Media Release

Bengaluru, Sep 29: The Kanara Catholic Association (KCA), Bangalore, held its 72nd Annual General Body Meeting at Konkan Samudhai Bhavan on Sunday, September 27.

The proceedings began with a Thanksgiving prayer service, which also marked the Mangalorean celebration of Our Lady’s Nativity, Monthi Fest.

The devotional para-liturgical service was led by Fr Rakesh Mathias CSsR, who called on members to move beyond a perception of service and embrace service as a conscious commitment. The service was enhanced by the KCA Choir, led by Luvena Rangel (cultural secretary & choir in charge) along with committee member Prajwal Mathias, with the support of members of the KCA community.

The Monthi Fest novena concluded with the traditional showering of flower petals. Among those taking part in the procession was Ian, the youngest member of the gathering, who carried the basket of flowers.

Following refreshments, the KCA Manik Lifetime Award was conferred on Philip Mathias and Col Christopher Rego (Retd) in recognition of their significant contributions to the community and society.

The KCA Manik Lifetime Award was originally instituted to acknowledge members who had made significant contributions to the development of KCA Bangalore. Since 2017, the award has also recognised individuals from the community with at least 30 years of documented accomplishments in areas including education, healthcare, music and fine arts, literature, social service, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy and sustainability, whose work has had a significant impact on individuals and organisations.

KCA president Shanthi Peres then delivered her welcome address and acknowledged the committee members for their active participation during her tenure.

The official AGM was called to order by KCA secretary Palini Pinto. The secretary’s report was presented by Palini Pinto and assistant secretary Coreen D’Souza Fareed. This was followed by the reading and adoption of the minutes of the 71st AGM and the statement of accounts for the previous year, after which the KCA managing committee for 2025–26 formally stepped down.

Following the election by the members, the new KCA managing committee for 2026–27 was formally installed under the guidance of returning officer Bertha Fernandes.

The new office bearers are:

President: Roshan Menezes

Vice president: Lunita Pais D’Sa

Secretary: Luvena Rangel

Treasurer: Joanita Britto

Assistant secretary: Palini Pinto

Managing committee members: Dianney Lobo, Jane Pereira, Jeffrey Crasta, Karen Prabhu, Mariette Vaz, Maya Bashyam, Prajwal Mathias, Ramsy Pinto, Reena Serrao, Reshma Lobo, Susan Gojer, Violet Ferrao and Shanthi Peres (immediate past president).

The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks by newly elected president Roshan Menezes, followed by a traditional Mangalurean lunch.

Special appreciation was expressed to Karen Prabhu for emceeing the event and to all members of the managing committee who contributed to the planning and logistics of the AGM.