Fr. Saturnino Almeida Receives Sakaal Sanman 2025 Recognition for Outstanding Contributions

Mumbai, Feb 17, 2025 - Rev. Fr. Saturnino Almeida, a member of the Society of Pilar, was felicitated with a prestigious Sakaal Sanman 2025 award for his exceptional and dedicated service in the field of education at a glittering awards ceremony held at Bandra, Mumbai, on February 12. The honour was bestowed upon him by the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr. Ashish Shelar, in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. 

The Sakaal Sanman 2025 awards, instituted by Sakaal, a Marathi-language daily newspaper, recognised Fr. Almeida's remarkable journey, from being a key member of the Agnel Ashram community, which established Fr. Agnel School in Vashi in 1982, to developing a premier educational complex.  

In the year 1968, Fr. Almeida came to Mumbai and made a foray into the field of Education and Community service.  In 1982, when Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School was established in Vashi by Fr. C. Rodrigues, Fr. Almeida came to Vashi, Navi Mumbai, with his mentor, Fr. Orlando Rodrigues. Thereafter, it has been a fascinating narrative of steady growth and development from one school to an entire educational complex.  

The Agnel educational complex in Vashi is part of the Agnel Region of Society of Pillar and includes the school, Balbhavan, hostels for students, an ITI, a Diploma College, an Engineering College, a Management Institute, a Law College and a residential wing. CIBA—the Centre for Innovation and Business Acceleration, a start-up hub—occupies the pride of place in the complex. The Agnel Sports Complex, the astroturfs, and the floodlit basketball courts have nurtured an impressive number of national and international players. 

Fr. Almeida, over the past 43 years, has been a pillar of strength and an iconic mentor. From the Principal of the school to the Managing Director of the Agnel Education Complex and the Regional Head of the Agnel Region, he has played his role to perfection as an inspirational leader.  Today he is one of the Councillors to the Superior General of the Society of Pillar. 

Father Almeida has always fostered innovation and growth. For the past 30 years, he has also been the President of the Navi Mumbai Area Schools Association and has undertaken pathbreaking initiatives and collaborative ventures, bringing all schools of Navi Mumbai on one platform. He also served as the Vice President of the Maharashtra Basketball Association. The saga of his contributions continues even today.

Fr. Elvis Fernandes