Mangalore: Scholarships amounting to Rs 11.75 lakhs were distributed among 171 students on behalf of Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO), Abu Dhabi, a premier organization based in the UAE and Samanvaya Mangalore at a function held at Milagres Senate Hall on August 11, Sunday.
Sponsors of the scholarship Rohan Monteiro, Managing Director of Rohan Corporation, Naveen Cardoza of Marian Infrastructure, John Saldanha and Bennette Menezes were on the dais.
Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) began in 1995 in AbuDhabi and later in 2004 it merged with Samanvaya.
MLA J R Lobo inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp and also handed over little scholarship cheques to the students.
JR Lobo , exhorted the beneficiary students to make good use of the scholarships provided to them and excel in academics. He also urged the students to be responsible citizens of the society and contribute their might to the society once they are self-reliant.
He glorified the efforts and the outstanding work that KCO is doing. He said “It’s been ten years that KCO members have been engaged in this noble cause. Its only with their pure hard work they have been helping a number of needy students. They are giving scholarships with a good intention so that the needy students can come in life and achieve their goals.”
He further stated that ,” this scholarship programme can be successful only if the beneficiaries (students) make good use of the amount given and later serve the society , by being a good person, helping the needy and the community.”
Leo Rodrigues, KCO Founder and the Managing Director of Al Mazroui & Clevy Automobile Services, in his address said the Konkani Cultural Organisation members have been contributing a part of their earnings towards this noble cause every year. He also said ,”with the help that is provided by the KCO , the students should make the utmost of it and its purpose should be achieved , one must utilize this for acquiring better education and later being good human.”
He also told about, how much of hard work is put in, to organize such a noble cause.
He said every year in April or May we (KCO) organize entertainment programmers’ in Abu Dhabi, with the help of many sponsor or’s . The amount which is later on got through this is used for distributing scholarships. To organize these events we put in hard work for more than four months , keeping all our personal and official works aside we dedicate our self completely to it.
He also mentioned that this a Secular Scholarship Programe and also asked the students, who are the future of the community and the society to become great person in life and later extend their support towards such cause.
Further added “Parents should also keep a check on how their child performance and behaves.”
Samanvaya director Fr Ronald Cutinho lauding the KCO said, “KCO has been distributing scholarships for the past ten years. So far it has distributed 923 scholarships worth Rs 62,56,600 to 360 students. Among them, 189 students are today holding good positions in society and this year 171 students have been benefitted with the scholarships, worth Rs 11.75 Lac.
Addressing the students he said, “One must hold good education and values and later serve the society , by helping other needy students.”
KCO president Benette D’Mello thanked the sponsors and asked students to study well, achieve their motives in life and become humble human beings.” He also cautioned them “not to indulge or become prey in any bad habits. Our efforts should not go waste,” he said.
KCO member and the Ex President Michael D’Silva in his address asked the students to make utmost and good use of the money. He also asked them to keep in their faith and be great role models . “Respect your parents and impart good principles,” he added.
Leslie Rego compared the programme.
KCO secretary Valerian Dalmeida proposed the vote of thanks , members Gerald D’Mello, Franklin D’Cunha, Leena D’Souza, Vivek Serrao, Sandhya Vaz, Rupert Vaz, Donald D’Souza and others were present.