Media Release
Salmiya, Dec 16: The 25th annual general body meeting (AGM) of Tulu Koota Kuwait (TKK) was held on Thursday, December 5 at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, Kuwait.
The programme commenced with the Kuwait and Indian national anthems followed by a classical welcome dance performed by the multitalented kids of Tulu Koota Kuwait - Lauren Mascarenhas, Rachel Mascarenhas, Relony Cardoza and Welona Albuquerque. The members of the managing committee and the advisory committee inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp.
.
Shankar Shetty Pangala, the vice-president, welcomed the members of the association. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors Al Mulla Exchange, Bader Clinic, TVS Hyder Group and others who supported the association throughout the year. General secretary Harish Bhandary Kaup presented the annual report for 2024 and the audited annual financial report for the year 2024 was presented by Dinesh Ram Bannanje, internal auditor. Both reports were approved by the members of association with a thunderous applause.
Aikala Sudhakar Shetty, convener and the first president of TKK was honored as the koota celebrated its silver jubilee, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and invaluable guidance through the association’s 25-year journey since its inception. Nine TKK members were honored for collecting the highest funds in 2024, as an encouragement for their selfless efforts. Koota also honoured its members and kids with mementos for their outstanding performance and achievement. The recipients were Melrick D'Souza – district level inter school competition first place in football, Melriya D'Souza - 2nd place in football district level inter school competition, Aarav Manoj Kumar - 4th in Under 19 shotput at the CBSE clusters of 23 schools, Patrick Riyan Pinto - CBSE cluster chess tournament 2nd place under 11 boys, Arjun Surendra Poojary - 3rd place in open quiz competition held by alumni of IIT’s and IIM’s of Kuwait, Suchita D’sa - player of Kuwait national cricket team ( Kuwait Cricket Club), Glenda Meneges - player of Kuwait national cricket team (Kuwait Cricket Club), Mario Paul D'Cunha Prabhu - player of under-16 Kuwait national cricket team. Lauren Mascarenhas - 1st place in under 11 CBSE cluster chess tournament 2024, Neorah Lareina D'Souza and Melani D'Costa – recipient of award Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Pearl of the School, and academic excellence award to Lanith D'Souza for securing 96% in 12 std.
The cultural programme that followed featured participation from members of the association of all age groups, making the evening more vibrant and melodious. The event was efficiently hosted by Devi Prasad Shetty.
Thereafter, the managing committee concluded their tenure, and returning officer Prakash Godwin Pinto commenced the election proceedings for the managing committee for the year 2025.
All the members of the new managing committee were elected unanimously under the leadership of a charismatic and spirited Shankar Shetty, who was elected as the president of the association. The members of the association applauded to express their unconditional and continued support for him to lead the team and the association in 2025.
The members of the new managing committee are:
President – Shankar Shetty Pangala
Vice president – Roshan Prashant Quadras
General secretary – Jagadeeshwar Shanubhogue Udyavara
Joint secretary – Dr Vanitha Vinod Kumar
Treasurer – Steevan Misquith
Internal auditor – Lionel Rayan Mascarenhas
Cultural secretary – Shrinath Prabhu
Sports secretary – Dinesh Suvarna
Public relation officer – Sharon Gonsalves
Welfare officer – Sathish Kotian
The elected members of managing committee assured the association members of their best service during their tenure in their introductory speeches. The newly elected president, Shankar Shetty, thanked all the members for accepting and giving him the opportunity to serve as president of the association. He assured that his team will continue to focus on and commit to achieving the objectives of the association, uniting people under the umbrella of Tulu, and serving the Tulu culture and community through various activities. Further, the outgoing members of the management committee - Abdul Razak, Harish Bhandary, Dinesh Ram Bannanje, Vijay Wilson Albuquerque and Vijay Kumar Kairangala were honored with mementos for their dedicated service to the association during their tenure.
The Tulu Koota Kuwait 2025 calendar was released by the new management committee members and senior members of the association. The colorful calendar consisting of festivals of Tulunadu as well as public holiday list of Kuwait. Koota extended its gratitude to Badr Clinic for sponsoring the calendar for the year 2025.
The event was concluded by Santa Clause joyously distributing sweets to children, followed by a christmas cake cutting and a symbolic celebration the New Year 2025, followed by dinner. The event was well coordinated by cultural secretary Vijay Wilson Albuquerque.
General secretary, Jagadeeshwar Shanubhogue U, thanked everyone for their efforts and support in making the event a successful in his vote of thanks. Especially to the event sponsors Al Mulla Exchange, TVS Hyder Group, Badr Clinic Farwaniya, Al Ahleia Insurance, Khain Properties and other sponsors for their support throughout the year. He expressed gratitude to Shangri-La Caterers for the dinner, Wave Events and Rentals for the lighting and sound, Alban D’Souza for capturing the event through photography, Ronald D’Souza for technical support, Rajesh Cardoza and team for Christmas & New year celebration arrangements and all the members for their continued support and contributions to the association.