Mangaluru: Rachana awards announced; Aloysius Richard Lobo is NRI of the year

Media Release
October 16, 2018

Mangaluru, Oct 16: Rachana, a forum of Catholic entrepreneurs, businessmen and professionals, has announced its annual awards for this year. Here’s the list of winners:

1. Rachana Agriculturist of the year       - Mr. Lawrence Pinto

4. Rachana Entrepreneur of the year     - Mr. Ronald Castelino

2. Rachana Professional of the year      - Ms. Faye Dsouza

3. Rachana NRI of the year                    - Mr. Aloysius Richard Lobo

5. Rachana Woman of the year              - Sr. Maria Jyothi A.C

Announcing this at a press meet here, Stany Alvares President of Rachana, said that the award ceremony will be held on Saturday, 17th November 2018 at 6 pm at Milagres Jubilee Hall.

The ceremony will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese. Dr Charles Lobo, IPS, Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle will be the Chief Guest and Mr Ronald Colaco, NRI Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Bengaluru will be the Guest of honour.

He said it was in the year 1998 that Catholic businessmen, agriculturists and professionals formed Rachana, with an objective of encouraging youth to take up entrepreneurship, for training them in investment and for supporting them with technical backup.

He said, in the last 20 years Rachana has worked to achieve its goals and has trained over 200 youth through Rachana Entrepreneur Development Cell (REDC). The youth who have been trained thereby have started printing press, Nano Taxi, poultry farming, candle manufacturing and other enterprises.

Rachana has recognized the successful entrepreneurs, professionals, agriculturists, NRI entrepreneurs and women who have achieved in their distinctive field and brought them into limelight, more so that their example may be emulated by the young and the upcoming. Rachana had also organized Magnet 2014 Conference in April, which was attended by Catholic achievers from the world over.

Elias Sanctis, Vice President, John B. Monteiro, Convener, Rachana Awards 2018, Felix J. Pinto, Treasurer, Anil Vas, Secretary were present in the press conference.

 

About Winners

 

      Lawrence Pinto

Lawrence has been awarded for his skill to convert the 20 acres of farmland into a model farm growing areca, rubber and coconut garden withanimal husbandry to supplicate the income. And using innovative farming approaches towards irrigation, manuring and other activities like generating greenorganic manure within the farm through in-house compositing.

Social Work: Served 15 years as Gurkar of Algangar Church and also extended his service in Catholic Sabha, Parish Pastoral Council and Rotart Club as a member.

Awards: He has been awarded from the Moodbidri Co-operative Service Bank with the Excellent Farmer Award for 2015;

K. SomappaSuvarna Award for 2016 from late SomappaSuvarnaNeraluNempu Committee identifying his services in agriculture.

Excellent Agriculturist Award for 2017 during Silver Jubilee celebration of Catholic Sabha, Moodbidri.

Setting benchmarks to prove that intelligent farming techniques reap dividends in today’s world and society withincity limits.

Above all, silently being involved in the Agricultural Growth of our country where farm produce and supply is mostessential to curb inflation.

 

      Ronald Castelino (Roy Castelino)

Ronald Castelino, former president of Karnataka Konkani Literature Academy is popularly known as Roy Castelino. During his tenure, he has worked with the motto 'Konkani education - Konkani literature - Konkani culture'. He has succeeded in his mission by providing all-around co-operation for the study of Konkani in schools, publishing of 75 Konkani books written by various writers on various subjects at two books per month and introduced 'Mobile Konkani Bazaar', a unique project to spread the flavour of Konkani literature and music to each and every household. Out of the 41 Konkani communities of Karnataka, Roy has interacted with more than 30 communities and organized more than 200 programmes to radiate the Konkani language. Roy Castelino has organized fellowship training and workshops through the special grant for the Konkani speaking backward communities like Siddi and Dalit Konkani people. The establishment of Konkani study center in Mangaluru University is one of the important milestones of his tenure. He has also extended co-operation in starting Master of Arts (M.A.) in Konkani language in the university.

Roy Castelino has donned several responsible positions in the society. He is the founder president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan and president for two terms of Rachana - Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Roy is the former member of Karnataka Konkani Literature Academy. He is serving as the sponsor of Maand Sobhann, an important cultural organization of Konkani language. He was the former treasurer of the World Konkani Organization and former president of Lion's Club, Kulshekar. He is the present trustee of Sandesha Education and Cultural Foundation. He is serving as the president of Pragati Co-operative society since 15 years. Roy is also serving as a nominated member of the Diocesan Parish Council of Mangaluru Diocese. Roy Castelino, who is a science graduate, established 'Roy Constructions' 32 years ago and is known as one of the successful entrepreneurs of Mangaluru. He is an able and successful leader without any doubt. Though he is a Christian, he has kept harmonious relation with people of all religion of the society.

