MANIPAL: Four eminent persons of undivided Dakshina Kannada district were honoured with the New Year Award instituted by the Manipal University, Academy of General Education (AGE) and Syndicate Bank. The award, instituted in 1941, is given to four achievers every year. The recipients of this year's award are: Dr PLN Rao, former dean, KMC, Manipal, BA Vivek 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.Dr Rao was HoD and dean of KMC, Manipal, for 17 years. After his tenure as dean, he was registrar evaluation, Manipal University, for two years and is now emeritus professor in physiology. Viveka Rai was the vice-chancellor of the Kannada University and KSOU. He is known for establishing Prasaranga, Dr Shivarama Karanth Chair and Tulu Chair at the Mangalore University.John D'Silva is active in cooperative banking and is acclaimed for setting up four cooperative banks. He is also known for setting up and managing many institutions and organizations. Nandalike Balachandra Rao is a reputed social worker. His contribution to growth of the Nandalike village, where he hails from, is remarkable.Dr HS 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 society has been phenomenal. They have left an impact on the education, social, cultural and other sectors." H Shantaram, administrative officer, AGE, gave details of the awards and Dr H Vinod Bhat, VC, congratulated the awardees.

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