Five achievers from Catholic community conferred Rachana Awards-2018

Mangaluru, Nov 17: Five achievers from the Catholic community were conferred the 'Rachana Awards 2018' at a glittering ceremony held at the Milagres Jubilee Hall in the city today.

The awardees are Faye D’Souza (Rachana Professional of the year), Ronald Castelino (Rachana Entrepreneur of the year), Lawrence Pinto (Rachana Agriculturist of the year), Aloysius Richard Lobo (Rachana NRI of the year) and Sr Maria Jyothi A C (Rachana Woman of the year).

The much-awaited event of the year was presided over by Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. Karnataka Circle chief postmaster general, IPS, Dr Charles Lobo was the chief guest.

Inaugurating the event, Dr Charles said, "Most of our youth goes to the Gulf when there is a huge need for the people of our community to be in the bureaucrat service here. Today's post office has everything. Its new e-commerce program will be the best in India very soon."

Speaking about his efforts to help the community, he said, "I have done my best to promote Konkani in my area and tried to bring special covers on different occasions, one even depicting the Monthi Fest," he added.

Appreciating Rachana's initiative of honouring achievers, he suggested conferring the award on handicapped Catholic businessmen and supporting all businessmen with the means to strengthen their ventures.

On the occasion, all the past presidents of Rachana were honoured and the newly ordained Bishop of Mangaluru Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was felicitated.

In his presidential address, the Bishop said, "The Rachana award has become renowned in our community. Rachana promotes native talents. Winners never quit and quitters never win. The ones who have been awarded believed in their capacity and never quit. 'Hardwork' is how you spell success." He then appreciated the organisers for also selecting a agriculturist for the award.

All the award winners expressed their gratitude to Rachana for the recognition. Alwyn D'Sa compered the programme. President Stany Alvares welcomed the gathering. Award committee head John Monteiro briefed about the award and the awardees, Secretary of Rachana, Anil Vas delivered the vote of thanks.