Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 15: KCA (Kanara Catholic Association) held its AGM at the Konkan Samudhai Bhavan on Sunday, September 11. The gathering was solemnized with the Holy Mass celebrated by the engaging Redemptorist Fr Charles Vijay Kumar CSSR. His captivating homily that brought home the essence of forgiveness as well as community spirit through the parables of The Prodigal Son contextualized with a more hilarious situation of conditional forgiveness between bitter neighbours faced. The service set the tone for the intention of the AGM as well as the objectives of the organization in service of the community.
After quick refreshments post Mass, the AGM commenced with outgoing KCA President, Hilma Roach sharing an overall report of the committee events during her 2020-22 term. Highlights of Hilma’s presentation were the application to register the KCA Bangalore Logo, the final touches to the KCA website, ambulance donations and three vaccination and booster dose camps. Various webinars catered to the edifying reach of KCA for students and adults from all demographics. The year also showcased multiple well-attended social gatherings that catered to the community’s need for interaction as well as member visibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and enterprise through event stalls. The traditional heritage of the community was also amply honed through Konkani language sessions 'Konkani Ulovyan', cuisine appreciation through 'Kuznanth' by The Konkan and The Mangalurean restaurants and gaiety with dance and merriment.
The office bearers succinctly presented the year’s achievements including an update on the KCA land dispute by Vice President, Roshan Menezes, the secretary’s report by Lunita Pais and the statement of accounts by treasurer, Shobha Pinto (review provided by Ajay Fernandes).
The AGM concluded with the election of the new KCA president and committee for the term 2022-23 with Hilma handing over the baton to Adrian D’Souza, as incoming elected president and Shanti Peres, vice-president. In his acceptance speech, sprinkled with good humor and wit, Adrian acknowledged the bar was raised high helmed by Hilma. With the new committee, he sought renewed vigour for the members and the community at large. With the upcoming festive season and in the wake of two years of Covid restrictions, the intention was to raise the bar higher! Adrian’s focus also remained to engage our youth in all aspects as a supportive community. His chosen quote by C Joybell C drove in his key message. ‘We can’t be afraid of change. We must be the change We may feel very secure in the pond we are in, but if we never venture out of it, we will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean.’
Past KCA president, Bertha Fernandes officiated the occasion by announcing the KCA 2022-23 managing committee members as follows: Ajay Fernandes (treasurer), Coreen D’Souza Fareed (secretary), Jane Pinto (joint secretary), committee members: Anoop Sequeira, Diana Tauro, Jason Fernandes (youth representative), Jude Ferrao, Karen Pais Prabhu, Kenuite Martis, Laveena D’Souza, Lunita Pais D’Sa, Luvena Rangel, Naomi Rasquinha, Reena Serrao.
A special note of thanks to the eminent personalities who graced the AGM: Silvian Noronha (chairman, FKCA), Ricky Patel (president, Catholic Club) and Jude Rajesh Ferrao (vice president, Catholic Club), Sunil Cutinho (President, BKCS, Rajajinagar), Sylvester D’souza (chairman, KWT), Lullus Cutinho (secretary, CKA, Dasarahalli), past president RKCWA, Rajajinagar. past presidents, KCA: FTR Colaco, Bertha Fernandes, Errol Fernandes and Joseph Pinto (past vice president, KCA).
The AGM witnessed the professional execution and schedule planned by the KCA Committee with special thanks to Cheryl Rebello for emceeing the entire evening. Jane Pinto’s closing words of thanks brought the AGM to a successful end alongside the announcement of the prestigious Manik Award and a call for the members to enjoy the rest of the evening with food, music and good company.