Yogish Bhat, Deshpande receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Udupi, April 1: The true economic and social progress of the country could take place only if development reached all sections of society, said former Minister R V Deshpande.

He was speaking after receiving the Distinguished Achievement Award to Outstanding Konkanis organised by Dr. T.M.A. Pai Foundation here on said on Saturday.

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly N. Yogish Bhat and Chairman of Saraswat Cooperative Bank Ltd Ekanath K. Thakur also received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Outstanding Konkanis.

Writer Saratchandra Shenoi from Kochi received Dr. T.M.A. Pai Best Konkani Book Award for his work “Atmayan”.

Mr. Deshpande said that economic development which left sections of society untouched was not progress at all.

The political field in the country had got polluted. It was necessary to have good and committed people in public life, he said.

Mr. Yogish Bhat said that 21st Century should become India's century. India with its tremendous youth population could become economic and spiritual power of the world, he said.

Mr. Ekanath Thakur said that there was no substitute to hard work.

If pursued with passion, zeal, optimism and determination, success could be achieved. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude”.

Everybody had their share of peaks and troughs. One must develop the wherewithal to deal with circumstances calmly, Mr. Thakur said.

Chancellor of Manipal University Ramdas M. Pai, president of the foundation T. Mohandas Pai, veteran journalist M.V. Kamath, and administrative officer of the Academy of General Education H. Shantharam were present.