaman Castelino in her keynote address said that there are only a few Christian youth entering government service. They should show interest in getting service in administration. If they try hard during the preliminary examinations, they can achieve success easily.
Students who had scored highest marks in the SSLC examinations in the academic year were awarded the Pratibha Purakaskar sponsored by John D’Silva Foundation, Mumbai and meritorious students from the economically disadvantaged families were given scholarships sponsored by Catholic Sabha.
Mr Eric Gonsalves welcomed the gathering, Mr Santosh Cornelio-Secretary of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh delivered the vote of thanks, Mr Flyvan D’Souza and Mrs Sharmila D’Sa compeered the programme.