M'luru: NRI Michael D'Souza family launches 'Educare Endowment' fund to aid underprivileged students
Mangaluru: Mangalore Diocese Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha on Monday launched the 'Educare Endowment Fund,' established at CODP (Canara Organisation for Development and Peace) by non-resident Indian and 'Vision Konkani' pioneer Michael D'Souza and his family.
At the CODP hall in Nanthoor, Bishop Saldanha lit the lamp and symbolically handed over interest-free loans to talented students. The Bishop noted that since 2013, Michael's financial assistance for empowering the weaker sections of the community has instilled hope within society.
"This initiative aims to motivate more students in the community, with the understanding that they will repay the aid after securing employment.
Visionary projects like this are crucial for uplifting the weaker sections of society, likening it to the saying that a country without vision will be destroyed," he added.
Nisha D'Souza, Michael D'Souza's daughter, expressed her happiness in continuing the project that started 10 years ago to support talented students from underprivileged families within the community. Flavia D'Souza, Michael's wife, and Valerian D'Souza were also present.
Director of CODP, Vincent D'Souza, delivered the welcome and introductory speech, while Counselor Richard Alvaris moderated the program. Coordinator Reena D'Costa delivered the vote of thanks.
A donation check of Rs. 75 lakh was presented during the event by Michael D'Souza and his family to CODP, which will be used to provide financial assistance to 84 students pursuing higher education, including MBBS and Engineering, this year.
"Michael D'Souza has been providing this financial assistance for the past 12 years, benefiting 3,300 individuals so far. The scheme is currently managed by CODP. Aid is granted to students with the condition that it will be repaid within one and a half years after completing their education," stated Vincent D'Souza.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
