Mangaluru: As many as seven achievers were honoured with the 28th Sandesha Awards, instituted by the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, on Tuesday, January 22. The award carried a purse of Rs 25,000, memento, certificate, citation and a shawl.

Sandesha Literature Award was conferred on Prasanna Heggodu, Sandesha Konkani Music Award on Fr Ben Britto Prabhu, Sandesha Art Award on Manjamma Jogathi, Sandesha Media Award on B M Haneef, Sandesha Education Award on B M Rohini, and Sandesha Special Recognition Award on Snehasadan and Jeevasadan, HIV/AIDS rehabilitation centre, Gurpur.

Bellary Bishop Dr Henry D’Souza, who is also the President of Sandesha Foundation presided over the function. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru and trustee of Sandesha Foundation was the guest of honour.

After honouring the awardees, Dr Henry D’souza said it is always a great incentive when the society recognises our hard work and contributions.

“It is only passion and dedication that will help us create landmarks. All the awardees have come to this platform through their passion and dedication and this ceremony is a befitting way to tell them that we recognise their service,” he said adding that recognition, on one hand, encourages achievers to work hard and on the other hand it also motivates others to set goals higher.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul said the award will boost the morale of the winners and help others to achieve something worthwhile.

Na D’souza, renowned Kannada writer and chairman of the awards committee, introduced the award winners and their achievements. Richard Alvares, Concepta Alva, Cyril Sequiera, Daya Victor Lobo read the citations.

Students of Sandesh College enthralled the audience with cultural programme. Director of Sandesha Foundation Fr Nelson D’Almeida, Trustee Roy Castelino, award jury committee members were present.