 

      Faye D’Souza

      Executive Editor, MIRROR NOW

Faye D’Souza is an award winning journalist and the Executive Editor of MIRROR NOW and hosts the flagship show, ‘The Urban Debate’.  Over the last year Faye has lead the editorial team at Mirror Now, to break the conventions of news television and prime time viewing to refocus on the issues that really matter to the Indian citizens . Faye’s focus on accountability of government, responsible taxation, safety of women and children, education, health and urban development has also resulted in several policy changes and impact developments that have proven that journalists can still bring about improvements in the status quo.  Under Faye’s leadership, Mirror Now has been the recipient of multiple awards this year for Social media, Reporting, Anchoring and Editorial. 

Faye is the journalist for the millennials – young, fresh and brutally honest.

She spent her initial years in the world of business news with CNBC TV 18, where she was in the thick of things related to state policies, economic offences and personal finance. She subsequently joined the TIMES NETWORK as it was stamping its authority into television news in 2008.

She has a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication and Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and English Literature.

 

      Aloysius Richard Lobo

Aloysius Richard Lobo, BA, LLB, GDA, GDCS who hails from Karkala town of Udupi District is inspiring to young Mangalorean entrepreneurs. His ups and downs in the business life are truly a lesson to be learnt for aspiring entrepreneurs and the young generation today.

Lobo was instrumental in providing job opportunities to more than  150 Mangaloreans nad Indians in general during his business days in Oman. He has also been a key support to many Mangaloreans to start business as well as get a job in London. Lobo initiated the first public Monthi Fest celebration in London and ever since he has been inviting more than 350 Mangaloreans who work around the UK. He is the backbone of Konkani cultural events in London. After SSLC, Lobo went to Mumbai at the age of 18. In SSLC, he obtained 100% in Maths and 86% in book keeping. He completed two degrees and another four years of professional courses in Mumbai. In 1974, he went to Muscat as an Accountant. Soon he started meat business in Oman  and he was importing an average 1,000 tons chicken from France and Brazil, 500 tons of Mutton and beef from Australia, 100 tons of tender lamb from New Zealand and 10,000 cartons of eggs from Holland and had around 20 freezer lorries serving the country daily except Fridays. Lobo reached London in late November 1990. Instead of doing meat business he ended up doing fish business without any prior knowledge of the field. He opened his first rented shop in London in February 1991. Lobo’s hard work resulted in the establishment of 17 of his own fish outlets across London. The outlets are aptly named ‘Lobo Fisheries’. In 2010 Lobo forayed into meat and poultry business along with his son. They established a modern factory to processes meat and poultry on a 50,000 sq. ft premises for which his son received the Young Entrepreneur Award. Boosted by the response, they opened another seven chain shops to market processed meat and poultry.  

His wife Christine is Ex Lecturer and the couple has a daughter Cheryl who is a Doctor and a son Keith who looks after business.

 

      Sr Maria Jyothi AC

Sr Maria Jyothi A.C was born on 16-12-1943. She has the qualifications of B.A., B.Ed., M.A.(Spl. Ed) DSE(MR) to her credit. She is a nun belonging to The Apostolic Carmel community.

Sr Maria Jyothi worked as Special Educator and the Founder Principal of St. Agnes Special School, Mangalore from 1970 to 2001, as Prinicipal, St. Agnes Teacher Training Institute for Special Education from 1992 to date as Core faculty- Special Education DSE(MR) from 2002-2004 and Co-ordinator RCI-Courses-DPEP& Bridge Course - study centre Madhya Pradesh, Bhoj (Open) University - Bhopal. B.Ed. Special Education (SEDE), Foundation Course on Education of Children with Disabilities FC(SEDE), Post graduate Professional Diploma PGPD (SEDE) from 2001 to date.

She is the member of Governing Body - Community Based Rehabilitation Forum-Bangalore and of Sarva Shiksha Abiyana Mangaluru division.

She helped to open the institutions for the mentally challenged children that include. Lion's Special School- Suratkal Mangaluru,Manasa Rehabiliation Centre- Pamboor, Lion's Speical School, Venur,  now Chirst Raj Navachethana Special School Venur, St. Mary's Special School- Kinnigoli, Carmel Vikas Kendr- Bailhongal, Belgaum and C.B.R. Programme- Bailhongal, Belgaum.

She has received Rajyothsava State award for Social Work and Rotary Vocational Excellence A ward 2004-2005.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 16,2025

SMR1.jpg

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

SMR3.jpg

SMR2.jpg

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 17,2025

melkar1.jpg

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

melkar3.jpg

melkar2.jpg

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.