Four
eminent personalities of Dakshina Kannada were honoured at the annual New Year
Award function here in Manipal on Saturday. The four recipients of the award
this year were Dr LN Rao, Former Dean, KMC, Manipal, Dr B A Viveka Rai, Former
Vice Chancellor, Kannada University, Hampi, John D'Silva, Doyen of Co-operative
Banks, Mumbai and Nandalike Balachandra Rao, founder president, Muddana
Adhyayana Kendra, Nandalike.
While welcoming the gathering at a simple ceremony organised, Dr
H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor Manipal University said, “The occasion is
to recognize and honour leaders who fully exemplify social work, values and
ethics and whose contribution to the society has been phenomenal. They have
left an impact on the education, social, cultural and other sectors.” “The
award is to recognize the distinguished services they have rendered,” he added.
Dr PLN Rao was head of the department and Dean of KMC, Manipal for
17 years. He has been the recipient of the best teacher award several times.
After his tenure as Dean, he was the Registrar Evaluation Manipal University
for two years and is now emeritus professor in Physiology.
Dr Viveka Rai has been an educationist. He was the Vice Chancellor
of Hampi University. He is known for establishing Prasaranga, Dr Shivarama
Karanth Chair and Tulu Chair in Mangalore University; for setting up Women’s
study centre, Survey of Karnataka Tribal People and University Languages Group
with participation of Tamil University, Telugu University and Dravidian
University.
John D’Silva is known for his capabilities in the banking sector.
He has been active in cooperative banking and is widely acclaimed for setting
up four cooperative banks. He is also known for setting up and managing many
institutions and organizations. He has also won several awards for his
services.
Nandalike Balachandra Rao is a social worker of repute. His
contribution to the growth of Nandalike village, where he hails from, is
tremendous. He has started several projects to develop the village in many
ways. He has carved a niche for himself and is a greatly respected person for
all his sacrifices.
The annual New Year award was instituted in 1941. The program was
organized by Manipal University, Academy of General Education and Syndicate
Bank. Every year four individuals are recognized for their outstanding work
which has brought laurels to this district and the state.
Dr. H. Shantaram, Administrative Officer of the Academy of General Education coordinated the programme.
