Mangaluru: The Konkani Cultural Organisation (KCO) continued its commitment to supporting education and community welfare by disbursing scholarships worth ₹11.5 lakh to 67 meritorious and needy students from Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar, Gulbarga and Bidar regions.

The scholarship disbursement programme was held at MCC Bank Hall, Founder’s Branch, Light House Hill Road, Mangaluru, bringing together scholarship recipients, their parents, KCO members, well-wishers and distinguished guests.

The initiative reflects KCO’s longstanding motto, “Preserving Culture, Improving Lives”, and its efforts to support deserving students pursuing higher education.

Distinguished guests attend scholarship programme

The programme was attended by Mr Anil Lobo, Chairman, MCC Bank Ltd., as the Chief Guest, along with Mr Clevy Leo Rodrigues, Honorary President, KCO Trust and Managing Director of Amigo Automobile Services LLC, Abu Dhabi.

Also present were Rev. Fr Vincent Thoras, Director, Our Lady of Good Health Church, Mission Center, Gulbarga Diocese; Mr Franklin D’Cunha, Honorary Treasurer of KCO; Mr Michael D’Silva and Mr Gerald D’Mello, KCO Trustees, besides KCO well-wishers and the families of the scholarship recipients.

Mr Michael D’Silva welcomed the gathering and expressed his appreciation to the guests, beneficiaries and supporters for their participation.

The proceedings were conducted by Mr Leslie Rego, well-wisher of KCO and master of ceremonies, who introduced the dignitaries and briefly outlined the organisation’s journey and its efforts to promote Konkani culture while extending support to those in need.

The programme began with prayers seeking God’s blessings, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp and floral tributes to the dignitaries.

KCO supports students pursuing higher education

Since its inception in 1995, KCO has undertaken various charitable initiatives, including educational scholarships, under its motto of preserving culture and improving lives.

This year’s scholarship programme supported 67 students, with a total disbursement of ₹11.5 lakh.

KCO provides assistance to deserving and needy students who wish to continue their education after SSLC and PUC and pursue professional and higher education. Applications are received through various sources and are subsequently assessed through a selection process.

Selected beneficiaries are invited to the scholarship disbursement programme, where scholarship cheques are presented in the presence of KCO members, distinguished guests and parents.

Anil Lobo urges students to develop leadership qualities

Addressing the students, Chief Guest Mr Anil Lobo encouraged them to concentrate on their studies and strive for academic excellence while also actively participating in community activities and youth organisations.

He said such involvement could help students develop their personalities and leadership qualities.

Mr Lobo also stressed the importance of communicating openly with people around them and seeking support from parents and siblings when facing difficulties. He encouraged the students to develop problem-solving skills, make use of their talents and have the courage to progress in life.

He urged the beneficiaries to trust and remain grateful to their parents, support their families and contribute positively to society.

Mr Lobo also appreciated the generosity of KCO members and recalled the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations, noting the positive response the organisation received from the community.

Fr Vincent Thoras highlights importance of support

Rev. Fr Vincent Thoras offered an illustration from nature to inspire the scholarship recipients.

He compared the journey of students to a pepper creeper, which produces valuable crops but needs the support of a stronger tree to grow and reach its full potential.

He said the scholarship support provided by KCO represented such an opportunity for the students. He encouraged them to make good use of the assistance and, once they are in a position to do so, extend similar support to others in the future.

KCO president urges beneficiaries to give back

In his address, Mr Clevy Leo Rodrigues thanked KCO’s sponsors for their generosity and support, which he said had enabled the organisation to continue its charitable activities.

He encouraged the scholarship recipients to maintain contact with KCO and keep the organisation informed about their academic progress and achievements.

Mr Rodrigues also urged the students to contribute a portion of their future earnings towards society once they begin their careers. He said such a commitment would help continue the cycle of supporting and empowering future generations.

He appreciated the efforts of the KCO scholarship disbursement committee and treasurer for efficiently administering the scholarship process.

Mr Rodrigues also thanked Mr Anil Lobo for providing the venue for the programme and conveyed his wishes to the students and their families.

KCO extends support beyond education

KCO’s community welfare initiatives extend beyond educational assistance. The organisation also provides medical aid to those in need.

As part of its Pearl Jubilee celebrations, KCO supported the construction of two houses at Kayyar, Christ the King Church, which were formally handed over to two needy families earlier in 2026.

The organisation has also laid the foundation for a third house at Narampady.

These initiatives form part of KCO’s broader efforts towards community welfare and empowerment, with a focus on providing meaningful support to families and individuals in need.

Scholarships aimed at creating a cycle of support

The scholarship programme highlighted the importance of collective community support in helping young people pursue their educational ambitions.

Through financial assistance, mentorship and encouragement, KCO seeks to enable deserving students to continue their studies and build sustainable careers. The organisation has also encouraged beneficiaries to carry forward the same spirit of generosity by supporting others when they become financially independent.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Leslie Rego, who acknowledged the collective efforts of the organisers, sponsors, guests, beneficiaries and well-wishers who contributed to the successful conduct of the scholarship disbursement programme.

The initiative once again demonstrated KCO’s commitment to education, social welfare and community empowerment, while reinforcing its longstanding vision of preserving culture and improving lives.