Mangalore : Ten achievers from various fields were conferred with annual Sandesha Awards organised by the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education in its premises at Bajjodi on Feb 26 Sunday.

The guests and award winners were welcomed by the students of Sandesha with the traditional “poornakumba” at the entrance and taken in a ceremonial procession to their seats.

Renowned Kannada writer and head of the panel of jury, Dr. Na D’Souza, introduced award winners on the occasion.

Bellary Bishop Dr. Henry D’Souza, Mangalore Bishop Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, and Kannada litterateur Vaidehi presented the awards to the winners, while the Faculty members and students of Sandesha read out the citations of the awardees.

The Sandesha awards were conferred on Dr. K. V. Tirumalesh for Kannada literature, M. Madhava Pai for Konkani literature, Catherine Rodrigues for Tulu literature, Geetapriya aka Laxman Rao Mohite for TV/cinema, Peter Lewis for art, Indudhara Honnapura for journalism, Shree Padre for media education, Sr. Maria Jyothi for best teacher, Jerome D’Souza for Konkani music, and John D’Silva for special recognition.

Speaking on the occasion, Vaidehi congratulated all the 10 award winners and appreciated their achievements and contributions to society.

Later the mementos were then presented to the members of the jury, the founders, and the trustees of the foundation.