by Charles Gomes - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 30: Federation of Konkani Catholic Association of Karnataka, ( FKCA) Bangalore celebrated its annual get-together “ Federation Day “on Sunday, 28th January, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Indian High School grounds, Bangalore. At 4:00 pm Holy Mass in Konkani was concelebrated with Archbishop of Bangalore, His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Moras as the main Celebrant.
Main programme started at 6:00 pm. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri H.D. Kumaraswamy arrived 5 minutes before the scheduled time
Guest of honour, Member of Legislative assembly from Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Louise Khurshid too was present right before the start of the function .
Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp.
Chairman of the Federation, Valerian Fernandes welcomed the gathering. General Secretary, Charles Gomes briefed the gathering about the activities of the Federation.
Federation urged the present government to consider Konkani Catholic or Christian for appointment as
(a) member of Karnataka Public Service Commission,
(b) as chairman of either the Karnataka Minorities Commission or the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation.
The Federation also requested the Government to take a quick decision to implement Konkani as an optional third language from the 6th standard onwards from the 2007-08 Academic Year. This decision was kept pending since last few years
On this occasion, the Federation honoured 3 eminent personalities in recognition of their yeomen contributions to society in their chosen fields of work by conferring:
1). LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to
Shri Shirtady William Pinto: An MA and LLB Graduate from Karnataka University, he is a leading advocate of coastal Karnataka, who has taught law in Udupi Law College and Milagres College, Kalianpur. He is known for his social work activities, especially in helping the poor and educating the farmers, agricultural labourers and poor on Land Reforms, Tenancy Rights, Constitution and Civil Rights. He has organised thousands of camps to help and educate the people irrespective of their caste, religion or colour in the remotest corners of coastal Karnataka, thereby becoming a household name. He is associated with several organisations and has received several awards including the state government’s prestigious Rajyothsava Award.
2). ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD to
Shri Lawrence F H Mendonca: Born in Mangalore, he did his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Karnataka Regional Engineering College, Surathkal, and briefly worked in Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore, before moving to Dubai in UAE in 1972. After working for several companies, he started his own steel fabrication business in Dubai in 1978. He is the managing director of Standard Fabricators LLC, Dubai from 1978 till 1989, and has been the managing director of Standard Fabrication & Engineering Works, Dubai, since 1989 and is associated with several major projects in UAE besides being the Founder member of Mangalore Konkans in Dubai and Kanara Entrepreneurs Ltd, Dubai, non-profit charitable organisations. He is associated with several companies as proprietor, managing director and partner providing direct employment to over 1000 persons.
3). PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD to
Robinson D’Souza: Eldest son in a family of 12 children, is a self-made man who came up in life the hard way. Learning English and Kannada typewriting as also shorthand skills while doing his graduation, he started working and later secured a government job in a court in Chikmagalur district. After his transfer to the High Court, where he worked in various capacities and securing quick promotions due to sheer hard work and merit. He did his Law degree from the BMS Evening College and was appointed as a Munsiff. Having worked as a Munsiff Magistrate in Madikeri for 4 years from 1980 to 1984, he was sent to the Law Department in Vidhana Soudha, and rose to hold several positions in the Law Department including its Additional Secretary, Special Secretary and later Secretary. He has the unique distinction of being the first Secretary in the Government of Karnataka when the Department of Human Rights was established and has now become the First Principal Secretary of Karnataka Legislature since March 2006.
Chief Minister in his speech , assured the gathering that he will look into the matter and speed up the process of introducing Konkani as the optional language from 6th standard. Replying to the other demands, he said Government would consider positively.
Louise Kurshid in her speech highlighted achievements of Mangaloreans Catholics in various fields like – Education, Politics, Banking and Agriculture.
Archbishop urged the younger generation to take up jobs in the civil services.
Chairman recognized the efforts of all the 12 member associations.
Presidents of the member associations alongwith the dignitaries
Nerry D’silva proposed Vote of Thanks.
Albeena Vaz compeered the programe in a fabulous manner with her unique style.
After the main function there were cultural programes to entertain the gathering.
Presidents of all the member associations along with their committee members . Office-bearers of the Federation and Convener of the function Sri Gabriel Vaz were present.
More than 2500 people were present.
Started in 1998, the Federation has grown in size and stature during the last nine years. Today, it comprises of a dozen Konkani Catholic Associations in Bangalore and Mysore, and more associations are in the process of getting affiliated. It has been conducting regular programmes for the welfare of Konkani speaking people, create awareness and work for promoting and protecting their interests, including interaction with Government and other Authorities.
A major achievement of the Federation is the initiative in helping several members of different affiliated associations in getting well-developed housing sites on the Bangalore-Tumkur highway near Nelamangala and the launch of a Free Placement Service Cell to help the unemployed to get jobs, which has benefited several job-seekers. The Federation is planning to start a Certificate Course in Housekeeping for School Dropouts and preparations in this regard are underway.
Padmandaba Reddy of Ashraya builders and Vamsi developers were the main sponsors for the programme.
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