Indian culture gives prominence to knowledge, says T V Mohandas Pai

Mangaluru: “Indian culture gives a lot of prominence to knowledge and it asks the people to respect elders and teachers,” said Chairman of Manipal Global Education T V Mohandas Pai here on Sunday, November 18.

Addressing the gathering during Vishwa Konkani award ceremony organised by Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation at T V Raman Pai Hall he said, “when guru (teacher) enters into the kingdom, King himself greets `Guru` and respects him, irrespective of his position. Such mannerisms itself show the values of Indian culture“, he said.

Indian culture prefers to give importance to knowledge over wealth. Hence, it teaches us how to live in harmony with nature, but western culture knows how to exploit nature and earn money. As we are giving in to western culture, we are seeing pollution and exploitation of nature, he said and expressed his pleasure over the work of recognising the achievers.

Vimala V Pai best book award was conferred on veteran Konkani writer H M Pernal (Henry Mendonca) for his collection of short stories `Beega Aani Bigatha`. Konkani Kavitha award was presented to poet and writer Sharashchandra Shenoy for his poetry `Idam Na Mama` and Konkani Jeevana Siddi award was given to Vishwanath Shet Harsikatte for his book `Shriramacharita`. Meanwhile, Dr. Gowri Pai Puttur and Dr. U V Shenoy were presented `Basti Vamana Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar. All awards comprised a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, citation and memento.