Report & Pics: Arun Fernandes
Bengaluru, Feb 23: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations - FKCA, organized its Annual Federation Day on Sunday, February 21, with all glamour and splendoUr.
The event was held at St Joseph's Indian High School grounds, Bengaluru.
The programme commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Jossy Fernandes, rector of Deena Sevashram, Kengeri along with many other priests, belonging to various congregations, as co-celebrants.
A book containing a collection of poems composed by Fr Jo-Si Siddakatte was released soon after the mass.
The official stage programme began with an invocation dance by the member children.
The stage event was graced by Roy Castelino, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy who was the chief guest of the event and the programme was presided over by Archbishop Emeritus of Bangaluru, Dr Ignatius Pinto.
They lit the lamp along with other dignitaries, before occupying their seats on the dais. FKCA chairman Edward D’Souza welcomed the distinguished chief guest, presiding officer, awardees of the year, past chairperson Aida D’Cunha, all dignitaries on the dais, and the august gathering and also delivered his chairman’s address.
General secretary Arun Fernandes presented the report for the year and mentioned about the various activities, medical camps and educational facilities provided to the underprivileged sections of society, by FKCA. He also informed that FKCA has applied and paid the stipulated fees, for the allotment site with the
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the matter is being followed up closely with the chief minister, the officials concerned and the allotment processing authorities.
FKCA which is an apex body representing about 31 Konkani Catholic Associations in Karnataka and different parts of the country and the world, honoured three Konkani Catholic achievers for being role models to the Konkani community in their respective domains- Henry D’Souza, the renowned composer and singer of 'Ye Ye Kathrina' fame was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr Michael Lobo, genealogy expert and scientist was presented with the Professional Excellence Award, and James Mendonca, a prominent businessman from the Gulf, was accorded with the Entrepreneur of The Year Award. Each of the awardees was honored with a shawl, a plaque, Mysore peta and a 'Maan Patr'.
Starting the awardees speeches, James Mendonca urged the Konkani people to get involved in start-ups and entrepreneurship. He extended all possible help from his end to such candidates. Dr Michael Lobo thanked FKCA for recognizing his work and efforts. Dr Michael Lobo’s work has given the Mangalorean Catholics a very rare distinction for being the only fraternity in the whole world, to have their own Genealogical Encyclopedia. Henry D’Souza needs no introduction as most of the present population of Konkans have grown up listening and cherishing his music and songs. Henry spontaneously sang 'Chandroim Udewn Ailo', a popular number from his many compositions, which left the gathering enthralled and mesmerized, thereby giving him a standing ovation.
In his address, chief guest Roy Castelino, stressed upon the need to promote Konkani language in our homes, schools and liturgy wherever possible. He lauded the efforts of some members of FKCA in playing a pivotal role in getting the landmark Circular (on the 40 year old language issue rocking the Archdiocese of
Bengaluru) from Vatican, which has now entitled and empowered the faithful in Bengaluru Archdiocese, in their own rights, to celebrate masses and hold prayers in Konkani, in all the churches of Bangalore Archdiocese. He also said that similar rights are entitled, to the Konkani faithful in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru dioceses too, where the Konkani faithful are suppressed by sinister forces holding wicked agendas, and urged FKCA to get involved actively in this fight of the Konkani people of those districts. He also stressed on the need to unite all the Konkani speaking people, be it the Hindus like GSB, Daivadnyas, etc or the Muslims like Navayits into one fold, so that irrespective of religion, the Konkani fraternity could be made a combined unit to fight for their rights.
In his presidential address, Archbishop Emeritus of Bengaluru, Dr Ignatius Pinto called upon the Konkani community to join hands with all other languages in order to bring about brotherhood and peace in society. He also reiterated that the Konkani language must be spoken and kept alive in our homes so that the next generation can take forward the legacy and culture of Konkani for many more years to come.
The presidents of all the affiliated associations, past chairmen and council members of FKCA were felicitated by the chief guest.
Leena Lobo, cultural secretary, FKCA, proposed the vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, donors, support teams and member associations of FKCA for making the day memorable.
After the dignitaries' exit from the stage, the gathering was entertained by cultural dance programmes from the members and a rib tickling performance by noted humorist of international fame, Richard Lewis.
The programme was compered by Vernon and Pramila in their lively and unique style. DJ Godwin added spark to the event with his fusions and bailas.
The lucky draw of the raffle organized by FKCA was conducted by FKCA treasurer Albert D’Souza. Robert Cutinha and Irene D’Souza compered the draw.
FKCA extended a hearty thanks to the sponsors of the event - diamond sponsors Ace Designers & Associated Hydro Pressing Pvt Ltd, gold sponsors Deccan Group, Park Plaza Hotels and Press-o-matic along with many other donors who supported the event as silver sponsors and well-wishers. FKCA also thanked all its affiliated member associations who shared the responsibilities to make the Federation Day programme a huge success.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah, minister for IT, technology and infrastructure S R Patil, minister for Bengaluru development and town planning K J George, health minister U T Khader, Mangaluru MLA J R Lobo and MLC Ivan D’Souza, all who had confirmed their presence, could not make themselves available at the last moment, due to elections and related programmes. They expressed regret for their inability to attend the programme and conveyed their best wishes to FKCA and also congratulated the awardees. The Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras was unwell and could not attend the event. Archbishop Emeritus of Bengaluru Dr Ignatius Pinto obliged to preside over the programme instead.
The presence of a large Konkani Catholic community of Bengaluru added to the extravaganza of the Federation Day. Dinner for all present at the venue was provided by FKCA.