Media Release

Bengaluru, Jun 26: In a magnificent testament to community solidarity, cultural vibrancy and rich heritage, the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) hosted its 28th Annual Day celebrations with great enthusiasm at St Joseph’s University Auditorium, Langford Road.

The event drew a lively and full house of attendees, bringing together members from numerous affiliated associations to honour outstanding achievers and celebrate their shared coastal roots.

A Vibrant Cultural Prelude

The evening opened on a high note with a power-packed cultural programme that seamlessly blended melody, rhythm and humour. The segment was masterfully compered, extending a hearty welcome to the gathering on behalf of the FKCA and providing a spectacular start to the celebrations.

• Welcome Dance: A gracefully executed welcome dance by a talented performer representing KCA Mathikere captivated the audience.
• Musical Performances: A beautiful duet song from representatives of SVPKK and MKCK, alongside a group song by KCA Mathikere members, brought immense musical richness. Special highlights included performances by the online singing contest winners, whose vocal talents added a special touch that was deeply appreciated by the audience.
• Theatrical Comedy: The two Konkani skits, 'Ijjabache Ajap' and 'Vodlimai-che Morn', delivered rib-tickling comedy performances. The stellar comedic timing of the theater artists (representing KCWA Kuwait and KCWA RT Nagar) stole people’s hearts.

The choreographies were a special highlight of the cultural session, bringing bliss and elegance to the stage across various age groups:

• Konkani Samudai Jayanagar was represented with incredible poise by its dance troupe.
• KCA Bangalore delivered a grand performance featuring a dedicated and multi-member group of dancers.
• SVPKK added extensive charm through a perfectly synchronized routine performed by its talented team members.

Solemn Inauguration and Formal Dignitaries

The formal celebration of the 2026 Federation Day was officially ushered in by the main emcees, Roshan Sequeira and Kiran D’Souza. Following their formal opening statement, the dignitaries ascended the stage for the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing truth, unity and a bright future for the community.

The auspicious lamp was lit collectively by Dr Leslie D'Souza, bishop of Udupi diocese, Ivan D'Souza MLC government of Karnataka, Roy Castelino president of the Rachana Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anil Lobo chairman of MCC Bank, Walter Nandalike Founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, Dr Victor Lobo SJ, chairman Antony Gonsalves, general secretary Zaveena Lobo, immediate past chairman Robert Cutinha, spiritual director Dr Francis Assisi Almeida and the key office bearers of FKCA.

Konkani Samudai Jayanagar, performed an elegant invocation dance, setting a festive, heartwarming tone for the evening's formal proceedings.

Chairman Antony Gonsalves provided an insightful overview of the FKCA's vision, welcomed the dignitaries and everyone present.

Zaveena Lobo, general secretary presented the comprehensive FKCA annual report, detailing the multi-faceted initiatives carried out by the executive committee over the past year, accompanied by a dynamic visual presentation running on screens. Post the annual report, the St Joseph’s University staff performed a mind-blowing classical dance that added a soothing, artistic touch to the celebration.

Honoring Excellence: The FKCA Awards Ceremony

A core milestone of the annual celebrations was the presentation of the prestigious FKCA Awards, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, commerce, and spiritual leadership. Escorted to the dais by chairman Antony Gonsalves and general secretary Zaveena Lobo, the noteworthy achievements and outstanding lifework of the awardees were prominently showcased on screens, serving as a powerful testament to their dedication and impact.

1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Archbishop Emeritus Dr Bernard Moras

Conferred for his exemplary service as a shepherd of the Lord and his longstanding contributions to the community and society. In his address, Archbishop Moras mentioned that serving the Lord inherently means serving His people, emphasizing the continuity of benevolent work and spreading God's love. He appreciated the FKCA for recognizing his lifework and that of the other awardees, thereby encouraging young minds and the wider public to serve the community.

2. Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Keith Machado

The managing director of Orione Hydraulics Pvt Ltd was honored for his visionary leadership and impactful role in the hydraulics industry. In his address, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the FKCA for the honor bestowed upon him and mentioned that it was his very first award from within the community. He shared an inspiring and impressive glimpse into his entrepreneurial journey that deeply moved the gathering.

3. Professional Excellence Award: Dr Oscar G Concessao

Co-founder and principal architect of Oscar, Ponni, Rahul, Architects-Chennai, Dr Concessao received the award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of architecture. He expressed heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support throughout his professional journey. He also thanked the FKCA for its prestigious recognition, specifically acknowledging Godwin Castelino for the recommendation. He extended words of gratitude to St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, for nurturing his early talents and encouraged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship with deep faith and pursue excellence.

4. Special Community Service Recognition Award: Chevalier Nigel Fernandes

Recognised for his long-term dedication to church and social initiatives, Sir Nigel recalled his association with the FKCA over the years and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour. He thanked his family and everyone who stood by him throughout his journey, specially admiring and appreciating the work of the FKCA in the service of the community and the preservation of the Konkani language.

Ministerial Presence and Pastoral Address

MLC Ivan D'Souza expressed his profound love for his mother tongue and highlighted the stellar achievements and humanitarian services of the Konkani community globally. He appreciated the FKCA's award programme as a unique model that inspires young minds, expressing immense pride in sharing the stage with the awardees.

The ceremony reached another high point with the arrival of the minister of Heath and Family Welfare, government of Karnataka, U T Khader, who joined the celebrations amidst great applause and was warmly welcomed by chairman Antony Gonsalves. Asked to address the gathering, minister Khader began his address by greeting everyone warmly in Konkani, delighting the audience.

He congratulated the FKCA for its highly successful journey over the years and commended the team working behind its success. He specifically highlighted the unparalleled service of Catholic institutions and missionaries to society, especially to the poor and needy in health, medical infrastructure, education and social sectors. Minister Khader blended humor with a profound message, keeping the audience completely engaged.

“The work of the Catholic missionaries and institutions who tirelessly work for the betterment of society is truly commendable. I urge everyone to help create social harmony by being responsible citizens towards building a better nation," said minister U T Khader

Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza, bishop of Udupi, then delivered his presidential address, congratulating the FKCA on its 28th Federation Day. He congratulated the awardees for impacting young minds through their stellar achievements. He urged the gathering to continue doing the good work of the Lord among the needy and poor, emphasizing that everything is possible with faith, and encouraged everyone to stand together under the mission and vision of the FKCA. The formal segment culminated in a grand group photograph featuring the dignitaries, awardees, office bearers, and member association presidents.

Preserving Heritage and Conclusion

The final segment of the celebration turned the spotlight onto the rich cultural roots of coastal Karnataka. Ghumta performers performed a special session featuring prominent member associations of the federation:

• St Vincent Pallotti Konkani Kutam (Banaswadi)
• Konkani Samudai (Jayanagar)
• BKCS (Koramangala)
• KCWA (RT Nagar)
• KCA Bangalore

The mesmerizing Ghumta performance won the audience's hearts. Following the cultural finale, the Federation honoured its event sponsors with tokens of appreciation, distributed prizes to the online singing contest winners, and conducted the federation day lucky draw.

Towards the close of the programme, Sharon Rego, vice chairman 1, delivered the comprehensive vote of thanks. She extended heartfelt gratitude to St Joseph’s University for providing the state-of-the-art venue, the eminent dignitaries for gracing the occasion, the stellar awardees, the sponsors for their financial backing, and the executive committee members whose collective hard work ensured the day's resounding success.

FKCA Executive Council (2025-26)

The successful execution of the 28th Federation Day was meticulously planned and well-executed by the executive council including the following office bearers: