Media Release
Hyderabad, Sep 21: The Kanara Catholic Welfare Association Hyderabad, celebrated Monthi Fest and held its 26th annual general meeting on Sunday, September 13, at St Francis Girls High School Hall, Secunderabad.
Even though the day started with early morning rains, the weather cleared just in time for the celebrations, allowing members and their families to come together for a day of tradition, faith and fellowship.
Monthi Fest celebrations
The celebrations began with children gathering around the Maria Bambina statue singing ‘Sokkod Sagatha Mellyan’ and showering flowers in honour of baby Mary, followed by procession.
This was immediately followed by solemn Holy Mass celebrated in Konkani by Fr Alwyn Mascarenhas. Solemnity of the Mass was greatly enhanced by a melodious choir, with members joining together in prayer and entrancing Konkani hymns.
At the conclusion of Mass, Fr Alwyn distributed newly harvested paddy grains to each the family, continuing with the cherished traditions of Monthi Fest.
Following a short refreshments break, members gathered for the annual general meeting 2026.
Annual general meeting 2026
The day's programme was compered by Dr Lovita Pereira and Stany Mendonca.
The AGM commenced with opening remarks by president Capt Ashley Coelho, followed by the general secretary's report presented by Lawrence Monteiro and the treasurer's report presented by Norman Bennis. The respective reports were placed before the members and formally approved and passed during the AGM.
Capt Ashley Coelho then led an open house session, encouraging members to share their thoughts, suggestions and ideas for the future of the association. Members participated in the discussion and shared their views on KCWA and its activities in the years ahead.
Election of the executive committee
The election for the president and new executive committee was conducted by returning officer Capt Allwyn Menezes (Retd).
The newly elected executive committee is led by Capt Ashley Coelho as president, Stany Mendonca as vice president, Lawrence Monteiro as general secretary, Richard Roy Mendonce as joint secretary and Rachita D'Souza as treasurer.
The executive committee also includes Dr Lovita Pereira, Elvina Menezes, Rohit Coelho, Ronald D'Silva, Malvan D'Cunha and David Pereira, as committee members.
The newly elected team will be planning and conducting the activities of the association for the coming term.
Felicitations
The proceedings continued with a warm welcome to newly joined members of the association.
Meritorious students from KCWA families were recognised and presented with certificates for their academic achievements.
The association also honoured the sponsors whose generous contributions helped make the Monthi Fest and AGM celebrations possible. Appreciation was extended to all members who supported the event through sponsorship, volunteering and participation.
The AGM formally concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by joint secretary Richard Roy Mendonce.
Traditional lunch, games and Baila
Following the AGM, members came together for a sumptuous lunch featuring traditional Mangalurean delicacies specially chosen for the Monthi Fest celebration.
Children participated in various games during the day, adding to the festive atmosphere. Prizes were presented to the winners after lunch.
The afternoon then moved to the dance floor, with members enjoying Mangalorean baila music and spending time together with family and friends.
The celebrations concluded with evening tea, followed by the committee members and volunteers winding down the venue after a full day of activities.
KCWA Monthi Fest & AGM 2026 brought together faith, Konkani tradition, Mangalurean culture and fellowship. From the showering of flowers and Konkani Mass to the AGM, traditional meal, children's activities and baila, the day brought together different generations of the KCWA family in celebration.