Mumbai: Vasai Konkani Welfare Association Gets New Office

News & Pics: Ancy D'Souza Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 12: The new office of Vasai Konkani Welfare Association (VKWA) was inaugurated recently by Albert W D'Souza, chairman of Aldel Education Trust.

The office is located at the heart of the city of Vasai, in Suyog Nagar, opposite the Bishop's House of Vasai diocese.

In his address, Albert said that VKWA is the most vibrant Association in today's Konkani community. "When any Association has its own office its activities gets centralised. This makes the Association sustain for a longer period. Because it gets a physical structure, it becomes an institution. I can see like-minded young leaders coming together for a social cause here. It is a very young Association. They managed to get their own office in only three years. This Association will climb greater heights quickly and remain as a pearl of Konkani society," he said.

Fr Nazareth Gabru, the vicar general of Vasai diocese blessed the office and said that VKWA is a great asset to the diocese. He appreciated the hard work of the members in getting an office. Fr Ozy Gonsalves, parish priest of St Ignatius Loyola Church also congratulated the members for keeping the Konkani spirit high. Fr Tony Jurschik and Fr Joe Prabhu were also present.

Eric Ozario, the chief guest of the programme said that inaugurating an office for any Konkani organization is a very rare occasion in Konkani. "Having seen a number of Associations, I am very proud to announce that VKWA is one of the most active Konkani Associations around the globe. When an Association gets an office of its own, its activities flourish faster," he said.

The contributors of the Association were honoured during this occasion. President Stephen Fernandes extended the vote of thanks. Secretary Ancy D'Souza Paladka compered the programme.