Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha urges students to remain grateful at Educare Scholarship event
Mangaluru: Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, on Sunday, reminded young students to remain grounded and grateful, urging them never to forget the sacrifices of their parents, the guidance of their teachers, and the support of their community. He was speaking at the symbolic distribution ceremony of the Educare interest-free loan scholarship, held at Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore.
“You are the shining stars of the Mangalorean Konkani Catholic community, known across the world for talent and generosity. Gratitude is the best attitude,” Bishop Saldanha told the gathered students and parents.
The Educare scholarship, an initiative under the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODP), Diocese of Mangalore, was started in 2013 by NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael D’Souza and his family. Over the past 12 years, the scheme has disbursed ₹29 crore in interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education in various fields. So far, ₹20 crore has been repaid by beneficiaries, while ₹9 crore remains in active circulation.
As of this year, the initiative has supported 125 medical students, 762 engineers, 491 nurses, 904 postgraduates, 1,013 undergraduates, and 137 diploma holders.
For the academic year 2025–26 alone, ₹1.9 crore was distributed to 220 students, including 87 graduates, 43 postgraduates, 52 engineering students, 31 nursing students, and 7 pursuing medicine. In the previous academic year (2024–25), ₹2.45 crore was given to 284 students, with a slightly higher intake across various streams.
Recalling the story of Thomas Alva Edison, whose mother’s belief in him shaped his future despite early academic struggles, Bishop Saldanha likened Michael D’Souza’s role to that of a parent, offering selfless support to young minds in need.
Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, welcomed the audience and led the prayer service. He described Michael D’Souza as a “missionary of social development” whose contributions have transformed countless lives across the diocese.
Sharing his journey, Michael D’Souza spoke about the changing landscape of education. “In our time, graduating from college was itself considered higher education. Today, it is almost a minimum requirement, but it's become costly. Middle-class families often find it difficult to afford,” he said. Highlighting the scale of the initiative, he added that CODP has processed nearly 9,000 interest-free loans under the Educare scheme.
“Wealth comes and goes, but knowledge stays. Stay humble. Let money and degrees not affect your attitude. Always be thankful—and never forget your parents, your mother tongue, or your motherland,” he said.
Several students who benefited from the scholarship—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)—shared emotional words of gratitude towards Michael D’Souza, his family, and the CODP.
Educare panel member Prof. Richard Alvares addressed the students, urging them to follow the “5G philosophy” – God, Goal, Gratefulness, Growth, and Gift. “Invest your time wisely and believe in yourself,” he said, pointing to recent regional achievers as role models.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries including Mrs. Flavia D’Souza, Mr. Manu, Educare advisor Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, former banker Stephen Pinto, educationist Oswald Rodrigues, and Henry D’Souza.
Shiny D’Souza, a former Educare scholar, anchored the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Director of CODP. Over 500 students and parents attended the event.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
