New Delhi, Sep 16: The Kanara Cultural Association (Regd.), New Delhi, celebrated its landmark 60th annual institution day alongside Monthi Fest on September 13 at the Diocesan Community Centre Hall.

The milestone occasion featured a celebratory holy Mass, an awards presentation, a high-energy musical concert, and the traditional harvest feast, Novem Jevon.

Celebrity guests flown in directly from Mangaluru headlined the festivities: renowned music director Sanjay Rodrigues, accomplished vocalist and actress Joshal D’Souza, and celebrated compere Rynel Sequeira.

The formal stage programme was presided over by Msgr Vincent D’Souza, alongside guests of honour Renukumar R (president, Delhi Karnataka Sangha), Abhijith Gowda (OSD), Vasanth Shetty Bellare (president, Delhi Tulu Siri), and Simon Lobo (former senior-most president of KCA).

In his presidential address, KCA president Melwyn Lobo honoured the legacy of the association's pioneers:"This is an unforgettable milestone for all of us as we mark 60 years of our association. We salute our founders for their foresight in uniting the Konkani community hailing from Coastal Karnataka. Because of them, we gather in Delhi as one family, keeping our language and customs alive. I thank our past presidents and office bearers whose selfless dedication forms the bedrock of our continuity. It is now our collective duty to carry this legacy forward for future generations."

Congratulating the gathering, Msgr Vincent D’Souza highlighted the enduring nature of the feast:"The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration Konkani Catholics hold dear wherever they settle. For six decades, KCA has kept this cherished tradition alive in the national capital, standing as a living testament to our community's unity and cultural heritage."

A key highlight of the formal programme was the conferral of the Hero Vaz Memorial Achiever Annual Awards 2026 upon two exceptional young achievers. Fourteen-year-old Regina Serrao was honoured for advancing to the national finals of the ministry of power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency painting competition, emerging as one of only 50 national finalists from 900,000 participants. Ten-year-old Evaan Lobo was recognised for literary distinction after his short story, A Glittery Day, was selected from more than 100 nationwide entries to appear in the September 2026 issue of Children’s World magazine by the Children’s Book Trust.

The association also felicitated past presidents, veteran members marking their 50th and 60th years of association, and students with exemplary academic achievements. Additionally, the executive committee unveiled "Action Plan 2047," charting visionary strategic programs and community outreach initiatives planned for the next decade.

The festivities opened with a solemn Mass at the Cathedral and concluded with a spirited musical showcase by Sanjay Rodrigues, Joshal D’Souza, and Rynel Sequeira, followed by the fellowship meal of Novem Jevon.