Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru Nov 7: The Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, November 7 distributed scholarship worth 8 lac to 240 deserving students.
Speaking during the scholarship distribution programme, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore diocese said, "Love is the strongest force in the world. There is no weapon as strong as love. Though there are evil people in the society, the distribution of the scholarship programme is the finest example to prove that there are even good people in the society," Bishop said.
"Society can be uplifted only through selfless service," he added.
"Students should remember that after completing your goal and attaining success in life, you should help the needy in society," he added.
Bishop also called upon students to imbibe good qualities and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and other great personalities in life.
Spiritual director Fr Melwyn Pinto said, "Students should have a proper goal in life. The ambition to reach the goal can lead you towards success in life. When you set a goal in life, you can do good things in life, which will lead you towards success in life."
"Students should never think those who receive scholarships are poor. Poverty is not a curse, it is a blessing of God, instead, it should be taken as a challenge. After receiving the scholarship there is responsibility. After attaining a certain position, you should come forward to help others. It should be a give and take the policy," he added.
He also asked students to share knowledge and good things with society.
Every year, the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary provides Rs 8 lac education aid to poor students and also Rs 8 lac medical aid to financially backward people suffering from cancer, kidney problems and heart diseases. Besides this Rs 13 lac is spent towards financial assistance for those in need. In total it spends Rs 25 lac for the needy.
The Sodality of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary has 150 years of history. It was founded by German missionaries in 1870. The main objectives of the Sodality are to help and provide services to the financially backward section of society.
President Vivian Sequeira, vice-president Benedict Menezes, secretary Ligoury Fernandes and treasurer Sushil Noronha were present.
John D'Silva compered the programme.