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Mangalore, July 27, 2025: “Gratitude is the best attitude. Never forget the sacrifices of your parents, the support of your teachers, and the guidance of your priests. You are the shining stars of the Mangalorean Konkani Catholic community, known globally for its talent and generosity,” said Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. He was addressing scholars and their parents at the symbolic distribution of the Educare interest-free loan scholarship, managed by the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODP), Diocese of Mangalore, at Rosario Cathedral.
The Educare scholarship, instituted in 2013 by NRI entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Vision Konkani program, Michael D’Souza, and his family, has completed 12 years. To date, it has disbursed ₹29 crore in interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education. The beneficiaries include 125 doctors, 762 engineers, 491 nurses, 904 postgraduates, 1,013 graduates, and 137 diploma holders. Of this, ₹20 crore has been repaid by beneficiaries, with ₹9 crore in ongoing loans.
For the academic year 2025–26, ₹1,90,10,000 was distributed to 220 students, including 87 graduates, 43 postgraduates, 52 engineering students, 31 nursing students, and 7 medical students.
For the academic year 2024–25, ₹2,45,47,000 was awarded to 284 students, comprising 46 graduates, 58 postgraduates, 72 engineering students, 84 nursing students, and 24 medical students.
Citing the example of Thomas Alva Edison, whose mother’s unwavering support shaped his career despite a teacher labeling him “addled,” Bishop Saldanha urged scholars to remember Michael D’Souza’s unconditional support, likening him to a parental figure.
Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, welcomed the gathering and led the prayer, describing Michael D’Souza as a “missionary of social development” for the Diocese of Mangalore.
In a motivational talk, Mr. D’Souza shared insights from his life, stating, “In our time, a graduation was considered higher education. Today, higher education is common but costly, often unaffordable for middle-class families. CODP has processed 9,000 loans under the Educare program.” He added, “Wealth comes and goes, but knowledge stays. Ensure money and qualifications don’t go to your head. Always practice gratitude, and never forget your parents, mother tongue, and motherland.”
Scholars Melisha Priya Quadras (Kinnigoli), Shallet Rebello (Mulky), Joyce Sharal D’Souza (Pangala), Nirmala (Kadaba), Pradeep Pinto (Bejai), Sharal D’Souza (Mariashram), Nishmitha (Vittal), and Anish D’Souza (Germany) expressed heartfelt gratitude to Michael D’Souza, his family, and CODP.
Educare panel member Prof. Richard Alvares addressed the students, emphasizing the “5G philosophy” – God, Goal, Gratefulness, Growth, and Gift. “Invest time wisely and believe in yourself – that’s the mantra for success,” he said, citing recent regional achievers.
The event was attended by Mrs. Flavia D’Souza, Mr. Manu, Educare advisor Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, former banker Stephen Pinto, educationist Oswald Rodrigues, and Henry D’Souza.
Ms. Shiny D’Souza, an Educare scholar, compered the program, and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Director of CODP, proposed the vote of thanks. Over 500 students and parents attended the event.
ನಿರಂತರ ಅಪ್ಡೇಟ್ಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ಟೆಲಿಗ್ರಾಂ ಚಾನೆಲ್ಗೆ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಿ
ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್’ ಫೇಸ್ಬುಕ್ ಪುಟ ಲೈಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ
ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ ವಾಟ್ಸಪ್ ಗ್ರೂಪ್ಗೆ ಜಾಯಿನ್ ಆಗಲು ಈ ಲಿಂಕ್ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ
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