“Help as You Are Helped”: Diocese of Mangalore through C.O.D.P. Empowers 140 Students with ₹11.52 Lakh Education Aid

MANGALURU, JUNE 13, 2026: The Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP) disbursed scholarships amounting to ₹11,52,000 to 140 deserving students during the ‘Education Aid Cheque Distribution Programme 2026’ held on Saturday, June 13, at Mother Teresa Hall.

Presiding over the programme, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, highlighted the community effort behind the financial aid. “The money distributed is pooled from our people out of their savings and sacrifices during the season of Lent,” the Bishop explained. He noted that these funds are distributed irrespective of caste, creed, or religion for education, housing, and medical aid, fulfilling Jesus Christ’s mandate to “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Reflecting this inclusive mission, the beneficiary list included 18 non-Catholic students.

Emphasizing CODP’s primary role as a social development institute, Bishop Saldanha called upon the students to cultivate a strong sense of civic duty. “As beneficiaries of CODP, we need to become socially responsible people. Help the needy and accompany the underprivileged,” he urged, encouraging the youth to adopt a guiding principle: “I shall help the needy around me, as I am helped by others.”

Representing the student beneficiaries, Rocshell from Kelarai addressed the gathering, expressing profound gratitude for the timely financial intervention supporting their academic pursuits.

The programme was gracefully compered by Mrs. Dorice Fernandes, who conducted the proceedings with poise, ensuring the smooth flow of the event. The entire programme was meticulously planned and successfully orchestrated by the dedicated staff of CODP and ISD, whose collective efforts contributed significantly to the success of the Education Aid Cheque Distribution Programme. Their commitment and teamwork reflected the spirit of service and concern for the educational advancement of deserving students.

The event was attended by Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Director of CODP; and Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of the Canara Communication Centre, who joined in supporting the students’ educational journeys.