Bangalore: Federation of KCA Presents Awards for Community Service
by Jessie Rodrigues - Bangalore / Aakash Poojari Polali
Bangalore, Jan 27: Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations consists of 14 Konkan Catholic Associations based in Bangalore, Mysore and Chickamagalur. They are a decade old and are in the service of primarily assisting the Christian Community to get their dues from the Government, are apolitical and are only interested in expressing the problems in general and projecting the needs in particular.
At the last Federation Day, the CM of Karnataka announced the recognition of the Konkani language in the statute. They are also involved in activities like Employment - Free placement service, Health camps, Housing project for the lower income group, Helping the needy, Fighting for social justice - met successive Chief Ministers and submitted memorandums highlighting community grievances, Met Vice President of National Minority Commission and gave him a memorandum highlighting atrocities against minorities, Entrepreneurs meet - Conducted Entrepreneurs meet with the objective of forming a body to promote Young Entrepreneurs.
The program began with Holy mass with Konkani Choir at St. Joseph’s Indian High school grounds celebrated by Hon Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore who also presided over the function.
Rest of the program started at 6.10 pm with invocation dance by Mast Ashwin.
Valerian Fernandes, chairman of Federation welcomed the gathering, followed by lighting the lamp by the dignetories, Mr Charles Gomes, the Secretary presented the annual report, after which conferring the awards for the following:
John D’Silva was awarded ‘Life time achievement award’ for his leading co-operative banking & social work.
‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ – Albert Wilfred D’Souza, Managing Director, Printaria Offset Pvt. Ltd.
Albert Pereira - ‘Professional Excellence Award’ who is an Executive Director, Oriental Bank of Commerce.
Function was inaugurated by Prof. B K Chandrashekar, Hon’ble Chairman Karnataka legislative Council, Bangalore. In his address, Prof Chandrashekar appreciated the Christians for their high literacy, civilization, speech, dress & prayer.
Lulus Coutinha proposed vote of thanks, program was compeered by Albina Vaz.
The last item of the day was the cultural programs by all the associations