Pics: Praveen Crasta
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 27: “Gratitude is the best attitude. Never forget the sacrifices of your parents, the support of your teachers, and the guidance of your priests. You are the shining stars of the Mangalorean Konkani Catholic community, known globally for its talent and generosity,” said Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru.
He was addressing students and parents at the symbolic distribution ceremony of the Educare interest-free loan scholarship, managed by the Catholic Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP), Diocese of Mangaluru, at Rosario Cathedral.
The Educare scholarship, instituted in 2013 by NRI entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Vision Konkani programme, Michael D’Souza and family, has completed 12 years.
To date, Rs 29 crore in interest-free loans has been disbursed to students pursuing higher education. Beneficiaries include 125 doctors, 762 engineers, 491 nurses, 904 postgraduates, 1,013 graduates, and 137 diploma holders. Of this, Rs 20 crore has been repaid, while Rs 9 crore remains as active loans.
For the academic year 2025–26, Rs 1.90 crore was distributed to 220 students, including 87 graduates, 43 postgraduates, 52 engineering students, 31 nursing students, and 7 medical students.
In 2024–25, Rs 2.45 crore was awarded to 284 students, comprising 46 graduates, 58 postgraduates, 72 engineering students, 84 nursing students, and 24 medical students.
Citing the example of Thomas Alva Edison, whose mother’s unwavering support helped him succeed despite being labelled “addled” by a teacher, bishop Saldanha urged students to view Michael D’Souza as a similar figure of support and encouragement.
Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP, welcomed the gathering and led the prayer. He described Michael D’Souza as a “missionary of social development” for the diocese of Mangaluru.
In a motivational talk, Michael D’Souza shared experiences from his own life. “In our time, a graduation was considered higher education. Today, higher education is common, but costly—often out of reach for middle-class families. CODP has processed 9,000 loans under the Educare programme,” he said.
“Wealth comes and goes, but knowledge stays. Ensure money and qualifications don’t go to your head. Always practice gratitude, and never forget your parents, mother tongue, and motherland,” he added.
Scholars Melisha Priya Quadras (Kinnigoli), Shallet Rebello (Mulki), Joyce Sharal D’Souza (Pangala), Nirmala (Kadaba), Pradeep Pinto (Bejai), Sharal D’Souza (Mariashram), Nishmitha (Vittal), and Anish D’Souza (Germany) expressed heartfelt gratitude to Michael D’Souza, his family, and CODP.
Educare panel member Prof Richard Alvares addressed the students, highlighting the “5G philosophy” – God, goal, gratefulness, growth, and gift. “Invest time wisely and believe in yourself – that’s the mantra for success,” he said, citing the achievements of recent regional toppers.
The event was attended by Flavia D’Souza, Manu, Educare advisor Prof CA Lionel Aranha, former banker Stephen Pinto, educationist Oswald Rodrigues, and Henry D’Souza.
Shiny D’Souza, an Educare scholar, compered the programme. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant director of CODP, proposed the vote of thanks. Over 500 students and parents were present.