Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 26: 'Fudar Pratishthan', a trust working for the betterment of Canara Catholics, on Sunday February 21 organized 'Fudar Pratishthan Puraskar-2016', a felicitation programme for students who have scored ranks in SSLC, PUC, graduation and post graduation at Milagres Jubilee Hall here.

Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, after lighting the lamp, said, "I congratulate the achievers. By scoring well in exams you have proved that you can do it. Always remember that your own Christian community has honoured you. The community has recognized your efforts. This should not stop here, it should go forward until you reach good position in the future. You should strive to bring about a change in the society and give something back to the society. You should have ambition and aim to achieve greater heights. We should encourage our children to write competitive exams, take up defense service and other government jobs and thereby contribute in nation building. I congratulate the organizers on their efforts."

Judith O M Crasta, public prosecutor, Mangaluru in her keynote address said, "Children will not know what path to choose, so parents need to guide them. Some of our children do not have knowledge about how to go about competitive exams, while some have knowledge but lack the will to work hard. Our institutions have contributed a lot in the nation building through their social service. There were many officers in the navy, army, administrative and other government services but most of them are retired now. We do not see any of our children today trying for these competitive exams. Parents should guide the children and support them to take up these competitive exams and thereby contribute in nation building.

"Since I serve in the sixth additional district and sessions court, I come across sexual exploitation cases now and then. I have noticed there are very few Christian boys who are accused in these cases but many girls are victims. Our girls take the wrong decision at the right age. So the parents should give freedom but along with that, they should also instill a sense of responsibility in them, so that they go in the right direction," she added.

J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South said, "This is a very good platform to encourage our children to achieve more. I congratulate John D'silva on his efforts in organizing such a programme every year. These students have scored good marks because of their efforts. Only honoring them is not enough. In order for them to pursue IAS, KAS or any government job, a favourable environment needs to be created. This can be done by opening coaching institutes for them. There is a need to seriously think about this."

Ivan D'Souza, MLC, said, "Dr A P J Abdul Kalam always started his address by saying 'Everyone should dream'. But today our children want everything instantly. This is not because of the children but parents who have created this mindset. Parents have a notion that once their children start working abroad, their future is set. But they do not think about long term. We lack patience and commitment. To achieve success we need not study in a very big college. Today I am an MLC after waiting for about 31 years. So one needs to have patience and try repeatedly to succeed."

John D'Silva, president of the Fudar Pratishthan and L J Fernandes were among the dignitaries on the dais. Fr Valerian D'Souza, parish priest of Milagres, Jacintha Vijay Alfred, mayor of MCC and others were present.