Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Aug 19: KCO Trust (Regd) disbursed scholarships to 56 deserving students at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Bajpe, Mangaluru, on Sunday, August 17.
Fr Ronald Cutinha, director of Samanvaya, introduced the activities of both KCO and Samanvaya. He recalled that KCO signed a management agreement with Samanvaya in 2004 to manage its scholarship programme for deserving students.
The chief guest of the programme was Pramila Crasta, managing director of Sapling Multi Ventures Pvt Ltd, Mangaluru. Guests of honour included Fr Vincent Thoras, director of Our Lady of Good Health Church Mission Centre, Jalasangi, Bidar (Gulbarga diocese), and Leo Rodrigues, president of KCO and managing director of Amigo Automobile Services SP LLC, Abu Dhabi. Other office-bearers of KCO for the Pearl Jubilee year 2025 were also present.
KCO vice-president CA Valerian Dalmaida welcomed the gathering. President Leo Rodrigues presented flower bouquets to the guests, office-bearers, past members of KCO and Fr Francis D’Almeida SJ. The programme began with a prayer by Samanvaya members and lighting of the lamp by dignitaries.
Scholarships worth Rs 10 lac were distributed among 30 students from Bidar and 26 students from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Karwar and Hubli districts.
Commending KCO for its commitment to education, chief guest Pramila Crasta urged students to utilise the opportunity, excel in studies and give back to society. Guest of honour Fr Vincent Thoras compared students to sandalwood saplings nurtured by KCO, calling on them to grow into trees that spread their fragrance by excelling in life and helping others.
KCO president Leo Rodrigues reminded students to remain grateful to those who recommended them, maintain contact with KCO, and update the trust with their academic progress and achievements. He also appreciated the efforts of Claudia Lobo, coordinator of the disbursement committee, for meticulously administering the scholarship process.
Secretary Sandhya Vas proposed the vote of thanks.
Since its inception, KCO Trust, under the motto “Preserving Culture, Improving Lives”, has contributed Rs 7.54 crore towards charitable activities, including the disbursement of 1,657 scholarships amounting to Rs 1.53 crore. This year’s disbursement totalled Rs 10 lac for 56 students.
As part of its Pearl Jubilee celebrations, KCO will host a Throw Ball Tournament in October in Abu Dhabi, followed by the Pearl Jubilee Celebration on November 8 in Abu Dhabi and December 7 in Mangaluru.
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