Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, February 11, 2025 : The Sandesha Awards 2025, a prestigious recognition of excellence in literature, journalism, arts, education, music, media, and social service, was held at the Sandesha Institute Grounds, Mangalore. The event was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga, with Shri Dr. T. S. Nagabharana as the Chief Guest.

Chief Guest Emphasizes the Role of Art in Society : Addressing the gathering, Shri Dr. T. S. Nagabharana stressed the crucial role of art and culture in shaping a healthy society. "Where culture is strong, society remains healthy, and Sandesha has been working towards this for nearly 34 years," he said. He further emphasized that every mind has a dark corner that needs to be eliminated, and only artists have the power to do so. Congratulating the awardees, he described them as the "cream of society" and praised their humility in accepting the honor. "All of them are capable of awarding others, but their presence here to receive this award shows the greatness of Sandesha Awards," he remarked.

In his presidential address, Bishop Francis Serrao lauded the Sandesha Foundation for its 35-year-long contribution to fostering universal values. He emphasized that Sandesha has been a beacon of selfless love, spiritual depth, artistic beauty, social sensitivity, human dignity, freedom of conscience, respect for diversity, and religious harmony—values deeply ingrained in India's national ethos and enshrined in the Constitution.

Reflecting on India's development, Bishop Serrao compared Sandesha's role in cultural enrichment to Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of modern India, where dams and factories were termed the "temples of modern India." "Today, we can truly say that Sandesha too is a temple—one that manifests spiritual and divine values through artistic and literary endeavors, as well as philanthropic service to society," he remarked.

He highlighted the transformative power of art, literature, music, drama, cinema, folklore, journalism, and education in shaping a society rooted in liberty, equality, fraternity, social justice, religious harmony, and democracy. "At a deeper level, there is an intrinsic unity in all forms of art, inspiring a greater union among people," he said.

Expressing his admiration for the awardees, Bishop Serrao described them as a "glittering galaxy" of individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. "Some of them I have personally known and admired," he said, congratulating them for their outstanding achievements.

Sandesha Awards 2025 Ceremony: The Sandesha Awards 2025 was attended by several dignitaries, including Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Belthangady; Dr. Sudeep Paul, MSFS, Director of Sandesha, who delivered the welcome speech; Shri Damodar Shetty, Chairperson of the Sandesha Awards Jury, who introduced the awards and selection process; and Mr. Roy Castelino, who proposed the vote of thanks.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, B. R. Laxman Rao expressed gratitude for the honor and highlighted the importance of art and literature in shaping society.

Sandesha Awardees 2025: This year's awardees were recognized for their exemplary contributions in various fields:
• Sandesha Literature Award (Kannada): B. R. Laxman Rao
• Sandesha Literature Award (Konkani): Iriene Pinto
• Sandesha Literature Award (Tulu): Ganesh Amin Sankamar
• Sandesha Media Award: D. V. Rajashekar
• Sandesha Konkani Music Award: Roshan D'Souza
• Sandesha Art Award: Girish Kasaravalli
• Sandesha Education Award: Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi
• Sandesha Special Recognition Award: K. V. Rao

Sandesha Special Honorary Awards 2025
• Sandesha Esteem Award: Mr. Michael D'Souza (for Humanitarian Service and Philanthropy)
• Sandesha Talent Award: Miss Remona Yvette Pereira (for Outstanding Talent in Bharatanatyam)

The Sandesha Awards 2025 was a grand celebration of talent, dedication, and values, recognizing individuals who continue to make a profound impact on society. The event reaffirmed Sandesha's commitment to nurturing cultural and social excellence, inspiring future generations to follow in the footsteps of these exemplary awardees.