From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 4: Anitha Gomes has been unanimously elected as the President of Konkani Samudai, the association of Konkani Catholics of Jayanagar and surrounding areas of Bengaluru, on Sunday.

Human Resources professional, Noel Fernandes, was elected Secretary of the Konkani Samudai at its 11th Annual General Body meeting held at Christha Prabhalaya Church Hall in Jayanagar for the two-year term of 2016-18.

The following were unanimously elected as the office-bearers:

Anitha Gomes (President), Ivy Fernandes (Vice President), Noel Fernandes (Secretary), Vinod Titus Monteiro (Joint Secretary), Savita Furtado (Treasurer), Zaveena Lobo (Cultural Secretary) and Ashley Machado (Sports Secretary). Sandhya Roberts, Lawrence Saldanha, Ashley D'Silva, Molly D'Sa, Judith D'Souza, Lavita Vas, Jerome D'Silva, Wilson D'Souza, Steevan Fernandes, Lawrence D'Souza, A F D'Souza, Jacintha Rodrigues, Ronald D'Souza, Charles Gomes, Valerian Menezes and Dr Ajoy B Mendonca were elected as the Executive Committee members. Irene D'Souza and Vinod Monteiro will continue in the managing committee as Immediate Past President and Immediate Past Secretary respectively.

Earlier, outgoing President Irene D'Souza, welcomed the gathering. Secretary Vinod Monteiro read the annual report. Needy school children were given educational scholarships and awards were also given to children for excelling in academic and extra-curricular activities.

Senior journalist Gabrial Vaz was felicitated for his service to the community and support to the association in particular. Valerian Menezes, Assistant General Manager of Syndicate Bank, was also honoured for his professional achievements.

Arun Fernandes, the Chairman of Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, was also present.

The Annual General Body meeting was followed by a mass in Konkani at the Christha Prabhalaya Church with Fr Prashat as the main celebrant.