Adani Foundation CSR Grant Ceremony held at Manasa, Pamboor

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 25 March 2025: The Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor was awarded a grant of Rs. 20 lakhs under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme by the Adani Foundation. A formal ceremony to transfer this amount from the Adani Foundation to Manasa Management was held on Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 10.30 am in the Manasa auditorium. Mr. Kishore Alva, Executive Director and President of the Adani Group formally handed over the amount of the CSR Grant to Henry Menezes, President of the Manasa and the Management members.  

 

The programme commenced with the prayer song and welcome dance presented by the students of Manasa, Pamboor. 

 

Dr. Edward Lobo-Founder President of the Manasa welcomed the dignitaries on the dais-Kishore Alva, Rev. Msgr, Ferdinand Gonsalves-Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Francis Gomes-well wisher of Manasa and a family friend of Kishore Alva, Dr. Edward Lobo, Santosh Cornelio-President of the Catholic Sabha Udupi Diocese, Henry Menezes-President of Manasa, Ravi Jiri-Assistant Managing Director of the Adani Group, Elroy Kiran Crasta-Director of MCC Bank, Mangalore, David D’Souza-President of the Mudarangadi Grama Panchayat, Anil Lobo-Chairman of the MCC Bank, Mangalore, Joseph Noronha-Secretary of Manasa, Mrs. Juliet D’Souza-Trustee of Manasa and  Sr. Vinney Gonsalves-Principal of Manasa. 

 

The dignitaries on the dais led by Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

 

 

 

 

In his message, Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves said that the Manasa Institution has been founded and administered by the Catholic Sabhas of Mangalore and Udupi Pradesh which are purely lay organizations. It is chiefly due to the generous contributions of donors such as Adani Foundation that the Manasa Institution could achieve the success and progress. With the inauguration of the Autism Centre, Manasa has ventured into a project which is very essential to treat and train children with autism. He expressed gratitude to Kishore Alva for the generous grant of Rs. 20 lakhs through the CSR scheme of the Adani Foundation. 

 

In his address, Rev. Fr. Xavier Gomes narrated that he has been in touch with Kishore Alva since his student days in the St. Philomena College, Puttur. He pointed out the finer qualities of Kishore Alva and lauded his achievements. He said that Kishore Alva was the President of the Students Union and manifested his leadership qualities, organizing capacity and administrative ability which helped him in his education and eventual rise as the Executive Director and President of the Adani Group.  Fr. Xavier Gomes also stressed on the fact that Kishore Alva has a soft corner for animals especially verities of dogs, environment and Indian heritage.

 

Kishore Alva was honoured by the dignitaries on the dais led by Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves.

 

In his message, Kishore Alva recalled his days as a student of St. Philomena College, Puttur and his interest in sports and student activities. He said that as the warden of the Hostel,   Fr. Xavier Gomes imbibed in him a sense of discipline and love of sports as he himself was a National level football player as goal-keeper. Kishore Alva further said that he was happy to contribute to Manasa through the CSR scheme of the Adani Foundation as the institution takes care of especially abled children. He said that it is better to contribute to such institutions and community development projects rather than towards building or renovating places of religious worship. He assured further support to Manasa whenever possible in future. 

 

On this occasion  Rev. Fr. Xavier Gomes, Ravi Jiri and David D’Souza were also felicitated. 

 

In his presidential message, Henry Menezes, President of Manasa expressed profound gratitude to Adani Foundation, especially Kishore Alva for the CSR Grant that was handed over to Manasa. 

 

John Martis, Founder Trustee of Manasa proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Muril Premlatha compered the programme.