Media Release
Bengaluru, Jun 13: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) will celebrate its 28th Federation Day with a grand awards ceremony and cultural evening on Sunday, June 21, at 3.30 pm at the St Joseph’s University Auditorium on Langford Road, Bengaluru.
The annual celebration seeks to honour distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to society while supporting FKCA’s Educational Support Initiative for deserving students from the community.
The highlight of the evening will be the awards ceremony, during which eminent personalities from various fields will be felicitated for their achievements and service.
Clockwise from top: Dr Bernard Moras, Dr Oscar G Concessao, Keith Machado, Chevalier Nigel Fernandes
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred on Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to the Church and society.
The Professional Excellence Award will be presented to Dr Oscar G Concessao, co-founder and principal architect of Oscar, Ponni, Rahul Architects, for his distinguished accomplishments in the field of architecture and design.
Keith Machado, managing director of Orione Hydraulics Pvt Ltd will receive the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in recognition of his achievements in business and entrepreneurship.
Special Community Service recognition will be accorded to Chevalier Nigel Fernandes, Papal Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, for his dedicated service and valuable contribution to the community.
The event will be graced by minister for health & family welfare, government of Karnataka, U T Khader as the chief guest. The guests of honour include Ivan D’Souza, MLC; Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy; Roy Castelino, president of Rachana – Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Anil Lobo, chairman of Mangalore Catholic Co-operative Bank; and Walter Nandalike, founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd.
The programme will be presided over by Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the diocese of Udupi.
Apart from the formal awards ceremony, the Federation Day celebrations will come alive with an exciting line-up of cultural performances, including live singing, stand-up comedy, group dances and traditional Ghumta performances presented by FKCA member associations. The evening promises to be a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage, traditions and artistic talent of the Konkani Catholic community.
Established in 1998, FKCA has grown into a strong network of 41 Konkani Catholic associations across India and abroad. Beyond preserving culture and strengthening community bonds, FKCA actively undertakes a range of meaningful social initiatives, including scholarships for students, healthcare and medical assistance, blood donation drives, disaster relief efforts and various community welfare programmes.