Media Release
Bengaluru, Jun 2: Konkan Catholic Association (R) (KCA), one of Bengaluru's most respected and enduring community organisations, is proudly celebrating 60 years of dedicated service, cultural preservation, community development and social outreach.
Established in 1966, KCA has played a pioneering role in uniting Konkani-speaking Catholics in Bengaluru while preserving and promoting the rich heritage, language and traditions of the Konkani community. Founded by the visionary late A V Rego along with a group of socially committed leaders including late H A Patrao and late A C L Peris, the association was built on the noble ideals of fostering unity, promoting Konkani culture and extending educational and medical assistance to the underprivileged.
Over the past six decades, KCA has evolved from humble beginnings into a vibrant, dynamic and multifaceted organisation that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands.
Today, as it celebrates its diamond jubilee, KCA has over 700 life members, primarily heads of families. Including their extended family members, the wider KCA community is estimated to comprise nearly 3,000 people. While a majority of its members are based in Bengaluru, the association's extended family spans Karnataka, various parts of India and countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the Gulf region.
One of the Association's most significant milestones has been the establishment of its own community centre, Konkan Bhavan. This landmark achievement was spearheaded by late A V Rego along with late H A Patrao, late A C L Peris and subsequently carried forward by late O J Colaco and late H M Fernandes. Construction commenced in 1979, with the ground floor being completed within a year and formally inaugurated in 1981. The fully completed two-storey structure was inaugurated in 1989.
Today, Konkan Bhavan stands as a symbol of the association's vision, perseverance and community spirit. The building houses a spacious first-floor hall with seating capacity for 150 persons, serving as a venue for meetings, cultural programmes and social gatherings. The second floor provides hostel accommodation for young men pursuing higher education and employment opportunities in Bengaluru. The ground floor includes kitchen and dining facilities, making the premises a vibrant centre for community interaction and social service activities.
True to its founding mission, KCA continues to undertake a wide range of welfare initiatives. The association provides scholarships and educational assistance to deserving students and extends financial support for medical treatment to the sick and needy.
A particularly noteworthy contribution has been the hostel facility at Konkan Bhavan, which has provided accommodation to more than 1,500 underprivileged boys who migrated to Bengaluru in search of education and employment opportunities. Many of these beneficiaries have gone on to establish successful careers and families, a lasting testament to the association's commitment to transforming lives through service and support.
Built upon the enduring pillars of unity, faith, service and cultural pride, Konkan Catholic Association continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Konkani Catholic community while contributing meaningfully to the social fabric of Bengaluru and beyond.
To commemorate this historic milestone, KCA will celebrate its diamond jubilee on Saturday, June 7, at the prestigious Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru.
The celebrations will be presided over by Dr Bernard Moras, archbishop emeritus of Bengaluru.
Justice John Michael Cunha, former judge of the high court of Karnataka, will grace the occasion as chief guest.
The guests of honour are Walter Nandalike, Founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, and Anthony Gonsalves, chairman of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA).
The celebrations will conclude with a live musical concert by renowned singer Ashwin D'Costa and team. Also, there is a special performance by Richard Louis, stand-up comedian.
The present office bearers of the association are Edwin Lobo – president, Anthony Gonsalves – vice president, Elias Fernandes – secretary, Sangeeth Rego – treasurer, Shally Fernandes – joint secretary, and Evita Lobo – cultural secretary.
Preparations for the diamond jubilee celebrations are in full swing, and the organising committee is looking forward to welcoming a full house of members, well-wishers, dignitaries and friends of the Konkani Catholic community.