Mangaluru, Nov 11: The 10th Pingara Rajyotsava Award for the year 2014 was conferred to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre at a ceremony held at Don Bosco Hall here on Tuesday November 11.
Manasa Rehabilitation Centre is a Catholic Sabha Mangalore-Udupi Pradesh(R) project based in Pamboor, Shankarapura in Udupi district. It looks after differently-abled children and provides them education and skill-based training to enable them to lead a better, healthier and productive life.
Raymond D’Cunha, editor-in-chief of Pingara Weekly, welcomed the guests with bouquets.
Henry Menezes, managing trustee of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre recieved the award on behalf of the centre from bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who was the chief guest.
The bishop also presented five other special awards to Remedia D’Souza, a veteran political activist, M Prabhakar, Felix D’Silva, Shridara Gowda Kokkada and Dolla Mangalore.
Catholic Sabha Udupi president Elroy Kiran Crasta and Mangalore president Flavy D’Souza were also honoured during the occasion.
Sunita Lobo and Pramila Pinto, winners of gold, silver and bronze medals in 2007 and 2013 at Paralympic Games were felicitated.
Addressing the gathering, MLA J R Lobo said, “I really appreciate the efforts of Raymond D’Cunha in in organizing the event for the 10th consecutive year. The award has gone to the right and deserving people of the society. I wish all the success to Pingara in the comming years.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “The efforts of Raymond D’Cunha are indeed commendable. I have seen the hard work and dedication of Manasa Rehabilitation Centre since a young age. Pingara Rajyotsava is a gateway to Karnataka Rajyotsava awards.”
He also pledged to donate Rs 10 lac from MLC fund to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre as a token of appreciation.
The chief guest Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, “I congratulate and wish the choicest blessings of God always on Manasa Rehabilitation Centre. Mother Teresa always saw the face of God in the poor, the needy and the sick. We have to follow her example in our lives. I wish all success to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre. I would also like to thank the sisters who dedicate themselves in the service of kids. I wish all success to Pingara, let us all support him (Raymond D’Cunha) in his good work for the society.”
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Valenica parish priest Fr James D’Souza, Harikrishna Punaroor, joint president, Fr William Menezes co-ordinator, Roy Castelino, Elias Fernandes and others were present.
A seven-minute play directed by John M Permannur was also staged on the occasion.
Sunil Menezes and Natalia D’Cunha compered the programme, while Sunil D’Cunha proposed the vote of thanks.
Courtesy : Daijiworld