Mangalore, 22 Jul 2013: The Karnataka State Devadiga Sangha, Mannagudde with the help of Dubai Devadiga Sangha distributed scholarship worth around Rs 6 lac to around 500 students at a scholarship disbursal programme held at Devadiga Samaja Bhavan, Mannagudde on Sunday July 21.
The programme was presided over by Sangha president Dinesh Devadiga Kadri while Harish Sherigar, entrepreneur and president of Devadiga Sangha, Dubai, Dr K V Devadiga, prominent neurosurgeon, Dr B S Sherigar, retired vice-chancellor of Kuvempu University, and B G Mohandas were the chief guests for the programme.
On the occasion, dignitaries felicitated Deekshith M C for scoring 96% in SSLC exam. Harish Sherigar gifted him a laptop. The Sangha also honoured national athlete Manjunath Devadiga.
Addressing the gathering, Harish Sherigar said every year the Devadiga Sangha in Dubai raises scholarship fund from people by organizing cultural programmes. "Initially when we started distributing scholarship, the amount was small but as years passed, with help from donors more money is being raised for the fund," he said.
He asked the students to contribute to society as they grow in life. He asked students to approach him for any help.
"By distributing scholarships, we are encouraging students to excel in their life. Our aim is students should receive good education and be good citizens of India," said B S Sherigar, retired vice-chancellor of Kuvempu University.
"For any community’s growth, education plays an important role," said B S Sherigar, asking students to help others when they get good jobs.
"We are encouraging students and identifying their talents by giving scholarships to them. The main aim of this programme is to give importance to education," said Dr K V Devadiga. Lauding Harish Sherigar for his generosity, Dr Devadiga said students should give importance to technical course as it has great potential.
Vaman Maroli, vice-president of the Sangha said around 500 students from 16 different categories were being honoured in this programme mainly for their achievements. "To my knowledge, 3 girls are pursuing IAS studies in our community which is a good sign of progress," he said.
"The youth from our community are very dynamic and proved the power of Devadiga community recently in organizing Mr and Mrs Devadiga contest," said Vaman Maroli asking the community to motivate students for self-employment.