Media release

Doha, Sep 17: Gladson Almeida, a well-known face among the Konkani speaking community in Qatar and long-time executive committee member and another familiar face among the Qatar Konkani speaking community Jovita Pereira D'Souza have unanimously been elected president and vice-president respectively of Mangalore Cultural Association Qatar (MCA) for the year 2024-26.

The elections for the post of MCA president and vice-president were held during 14 th Annual General Body (AGM) of MCA held recently at the Kanjani Hall of IICC, Doha here. The AGM began at 6 pm. Merlyn Dsouza, emcee for the evening welcomed the gathering.

After the MCA anthem, Merlyn gave a brief insight into the association’s activities for the past 17 Years. The advisory members in attendance were Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes and Jerry Pinto, who were invited to the dais along with president Aloysius D'Souza, vice-president Sandeep Noronha, general secretary Gladson Almeida, and treasurer Shalini Mendonca.

President Aloysius D'Souza, addressed the gathering with his welcome speech. General secretary Gladson Almeida presented the annual report for the year 2023 – 2024 which included all events conducted by MCA and all the good work done for the needy back home and in Doha.

For the first time the annual report was presented with audio visual presentation. All the activities conducted by MCA in the last year were displayed on the screen in the form of pictures and videos. This report was duly accepted by the members and was approved by the president and advisories. vice-president, Sandeep Noronha presented the financial report for the year 2023 - 2024, which was accepted by the members and approved by the president and advisories.

Advisory members, Felix Lobo and Wilfred Fernandes addressed the audience and their heartfelt words resonated with the audience. Felix Lobo spoke about the upcoming election for president and vice-president posts and assured his support to the new committee.

Later it was time for the outgoing president Aloysius to express his feelings. President exclusively spoke about all the good deeds done by the MCA during his tenure. The president then called all the executive members on stage, presented them with mementos, and thanked them wholeheartedly. The committee was then dissolved by the president, making way for a new committee for the coming 2 years 2024 -2026.

Past president and MCA honorary member, Arthur Pais, conducted the elections for president & vice-president for the term 2024– 2026.  He read the criteria for selecting president and vice president as per the MCA constitution.

Gladson Almeida was nominated by the audience to run for the president’s post.  And he was unanimously elected as the president of the association for the term 2024 - 2026.  Nominations for the post of vice president were put on the floor thereafter and Jovita Pereira D'Souza was nominated for the vice-president’s post and was unanimously elected as
the vice-president of MCA for the term 2024-2026.

The newly elected president, Gladson Almeida, is well-known in Konkani circles in Doha and back home. As multi-lingual writer he has been known for his rational thoughts and pro-humanitarian views on current and contemporary affairs. His interest and active involvement spans across various fields including poetry, music, sports, public speaking etc. He has been actively involved in socio-cultural activities back home and in Qatar. He first joined the MCA executive committee in 2022 as general secretary.

Post his election, Gladson Almeida addressed the gathering and thanked all for electing him with trust and said that new executive committee will be announced shortly.

Vice-President Jovita Pereira D'Souza has been actively involved with MCA since 2013 in the executive committee and has worked in various positions. An adept hand in handling critical responsibilities, she is also known for her singing and compering skills. She also thanked everyone for electing her to this new position and assured to her best. 
 
Cultural programmes began with a group medley singing by little stars Rachel Helma Fernandes, Reuben Harsh Fernandes, Sanuel Jayden Dsouza, Raynel Aaron D'Souza, Ciara Meghan Fernandes, Jeston Sandeep Noronha, Aldon Cutinha and Raizel Lasrado. Following this a scintillating dance by Doha’s famed young dancers Siona Angel D’Silva, Nicole Crasta, Dionna Britto and Eeshal Dcunha enthralled the audience. The dance was choreographed by Derick Crasta. Gladson Pinto and Santhosh D’Cunha, the latest melody makers of Doha, then regaled the audience with their melodious singing.
 
Sandeep Noronha proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the cultural programmes. Emcee for the evening Merlyn invoked the grace before meals. Scrumptious dinner was enjoyed by all as one big family. The entire evening was brilliantly compered by talented Merlyn Dsouza in her signature unique style and humour.
 
The programme ended at 9 pm, and there were around 125 members in attendance.

About MCA

Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) is one of the pioneer community organisations in Doha Qatar, affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of Embassy of India, Qatar. MCA is actively involved in organizing major social, cultural and sports events and supporting the community at large in Doha and back home in the native.

MCA came into existence in the year 2008, primarily to foster closer relations between people hailing from native land and residing in Doha Qatar and to provide platform and promote native values and culture amongst residents and younger generation in Qatar.

MCA’s mission is to improve the lives of the less fortunate children back home, by supporting them financially to meet their educational needs and ignite hope in them for a bright future. Currently, there are hundreds of students pursuing their primary education and also hundreds of less fortunate people availing medical aid through kind-hearted support and benevolence.

Along with this, MCA is also at the forefront of promoting Konkani language and culture through its various initiatives and programmes. MCA Kala Puraskar and Seva Puraskar which comprise a citation, a memento and a cash component of Rs 1 lac, are aimed at recognising stalwarts who have contributed immensely to the field of Konkani literature and language and those who have selflessly rendered yeoman’s service to the society.

MCA has time and again provided an excellent stage to various Konkani artists, singers, dancers, comperes and actors from back home to showcase their talent at the international level.