Mangaluru: The Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education hosted the Sandesha Awards 2026 on January 21 at the Sandesha Institute Grounds, Mangaluru, honouring distinguished personalities whose work reflects creativity, social commitment, and cultural leadership rooted in enduring human values.
Presiding over the ceremony, Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Ballari and President of the Foundation, emphasised the importance of value-based contributions in art, literature, education, and social service. He lauded the Sandesha Foundation for its 35-year commitment to nurturing social harmony through culture and literature. In his address, he observed that achievements gain meaning only when anchored in love, respect, and coexistence, and reminded writers and artists that they serve as the conscience of society. He urged awardees to view recognition not as an end, but as the beginning of greater responsibility, underscoring peace and unity as the true essence of India’s identity.
Art, literature and society
The Chief Guest, Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, eminent film director, writer, and lyricist, reflected on the deep and inseparable relationship between art, literature, and society. Describing the Sandesha Foundation as more than an award-giving institution, he called it a bridge connecting religions, languages, and cultures. He stressed that art must humanise society and act as a remedy against intolerance. Praising the cultural richness and literary awareness of the coastal region, he said it serves as a model for the rest of Karnataka. Highlighting the credibility of the Sandesha Awards, he attributed their stature to a transparent and merit-based selection process, and encouraged young people to remain rooted in reading and literature even in the digital age. Emphasising global harmony, he remarked that the world today needs the path of peace more than conflict.
Dignitaries grace the occasion
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities from religious, cultural, and public life, including Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese; Shalette Pinto, Chairperson of the Karnataka Eco Tourism Board; Stany Alvares, President of the Konkani Sahitya Akademi; and Umar U. H., President of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Akademi. Their participation reflected the wide support for the Foundation’s mission of promoting value-based excellence through culture.
Earlier in the day, Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; D. Vedavyas Kamath, MLA; and Ivan D’Souza, MLC, visited the venue to convey their greetings to the awardees but were unable to attend the programme due to official commitments.
Sandesha Awards 2026 recipients
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sandesha Awards 2026 to achievers across diverse fields:
- Dr. Na. Mogasale – Sandesha Sahitya Award (Kannada)
- Patrick K. Moras – Sandesha Sahitya Award (Konkani)
- Indira Hegde – Sandesha Sahitya Award (Tulu)
- S. G. Tungarenuka – Sandesha Media Award
- Simon Pais – Sandesha Konkani Music Award
- Srinivas G. Kappanna – Sandesha Art Award
- Dr. Dattatreya Aralikatte – Sandesha Education Award
- Navajeevana Rehabilitation Centre for the Differently Abled, Ballari – Sandesha Special Honour
The awardees were recognised not only for professional excellence but also for their sustained service and commitment to social values. The efforts of the jury were acknowledged for ensuring balance, social relevance, and impact in the selection process.
Continuing a cultural legacy
Welcoming the gathering, Sudeep Paul, Director of the Sandesha Foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting ethical leadership and community-oriented cultural expression. Na. Damodara Shetty, Chairman of the Awards Selection Committee, introduced the awards, while Trustee Roy Castelino proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Irene Rebello.
Founded in 1989, the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education continues to promote cultural education and artistic engagement through training programmes, festivals, seminars, and community initiatives. The Sandesha Awards remain a symbol of excellence grounded in social responsibility, ethical leadership, and enduring cultural values.