Today’s pain is tomorrow’s gain, Leo Rodrigues at KCO Scholarship disbursement

By HM Pernal
Pics by Roshan Madtha
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 22 Aug 2016: “There is no shortcut for success except hard work. Today’s Pain is Tomorrow’s Gain. And for this I am the living example” said Leo Rodrigues, Abu Dhabi based NRI entrepreneur and visionary. He was delivering the presidential address at Konkani Cultural Organization scholarships disbursement programme held at Centenary Memorial Hall, Jeppu Seminary, Mangaluru.

 

Leo Rodrigues started his address with a request to the student community to pray for KCO members and recalled his early days. He said, "In the year 1971 my father gave Rs 90 to buy a bicycle and I used that bicycle for many years. I was riding that bicycle even when I was the vice president of Mukka Parish Council. Today though economically we have progressed, some needy families need a helping hand from community. Apart from Educational Aid, the KCO is also extending helping hand towards medical aid to the needy families who do not afford medical expenses for critical illness. The KCO is also supporting poor families in marriage expenses and last year it has extended a helping hand to four families.”

 

He specifically called upon the youth to be kind to their parents. "If you are kind to your parents you will be blessed abundantly. At the same time don’t forget to pray, because prayer has a great power," he said.

 

 

Rev Fr. Michael Santhumayor, Principal, Milagres College, Mangaluru was the chief guest for the function. Fr. Santhumayor inaugurated the scholarship distribution programme by lighting the lamp.

 

Immediate Past President of KCO, Michael D Silva, General Secretary Canute Pinto, Vice President Vivek Serrao, KCO Trust Advisor Valerian D Almeida, Past President Gerald D Mello, Cultural Secretary Bennet D Melllo, Trust Advisory Committee Member Maxim Francis D Cunha, Member Leena D Souza, Samanvaya Director Rev Fr. Dr. Ronald Cutinho and Rev Fr. Francis Almeida joined on the dais.

 

Addressing the students Rev. Fr. Santhumayor said “ Be like a needle which joins stitches, not like a scissor which cuts and separates in the society."

 

“We have seen scissors and knifes, they always cut the things and separate. But needle though small always stitches and binds. In the same manner today fragmented society is in need of needles and not the scissors," he said.

 

Elaborating on a researched story of vulture and eagle he asked scholars to adopt seven unique qualities of the vulture in their life. “There is a vast difference between these two birds. Both can fly high in the sky but vulture has a clear vision up to 5 k.m. It strikes straight and never ever misses the goal. Another uniqueness of vulture is it always eats fresh, never consumes stale. Vultures are never afraid of tempest and they always take it as a challenge,” he said.

 

Pondering further on unique qualities of the Vulture, Fr. Santhumayor said, “Before selecting its male partner female vulture carries stick to the high sky and drops it and the male has to catch it before it touches the ground. This exercise will go up to four times in a row and if the male passes the test then only the female vulture selects him as a partner. In the same manner you should be selective and wise in selecting the company,” he advised.

 

“Vultures give the best training to face all the odds to its juniors and teach how to take challenges. When a vulture becomes old it goes to the hard rock, stop eating and get rid of all the old feathers from its wing. It only returns back with new feathers. In the same way always be open to new ideas and don’t hesitate to face challenges. Life is full of challenges and we should always remember that we are here at the cost of others. We were born to others, we were trained by others, we are employed by others and when we die others carry us on their shoulders. So when we are here we should live in such a way, others get benefited," he opined.

 

Rev. Dr. Ronald Coutinho, Director of Samanvaya delivered the key note address and briefed about Konkani Cultural Association and its social work. In his address Rev. Dr. Cutinho said, "KCO is its 21st year and since last 12 years it has distributed scholarship to the tune of Rs.1 crore 11 lakh to 407 needy students. This year 87 students were awarded a scholarship of Rs. 6,95,500/-  Apart from scholarship KCO also gives medical aids and supports to the poor families in wedding expenses."

 

Rev. Dr. Cutinho made a special mention in his key note address about meritorious student Lavanya who has scored 100/100 marks in four subjects. As a token of appreciation KCO President Leo Rodrigues announced cash prize of Rs.3,000/- and other KCO members on the stage joined Leo Rodrigues contributing Rs.500/- each.

 

Michael D Silva, Former President of KCO who spoke after distributing the scholarships said, “We the KCO members put much efforts and sacrifice a lot of time to raise the fund for scholarship. Though scholarship amount may not cover the entire education expenses, I request you to use it with responsibility.”

 

KCO President Leo Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and General Secretary Canute Pinto proposed vote of thanks. Rev Fr. Dr. Ronald Coutinho, Director of Samnvaya compered the programme. 87 Students, their family members, KCO ex- members and well wishers of KCO participated in the programme.