Mangaluru, November 12: Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Center was felicitated with the 10th Pingara Rajyotsava Award for the year 2014 at a ceremony held at Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore on Tuesday November 11th.
Manasa Rehabilitation Center is a Catholic Sabha Mangaluru-Udupi Pradesh(R) project situated 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.
Henry Menezes, managing trustee of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Center received the award on behalf of the center from bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who was the chief guest.
Five other special awards were felicitated to Remedia D’Souza, a veteran political activist, M Prabhakar, Felix D’Silva, Shridara Gowda Kokkada and Dolla Mangalore by the bishop. On this occasion, Catholic Sabha Udupi president Elroy Kiran Crasta and Mangalore president Flavy D’Souza were also felicitated.
Sunita Lobo and Pramila Pinto, winners of gold, silver and bronze medals in 2007 and 2013 at Paralympic Games were honoured.
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 assured to donate Rs 10 lakhs from MLC fund to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Center as a token of appreciation.
The chief guest Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, “I congratulate and wish the blessings of God always on Manasa Rehabilitation Center. 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 Center. 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 Raymond D’Cunha in his best service for the society.”
Valenica parish priest Fr James D’Souza, Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Harikrishna Punaroor, joint president, MLC Ivon D’Souza, MLA JR Lobo, Roy Castelino, Fr William Menezes co-ordinator, Elias Fernandes and others were present.
A seven-minute play directed by John M Permannur was also staged on the occasion.
The program was compered by Sunil Menezes and Natalia D’Cunha. Sunil D’Cunha thanked.
