Udupi : Eminent advocate and social worker Shirthady William Pinto was conferred the IFKCA Samaja Ratna Award-2012  by Dr J S Sadananda, Bishop of CSI, Karnataka Southern Diocese  at a function held at Muddana Mantap of Christian High School here on February 28, Thursday.

Indian Federation of Karnataka Christian Association(IFKCA) honorary awards were presented to Railway Yatri Sangha President R L Dias and Pastor Sunil D’Souza of Vishwasada Mane  for their noteworthy contributions to the society.

Speaking after receiving the coveted award, Shirthady Pinto said  there was a greater need to educate the common man regarding Indian constitution and law.A lawyer has an important role in this direction, he said.

Dr J S Sadananda presided over the function, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Chancellor, Udupi Diocese, Frank Fernandes, NRI entrepreneur, Jerry Vincent Dias, Promoter, Mandavi Builders and President Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and industry Udupi, Denis D’silva, Convener IKFCA of Karnataka State, Helen Salinas, Headmistress, Christian High School, Udupi were present as chief guests.

 The panel of judges who selected the awardees included social worker Veronica Cornelio, S B Soans of JMJ Fabrics and James D’Silva of Brahmavar were the jury.

Louis Lobo, president of IFKCA Udupi  and others were present.