Mangaluru, Jan 24, 2015 : Six achievers in various fields were conferred the 24th Annual Sandesha Awards at a colourful function held at Sandesha premises here on January 23, Friday. The Awards are instituted by the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education.
The recipients are Dr Jayamala Ramachandra (Media), Jayalakshmi Damle (Teaching), Dr C Veeranna (Literature), Henry D’Souza ( Konkani singer) and Naveen D Padil (Tulu actor). The Sandesha Special Recognition Award was presented to renowned swimmer Gopal Kharvi who has achieved a remarkable feat and is even a Guinness record holder. The jury for the award included Eric Ozario, Richard Luis, Na. Damodar Shetty, Na. D’Souza, Saara Aboobakker and Chandrakala Nandavar.
Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Bishop of Puttur Diocese who presided over the function presented the awards. Mangaluru Bishop Rev. Fr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bellary Bishop Dr Henry D’Souza, Boluvar Mohammad Kunhi, noted writer, Roy Castelino, Konkani Sahitya Academy President, Fr Jayaprakash D’Souza, Fr Ivan Pinto and Na D’Souza were present as chief guests.
Titus Noronha, Convenor of Sandesha Media Committee, Sr Antony Mary, Anil D’Cunha and others were present.
Students of St Joseph’s College and Nach Sobhann Members presented cultural programmes.There was even a Belle dance performance by Brazilian Maria who is a student at Sandesha.