– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Mangaluru: Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, of Yenepoya University has been selected for the Sandesha Awards 2025.
The Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education has announced the names of eight distinguished individuals who will be conferred the prestigious Sandesha Awards 2025. The announcement also included the recipients of the Esteem Award and Talent Award for this year.
As a trustee of the Islamic Academy of Education, Dr. Abdulla Kunhi has played a pivotal role in founding and nurturing institutions like Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya Engineering College, and Yenepoya Civil Services Academy. Serving as the Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be) University, he has been the driving force behind numerous prestigious establishments, including the Medical College, Dental College, Nursing College, Physiotherapy College, Pharmacy College, and schools of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management.
Sandesha Foundation was established in 1991 with the main goal of fostering a value-based society by promoting universal values of love and harmony among people of different faiths, customs and traditions. The Foundation applies wisdom, values, and insights from various faiths to address human dignity, rights, the environment, and holistic human development.
The Sandesha Awards is a flagship initiative of the foundation, celebrating exceptional contributions in Literature, Journalism, Arts, Education, Music, Media, Social Service, and more. This prestigious annual event not only honours outstanding achievements but also underscores the importance of value-driven contributions, promoting a culture of excellence and societal impact.
This year’s awardees have been selected for their exemplary contributions across various fields:
Sandesha Education Award: Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Literature Award (Kannada): B.R. Laxman Rao, Literature Award (Konkani): Iriene Pinto, Literature Award (Tulu): Ganesh Amin Sankamar, Esteem Award: Michael D’Souza, Media Award: D.V. Rajashekar, Konkani Music Award: Roshan D’Souza, Art Award: Girish Kasaravalli, Special Recognition Award: K.V. Rao and Sandesha Talent Award: Remona Evette Pereira.
The award ceremony will take place at the Sandesha Institute Grounds in Mangaluru on February 10. The event will be presided over by Bishop Henry D’Souza of Ballari, who is also Chairperson of Sandesha Foundation. Other notable attendees will include Dinesh Gundu Rao, District In-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, Bishops Francis Serrao of Shivamogga, Lawrence Mukuzhy of Belthangady, and Sandesha Awards Jury member Damodar Shetty.
Senior members of the Award Selection Committee, including Dr. Na Damodar Shetty, BA Mohammad Haneef, Simon Coelho, and Roopakala Alva, were also present at the press meet.
