Cyril G Sequeira, was honoured with the Sandesha Konkani literature award for his contribution to Konkani literature.  Lalitha Rai, writer of short stories and novels in Tulu received the Sandesha award for Tulu Literature.  Vaidehi was given the Sandesha Award for her contribution to Kannada literature. P Sheshadri, National award winning film director was honoured with the Sandesha Film award.

B V Rajaram who fostered the growth of drama training institute, Kalagangotri,  received the Sandesha media education award. B K S Verma, renowned for his geetha-kuncha, nrithya-geeta-kuncha style of drawing was honoured with the Sandesha Art Award.

Columnist Abdul Rasheed, programme coordinator of AIR, Madikeri received the Sandesha Journalism Award.  Lawrence Saldanha, a composer based both in Mangalore and Mumbai known as Konkani Keer,  was honoured with Sandesha Konkani music award. Sr. Irene Mascarenhas, for her service in the field of education in Chikmagalur, Thirthahalli, Balehonnur was conferred the  Sandesha best teacher award. White Doves, an NGO from Mangalore, dedicated to social service received the Sandesha Special Recognition Award. 

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore while congratulating the award winners, said: every year Sandesha has been honouring people who have worked towards and served for the society. He commended the award winners as examples and source of inspiration. Archbishop Bernard Moras, of Bangalore, who presided over the function, said life is meaningless without an interest in art and culture. Various art forms, music dance and painting have the power to bring about a transformation in the world, he observed. He  said the  holy books- the Bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita-  are filled with knowledge. “But it’s the artist who can describe thousands of words in various art forms may it be dance, music, paintings, singing and many more. These art form are very powerful and can even change the world. Art forms can be seen in different religions as well.

CBCI News