Udupi: IFKCA confers Samaja Ratna Award on Shirthady Pinto, two others

Udupi: IFKCA confers Samaja Ratna Award on Shirthady Pinto, two others

Report: Kevin Rodrigues
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Feb 28: Dr J S Sadananda, Bishop of CSI, Karnataka Southern Diocese presented the IFKCA Samaja Ratna Award-2012 to noted advocate and social worker Shirthady William Pinto during a ceremony was held at Muddanna Mantapa, Christian High School here on Thursday February 28.

On the occasion, IFKCA honorary awards were presented to Railway Yatri Sangha president R L Dias and Pastor Sunil D'Souza of Vishwasada Mane for their contubution towards the society, by Bishop of CSI along with other dignitaries.

Dr J S Sadananda presided over the function, Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor, Udupi Diocese, Frank Fernandes, NRI entrepreneur, Jerry Vincent Dias, promoter, Mandavi Builders and president Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and industry Udupi, Denis D’silva, convener IKFCA of Karnataka State, Helen Salinas, headmistress, Christian High School, Udupi were present on the dais.

Acknowlegding the honour, Shirthady Pinto expressed his gratitude to IFKCA for bestowing the award on him. "Being born as humans is in itself a big gift to us from god," he said.

"Educating the common man about the Indian Constitution and law is the job of an advocate. When government enforced the Land Act in 1974 no lawyers were there to educate the common man about this very important act. During this time I faced many problems and it was tough to educate the people about this Act," he said.

He also assured his full support if IFKCA were to arrange any program create public awareness about the Indian Constitution and law said that he would give his best.

Prof Hilda Rodrigues read out the citation. The Award consisted a shawl, a garland, fruits, and IFKCA Samaja Ratna 2012 memento.

Pastor Sunil D’Souza and R L Dias thanked the IFKCA committee for the honour and recognition conferred on them.

Fr Valerian in his address said that the usual practice is to honour the martyred saints and remember them, but the same should be done to living persons who deserve it too. "We need to honour the living saints also. Today IFKCA has done something different and honored the right persons for their service to the society. May more such personalities be honour by IFKCA," he said.

Jerry Dias said that anyone can get awards through easy means but such awards are of no value. "Real award is that which is given as recognition of a person's service to society, which IFKCA has done today," he lauded.

NRI entrepreneur Frank Fernandes said that value-added education has become a necessity in today's world. "There is a strong power which is beyond our imagination, and we are called it God. We may call this power by different names. It does not matter how we die, but it is very important how we live," he said.

Dr J S Sadananda, Bishop of CSI-KSD in his presidential speech said, "Today we have honored justice and humanity. Shirthday Pinto has taught us how, being a Christian, we can serve people beyond our community and limitations. R L Dias has given his best for train commuters in the coastal region by his selfless service. Pastor Sunil D'Souza is a living example of humanity."

"A question may arise among some people as to why we need a Christian community organization when we say we are one and that we are secular. Being a minority, we are doing our maximum for the society," he said.

The citations for the honorary awards were read out by Shaila Fernandes and Richard Dias.

Social worker Veronica Cornelio, S B Soans of JMJ Fabrics and James D'Silva Brahmavar were the jury.

Louis Lobo, president of IFKCA Udupi unit welcomed the gathering, Dr Neri Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks, Alwyn Danthi compered the programme.

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