Mangaluru: The 29th annual Sandesha awards, instituted by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, were presented to seven achievers from various fields at a ceremony at Sandesha premises in Mangaluru recently.

Vally Vagga was conferred with Sandesha Konkani Literature Award, Boluvaru Muhammad Kunhi with Sandesha Kannada Literature Award, Shivkumar with Sandesha Media Award, Helen D’Cruz with Sandesha Konkani Music Award, Dr. K. S. Pavithra with Sandesha Art Award and Justin D’Souza with Sandesha Education Award. Sandesha Special Recognition Award was presented to Vincent Prakash Carlo. 

Each award consisted of Rs.25,000, trophy, certificate, citation, shawl and garland. The selection was made by a jury comprising Dr. Na. D’Souza, Dr. B.S. Talwadi, Dr. Na.Da. Shetty, Concepta Alva, Chandrakala Nandavara and Sara Abubakar.

Rev. Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop, Bellary diocese and President of Sandesha Foundation, presided. Dr. B.V. Vasanth Kumar, President of Karnataka Sahitya Academy, was the chief guest. Director of Sandesha Kala Kendra Fr. Francis Assisi D’Almedia welcomed. Sandesha Trustee Roy Castelino proposed a vote of thanks.

Noted Konkani Poet and activist Valerian D’Souza, known as Vally Vagga, was born at Vagga in Nirkan Parish, on July 27, 1947. He relocated to Mysuru and presently resides in Brindavan Extension. He was conferred the prestigious Daiji Dubai Literary Award last year during Daiji Dubai general body in Dubai.