By The News Observer Desk,
Ankola:
In a proud moment for the coastal town of Ankola, MJF Lion Devanand Bommayya Gaonkar Basagoda, President of the Lions Club Ankola Karavali, has been honoured with the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation by Lions Clubs International.
The recognition comes in acknowledgment of the club’s impactful and service-oriented initiatives carried out during the 2024–25 “Silver Jubilee Year.” Under Gaonkar’s leadership, the club organized more than 65 meaningful programs focused on community welfare and humanitarian service, earning widespread appreciation.
A key highlight of this achievement is the club’s contribution to the global Mission 1.5 initiative—an ambitious membership drive by Lions Clubs International aiming to reach 1.5 million members worldwide. Among 102 clubs under District 317B, which covers North Karnataka and Goa, only seven clubs were selected under this mission, including the Ankola Karavali club. Notably, the club maintained a 100 percent membership retention rate, further strengthening its credentials for the honour.
The award was formally presented on April 8, 2026, during the District Governor’s official visit to Ankola. PMJF Lion Amol Naik of Goa, serving as District Governor of District 317B, handed over the certificate on behalf of the International President, Fabrício Oliveira.
The event was attended by several distinguished members of the Lions fraternity, including District Cabinet Secretary PMJF Lion Dr. Keerthi Naik (Goa), Regional Chairperson MJF Lion Rajesh Sale (Honavar), and Immediate Past Regional Chairperson MJF Lion R.H. Nayak (Gokarna). Also present were key office bearers and members of the Ankola Karavali club, along with prominent citizens of the town.
Senior members and well-wishers, including Charter Member Lion S.R. Udupi, Immediate Past Secretary Lion Manjunath Nayak, and Treasurer Lion K. Giridhar Acharya, congratulated Gaonkar and the team for bringing laurels to the club and the region.
This recognition not only highlights individual leadership but also reflects the collective spirit of service upheld by the Lions Club Ankola Karavali.
Reporting by Nagaraj Jamblekar, Ankola
