News & Pics: Arun Fernandes

Bengaluru, Feb 1: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA), organised its Annual Federation Day on Sunday, January 29, with all glamour and splendour. The event was held at St Joseph's Indian High School grounds here.

The programme commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru along with many other priests, belonging to various congregations, as co-celebrants.

A book containing a collection of prayers and vespers compiled and published by Fr Praveen Pinto was released by the Archbishop soon after the Mass and a copy of the same was handed over to FKCA chairman Arun Fernandes.

The official stage programme began with an invocation dance by children.

The stage event was presided over by Archbishop Fr Dr Moras. Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy graced the occasion. FKCA chairman Arun Fernandes welcomed the presiding officers, distinguished guest, awardees of the year, past Chairman Victor Edward D’Souza and other dignitaries on the
dais, along with the member association presidents, executive committee members, office bearers and the august gathering and also delivered the chairman’s address.

FKCA, which is an apex body representing about 33 Konkani Catholic associations locally and globally, honoured three Konkani Catholic achievers for being role models to the Konkani community in their respective domains. This is the first time in the history of FKCA awards that a female has been selected for the award and that too, two of them made it more delightful.

Irene (Pinto) Castelino, the renowned author and novelist of 'Asha ani Nirasha', 'Mujeim Anthskarn Viscerchena', 'Thuvein Negar Kelein' and 'Mog Ani Bharvaso' fame was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Konkan Myna Meena Rebimbus’ contribution to Konkani through her singing over 50 years was decorated with the Professional Excellence Award. She not only sang alongside her husband and Konkan Kogull late Wilfy Rebimbus, but was an inspiration and a pillar of strength that helped Wilfy compose memorable Konkani songs for generations to hear.

A young entrepreneur, who started his website as a joke that turned out to be serious media business which gained popularity and presently has 4,50,000 daily viewership across 180 countries due to the efforts of none other than its founder Walter Nandalike was accorded the FKCA Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Each of the awardees was honoured with a shawl, a plaque and a 'Maan Patr'. Their endeavours and achievements were read out for all to know, as they were bestowed with the awards.

Walter Nandalike, who spoke on the occasion, urged Konkani people to get involved in start-ups and entrepreneurship. He paid rich tributes to Meena Rebimbus and Irene Pinto and mentioned that he grew up listening to the songs and reading the novels respectively.

Meena Rebimbus in her own style chose to express her joy by singing a beautiful self composed ballad. Irene Castelino thanked FKCA for recognising her works and honouring her.

A book containing Konkani Gadhi (proverbs), Mukvaram (idioms), Utthram (phrases) and Huminiyo (riddles) complied by Gladys Quadros was released on the occasion by Roy Castelino in the presence of her husband Stephen Quadros who briefed the gathering about the book and looked forward for encouragement and support from the Konkani community for their future publications.

In his address, Roy Castelino, stressed upon the need to promote Konkani language at homes, schools and liturgy wherever possible. He lauded the efforts of FKCA in playing a pivotal role in fighting for the rights of the Konkani community in Bengaluru. He also said he was happy to be part of the book release and appreciated the works of Stephen Quadros. He urged the Konkani community to encourage and support Konkani writers who are making all efforts to keep Konkani language alive. He also extended an invitation to all FKCA members to be a part of the Konkani Lokotsava to be held at Mangaluru in mid February.

In his presidential address, Archbishop Fr Dr Moras called upon the Konkani community to join hands with all other languages in order to bring about brotherhood and peace in society. He appreciated the FKCA for making efforts in recognising talent and awarding such eminent personalities and also lauded the three awardees of the year seated on the dais.

The presidents of all the affiliated associations, past chairmen and council members of FKCA were felicitated at the programme.

Anup Saldanha, general secretary of FKCA, proposed the vote of thanks for making the day memorable.

After the dignitaries' exit from the stage, the gathering was entertained by cultural dance programmes, band and skits enacted by the member associations. The programme was compered by Pramila, while DJ Godwin added spark to the event with his fusions and Baila.

FKCA extended a hearty thanks to the sponsors of the event – Main sponsor of the event was Ronal Colaco (NRI) and family while Ace Designers co-sponsored the program. Deccan Group, Park Plaza Hotels and Carmel School and PU College along with many other donors and well wishers extended their support to the event. FKCA also thanked all its affiliated member associations who shared the responsibilities to make the Federation Day programme a huge success.

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.