Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Apr 9: Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) Abu Dhabi, a premier association of Mangalureans in the UAE, will organize a grand 'KCO Fiesta' on May 8 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event will be held at Abu Dhabi Country Club, from 5 pm onwards.

KCO was founded in the year 1995 by a few prominent Mangalurean personalities under the leadership of Leo Rodrigues, and grew into a portent organization of the Catholic diaspora in the UAE. It was founded with the basic objective of promoting Konkani language and culture among the Mangalurean diaspora in the UAE. It also intended to extend financial support to the Catholic community in undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Without diluting the original objectives, even with the passage of time, the organization followed its goals solemnly to emerge as a major force to reckon with in the UAE.

History

The Konkani speaking Mangalureans have created a niche for themselves in Abu Dhabi through their wonderful community work. The Mangalureans in Abu Dhabi have the honor of organizing the first ever "Mangalorean Day" in the entire UAE way back in the 70s and the privilege of staging the first ever Konkani drama in the Emirates on May 3, 1973.

From the year 1970 onwards some prominent Mangalureans in Abu Dhabi were organizing the "Mangalorean Day" function every year to bring together all Mangalureans residing in Abu Dhabi. But due to technical reasons this activity could not be continued after 1988. But in 1989, under the leadership of Raymond D'Souza of Koppa, with the help of some enterprising people, started a full-fledged organization and named it as "Konkani Welfare Association" (KWO) with various objectives for the betterment of the community.

Small Beginning

KCO really took off to a splendid start and was able to make its mark largely due to the support it received from fellow Mangalureans. An organization can take a strong footing in the society only when it gets support and recognition from like-minded people. KCO made determined efforts to involve more people of the community in the various activities it conducted and needless to say, they responded with eagerness.

The Mangalurean diaspora had realized even in those days that their strength was their unity and with unity they would be able to achieve wonders for the entire community. When the people who had gone to various Gulf countries were feeling directionless, insecure, lonely, home sick, longing to meet their own countrymen or were facing difficulties, financial or otherwise, it was KCO which gave them a platform to feel at home or gave them a helping hand to overcome their tribulations. KCO was like a magical elixir to many of them and they looked forward to the gatherings fervently. As a result, the small seed sown 20 years ago grew under the careful patronage of its leaders and now has become a gigantic tree yielding good results.

KCO in Action

The credit goes to KCO for being the first cultural association of Mangalureans in Abu Dhabi at a time when the community was scattered without a proper platform to feel or share the flavor of Mangalurean culture. Having brought the Konkani speaking community under one umbrella, thanks to the zealous efforts of its founders, there was no stopping this juggernaut from rolling, to accomplish its cherished mission. The late Raymond D’Souza made tremendous contribution to this organization.

About KCO

Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO), is a household name among the Mangalurean Catholic community in Abu Dhabi, and has gained popularity through its various charitable, cultural and religious activities. By bringing together the various sections of Mangalurean people under one umbrella, it has proved by its deeds and actions that it is a premier organization in Abu Dhabi and an equal organization in standing comparable to other similarorganizations across the UAE and the Gulf.

KCO by their selfless service has transformed itself as a mirror reflecting the culture, tradition and upholding the values of our great ancestors and has turned out to be a focal point for the Mangalurean community in Abu Dhabi.

KCO Abu Dhabi is gaining in popularity year after year through its various activities aimed at bringing together the community for group programmes and also because of its strong support for the economically backward and less fortunate members of the community in the UAE and back home.

Even though today, KCO has gained the popularity in all fields, the beginning of this organization was very humble. In the past 20 years, KCO was led by able presidents like Leo Rodrigues, Dolphy Vaz, Michael D’ Silva, Robert Rego, Gerry D’ Mello, Benette D’ Mello and Valerian Dalmaida. Michael D’ Silva is the current president.

This organization has now reached a major milestone having completed 20 years of its active existence and service to the community.

KCO's Zeal

KCO has been involved in social service activities since its inception. The KCO Fiesta is a mega event held in a year, and is also the major fund-raising event. With generous contributions by the sponsors and members, KCO has been able to undertake an array of activities for the welfare of the people.

KCO has initiated several scholarships for needy students through Samanvaya of Mangaluru and have donated more than Rs 85 lac through their charitable work in the past. They are involved in various social, cultural and religious activities in Abu Dhabi. A total social welfare fund of Rs 25 lac has been set up for this 20th year towards education, medical aid to the economically weaker patients suffering from various deceases and community celebration of wedding.

No doubt, completing 20 years is an achievement in itself. But for an organization, there is certainly a long way to go. Given the commitment of the members of KCO and their willingness to build the second rung of leadership to carry on the rich and noble tradition, it is not going to be an onerous task at all. The challenge now is to continue the work begun and take it to greater heights in the years ahead. KCO has set a precedent and has inspired generations of Mangalureans in Abu Dhabi at a time when there was no one to fall back upon. Let us hope it would continue to inspire generations to come in the years ahead.