Mangalore:  Under the presidentship of Bishop of Mangalore Rev. Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza five achievers of the year 2012-2013, received “Rachana Awards” in areas of social work, agriculture, enterprise, industry and NRI spheres. Union Minister for Labour and Surface Transport, Oscar Fernandes distributed the annual awards to the winners in a grand function held at Milagres Jubilee Hall on November 17, Sunday.

Jacqueline Colaco, Bangalore (Woman of the Year for Social work), Prof Edmund Frank, Mangalore (Agriculture), Rohan Monteiro, Mangalore (Enterprises), S. F. D’Souza, Mumbai (Professions) and Lawrence Mendonca, Dubai (NRI) received the awards.

Speaking on the occasion Oscar Fernandes informed the distinguished audience that a Kannadiga from India had been appointed as NRI in the govt. of America as a doctor to the president, Mr. Barack   Obama recently. This has boosted the Indian prestige all over the world.

Referring to disable persons travelling in buses he said they would be enable by ramp like arrangements to easily claim into the buses and occupy their reserve seats.

MLA JR Lobo and Dr Shantharam Shetty , John Montero, Ronald Gomes and Ivan D’Souza  and others were present on the happy occasion.