Dr. Lavina M. Noronha | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dr. B. Shantaram Baliga | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskriti Pratishthan, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Mangaluru has awarded Basti Vaman Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar – 2022 for his outstanding contribution in the service of society to B.K. Shantaram Baliga and Lavina M. Noronha have been selected.
Dr. Baliga has been selected for the award in recognition of his contribution to the neonatal critical care section in district hospitals, resulting in reduction in infant mortality rate and contribution to malaria control in the region. He is a Pediatrician and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru. He has rendered selfless service in the public health sector by going beyond the call of duty. She has done more than 40 years of pioneering service towards improving neonatal care and child care in the public health sector in the region and the state.
Ms. Noronha has been selected for her contribution towards critically ill and Alzheimer’s patients by setting up Ave Maria Palliative Care Hospice and Susheg Jivith Neuro Care Center in Mangaluru. Ms. Noronha is efficiently managing the 15-bed Dharamshala with utmost professionalism by bringing together an equally dedicated team of doctors, nurses, caregivers and volunteers. Prior to this, he served as an associate professor and director of the MSW program at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
A total of 241 nominations have been received for the award, said a release from the foundation.
The award was instituted in 2014 by Chief Patron of Kendra TV Mohandas Pai on the occasion of the 80th birth anniversary of Vishwa Konkani Kendra founder Late Basti Vaman Shenoy. So far 16 eminent personalities have been honored with the award.