Prathiba Puraskar by Catholic Sabha Moodubelle Unit

Moodubelle, June 28: The Catholic Sabha and Lay Commission of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, jointly organized Pratibha Puraskar, a programme to felicitate meritorious SSLC and PUC students and honour two senior parishioners, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 9.00 a.m. in the presbytery hall.

The programme commenced with a prayer service, followed by a welcome address by John Avin D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha and Coordinator of the Lay Commission.

The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest. Other dignitaries present on the dais included CA Pritish Burton D’Sa, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC); Mrs. Lavina Jyothi D’Souza, PPC Secretary; Mrs. Monica D’Souza, Convener of the 20 Commissions; John Avin D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha; Mrs. Leona Britto, Secretary; and Ronald D’Souza, Treasurer of the Catholic Sabha.

During the programme, four students who excelled in the SSLC Examination—Andrea Angel Alva, Shawn Ethan Barboza, Ashwil Joshua Saldanha, and Sweedal D’Souza—and six students who secured outstanding results in the PUC Examination—Reema Lobo, Reshal Mascarenhas, Arlene Winona Barboza, Jenisha Martis, Merwin Clarie Menezes, and Alisha Barboza—were felicitated by the dignitaries. Mrs. Leona Britto introduced the achievers to the gathering.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Reshal Mascarenhas expressed gratitude to the Catholic Sabha for recognizing the students’ academic achievements. She also thanked her parents and teachers for their constant support, encouragement, and guidance in helping them achieve success.

Addressing the gathering, CA Pritish Burton D’Sa congratulated the students and their parents on their remarkable academic accomplishments. Sharing his own journey, he emphasized that unwavering focus, dedication, and hard work had enabled him to achieve his goals. He encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies and pursue their dreams with determination. Referring to his recent election as the Secretary of the Udupi Diocesan Pastoral Council, he described it as a milestone in his life and urged the students to strive for excellence through perseverance and discipline.

On the occasion, two respected senior parishioners—Mrs. Emilia Noronha and Mr. Frederick Fernandes—were honoured in recognition of their valuable contributions to the parish community. Peter Mendonca, President-Elect of the Catholic Sabha, introduced the honourees.

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. George D’Souza encouraged everyone to cultivate a positive outlook in life, stating that negative thinking often becomes the greatest obstacle to personal and community growth. He congratulated the students on their achievements and urged them to continue striving for excellence. He also appealed to parishioners to actively participate in the civic and political affairs of the village by contesting local body elections and contributing to the development of society. Further, he encouraged the faithful to become active members of the Catholic Sabha and strengthen its mission within the parish. He complimented CA Pritish D’Sa on being elected as the Secretary of the Udupi Diocesan Pastoral Council.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ronald D’Souza, Treasurer of the Catholic Sabha. Advocate Livan Fernandes efficiently compered the proceedings.