FKCA – 25th Silver Jubilee

It was a bright Sunday afternoon on the 25th of June where the members, guests and friends of FKCA gathered together at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleshwaram, Bangalore to celebrate their Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

FKCA conferred awards to three eminent personalities for their work towards the development of the society and for their exemplary services in the following fields.

1. Life-Time Achievement Award - Dr. Kiran Kamal Prasad, Renowned Human Rights Activist, for his immense contribution in the field of Bonded and Child Labour.
Dr. Prasad has been instrumental in releasing 10000+ bonded labourers all over India over the 4 decades of his wonderful service to humanity.

2. Professional Excellence Award - Sri Stephen Quadros– Renowned Writer Sri Stephen Quadros has written 40+ books including short stories, translations and also a dictionary between Konkani and other languages.

3. Entrepreneur of the Year Award-Sri Michael D’Souza - Renowned Philanthropist and NRI Entrepreneur.
Sri Michael D’Souza is a quiet and unassuming gentleman to the core, always works behind the scenes in his philanthropic work and has touched the lives of 3000+ people.

The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations - FKCA was established in 1998 for espousing the cause of Christians in the society and also to work in the larger interests of the community not only in Karnataka & other parts of India but also around the Globe. As on date, FKCA comprises as many as 34 Christian associations spread over different parts of Bengaluru and Mysuru, including 11 associations in foreign countries, including four in Dubai, Abu Dhabi in UAE, one each in Kuwait, Qatar, USA, UK and Canada etc.

The event started with a Cultural extravaganza from a few of the member associations by way of Dances, Songs, Comedy Skits, etc. Sezari Association group belted out a song which captured the ears of the audience. The small tots from the Mudla Association who danced were cute to watch and made all the audience want to dance in their seats.

A young and upcoming dancer showed his moves to the popular 80’s tune “I am disco dancer” which made us relive the dance of the Bollywood dancer Govinda.

The traditional forms of the Konkani music culture is “Ghumta” was performed by the Konkani Samudai Association. The unique style of the music instruments and the style of singing reminisced us the days of old.

We had a hilarious comedy skit by one of the member Association which had the audience in splits.

Melodious songs were sung on the occasion by the Sezari Association

Songs like “Undra mujha mama” a common folklore song which the young girls performed was delight to watch.

In addition to the highlight of the day – the distinguished notables who were presented with the awards for the year, we also had the dynamic Sri U. T. Khader who is the Hon’ble speaker of the Karnataka assembly, Sri K. J. George Hon’ble Cabinet Minister – Energy of the Karnataka Government who addressed the gathering. Their commitment and assurances to the community was indeed very heart warming.

Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary led the opening prayer and was present for the entire event. The programme was presided over by Most Rev Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore. His quiet and unassuming style of speaking and gentle message that he shared was comforting to the members of the Konkani Community.

The main event began with a lighting of the traditional lamp by Sri. U. T. Khader, Sri K. J. George, Most Rev. Henry D'Souza - Bishop of Bellary, Sri T. J. Abraham, Chairman Silvian Noronha, Spiritual Director Rev Francis Assisi,Past Chairman Sri Edward D’Souza and Secretary Sri Anthony Gonsalves.

The winner of the recently concluded Miss Teen Universal International Princess 2023 held at Peru Ms. Sweezal Furtado, our very own daughter from a member association shared her thoughts on her commitment and plans towards making a better society.

A Souvenir was released on the day Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado which shares glimpses of the events of the past 25 years and support from the Konkani community.

The past Chairmen of the FKCA organization were felicitated by the present Chairman Sri Silvian Noronha during the event.

All in all, it was a wonderful event where the Hall was packed to capacity of 1100+ people who gathered to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of FKCA and the event concluded with a grand dinner for all the guests.

The Link for the event is shared below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/v7COrD2K9OM?feature=share

FKCA Managing Committee 2022-23
L-R Mr. Anil D’Souza, Mr. Nigel Fernandes, Mrs. Ida Sequeira, Mrs. Anita Gomes,
Mr. Edward D’Souza, Mr. Robert Coutinho, Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida,
Mr. Silvian Noronha (Chairman), Mr. Anthony Gonsalves (Secretary), Mr. Noel Sequeira.