Bengaluru, May 26, 2024: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) 2024 Annual Day celebrations at Anantya Palace Grounds drew an enthusiastic crowd, all united for a noble cause—to support cancer relief. The day began with a spectacular Vintage Classic Car and Bike Rally, which set off towards the venue at precisely 9:45 am, capturing widespread admiration and excitement. A major highlight was the Milagres Brass Band, led by Loyd and his team from Namma Kudla, whose captivating music enthralled the audience throughout the day.

The FKCA 2024 Annual Day program commenced with a prayer led by Dr. Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida, Spiritual Director, FKCA and Karnataka Regional Secretary, Education Commission followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Executive Council Members and the dance competition judges.

This set the stage for a unique dance competition, energetically compered by Peter Rebello from Bangalore Konkan Catholic Sangh, Koramangala. Peter introduced the esteemed judges: Debasree Nandy, a distinction holder in classical dance, Neel Nithin, winner of 30 and more state and national level dance competitions and Rishika A, a distinguished dancer with 17 years of expertise in both Bharatnatyam and contemporary Western styles. Six teams showcased their extraordinary talent in the themed Coastal Fusion extravaganza.

Dancing Divas



Kudla Steppers



Team Enigma

AM Dance Studio



Karthis Performing Art



Urban Dance Groove

Robert Cutinha, Chairman of FKCA, congratulated all teams for their superb performances and presented mementos as tokens of appreciation. Team Karthis Performing Arts emerged as the winners of the Coastal Fusion 2024 Dance Competition, taking home a prize of Rs. 50,000. Urban Dance Groove from Namma Kudla secured the runner-up position, winning Rs. 25,000. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sharon Rego, Cultural Secretary, FKCA.

The event also featured a job fair where potential employees interacted with HR team members from top companies and were guided through the application process. The outdoor arena was bustling with stalls offering culinary delights, nature, craft, jewelry, spices, and fun games for children. The lively atmosphere, delicious food, and soothing weather made it a memorable experience for everyone.

During the second half, a CEO Connect session in collaboration with Kanara Entrepreneurs took place. Peter Anil Rego, MD, Brilliant Printers, introduced the leaders to the session, with Clarence Pereira, Past President of KE, delivering the welcome address. The panelists included:

Irina Ghose, MD Microsoft IND
Dr. Devasia Kurian, MD AstTecs
Shrikant Deshmukh, Head ODC Yokogawa India Ltd
George Selvam, Founder & Chairperson, 5E Serpraise
Deepak Justin, CEO Deejays Inner Circle

The session, moderated by Luvena Rangel, included a networking luncheon, a live YouTube telecast, and a thought leadership forum. Irina Ghose delivered a keynote address on "The Era of Artificial Intelligence: Are you ready? India Forward: AI, Disruption, and Prosperity".

Robert Cutinha and Claudius Pereira presented mementos to all panelists, and Nigel Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks.

The cultural programs were emceed by Rayan Miranda from SAKK, Marathahalli. The program began with a prayer song originally penned and composed by Fr Rupesh Madtha and Winston, was sung by Sharon Rego and Jason Almeida from Konkani Samudai Jayanagar, followed by a solo dance by Aria Rajesh, KCA Bengaluru. Anil Saldanha and Sylvester D’Mello from KCA Mysuru, performed Ami Dogi Sezara composed by Sri Henry D’Souza. and songs Aikat mozo taalo originally by Lorna Cordeiro and Natural Woman by Aretha Franklinand were soulfully sung by Joette D’Souza, from Koncab. The event also featured maando performance by Ekvot Pangad - KCS Yeshwanthpur & KCA Mattikere, and an act by Nishal Preetham D’Souza, KCWA, RT Nagar. The cultural program concluded with a Baila performance by SVPKK, Banaswadi Bengaluru.

Royston Pinto from Vamanjoor, along with Smt Concepta Fernandes, emceed the formal program. A beautiful invocation dance was performed by Konkani Samudai Jayangar Bengaluru, led by Jennifer Lobo and her team.

Smt Concepta Fernandes invited distinguished guests and Council members for the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by prayers led by Fr. Faustine and Dr. Fr. Francis Assissi D’Almeida.

Robert Cutinha spoke about FKCA’s accomplishments over the past 25 years, addressing the gathering and welcoming esteemed guests, including Justice Shri N Santosh Hegde, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lobo, Sri J.R. Lobo, Smt. Margaret Alva, Sri Rohan Monteiro, Smt. Faye D'Souza, and Dr. Anthony S. L. Justice John Michael D’Cunha, retired judge of the High Court of Karnataka was among the distinguished guests present. Past Chairman Charles Gomes, Dr Edward Anand D’Souza, Edward Victor D’Souza and others presented flower plants to the dignitaries. He also welcomed Immediate Past President Silvian Noronha, past chairmen, presidents, secretaries, committee members of all associations, current FKCA Council members, President KE Claudias Pereira, Naveen D’Souza and members, Dr. Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida, donors, media, and press. Robert thanked everyone who attended the Federation day celebrations. Royston Pinto invited General Secretary Leena Lobo to present the FKCA annual report. Leena Lobo provided an overview of FKCA’s affiliates worldwide and their services to the Konkani community at large through FKCA Annual report.

Sri Rohan Monteiro, Founder and Chairman of Rohan Corporation India Pvt Ltd, received the Entrepreneur Award of the Year. Sri Rohan Monteiro shared insights on his entrepreneurial journey and thanked God for his success.

Smt. Faye D'Souza, in the presence of her parents Mr. Frank and Mrs. Flossy D’Souza, was felicitated with the Professional Excellence Award. Smt Faye D’Souza, a renowned journalist, Founder & Editor of Beetroot News, spoke about her achievements and contributions.

Sri J.R. Lobo congratulated the Federation for 25 years of service, highlighting FKCA’s role in preserving Konkani language, culture, and tradition. He emphasized that love and affection for one’s language and culture are essential for its sustainability. Mr. Lobo praised the awardees for their inspirational journeys and their impact on society, particularly the youth.

An engaging dance performance was presented, followed by a repeat performance by the runners-up of the Fusion Fiesta 2024. They were then awarded the runners-up cheque.

A special recognition award was bestowed upon Dr. Anthony S. L., Founder member of Koncab Bengaluru and Co-founder and Head Coach of BGF Sports Club, for his community service. All the awardees were felicitated by Justice Shri N Santosh Hegde, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lobo, and Sri J.R. Lobo.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Smt. Margaret Alva, Former Union Minister and Former Governor of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, and Gujarat. Shri N Santosh Hegde, in his speech, urged the current generations to follow a path of contentment and humaneness, and he congratulated the achievers. Smt. Margaret Alva thanked FKCA for the recognition and shared her inspirational journey. She urged vigilance in defending heritage and promoting Konkani language, culture, cuisine, and tradition, particularly among children.

The event continued with a repeat performance by the winners of the dance competition, who were then awarded the winners' cheque.

Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, designate director of Father Muller’s Charitable Institutions, addressed the gathering, sharing valuable insights and applauding the achievers. He emphasized inclusivity and being service-oriented, citing poet Kuvempu’s words: “Be a global person”.

Smt Concepta Fernandes was honored for her achievement as Assistant Director at All India Radio – Akashvani by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lobo and Council members.

Dr. Kamal Kiran Prasad Peace Award was announced by Royston Pinto. Emcees Peter Rebello, Rayan Miranda, Royston Pinto, and Smt Concepta Fernandes were honored. Donors were also honored for their support towards the cause and event.

Joint Secretary Vincent Dsouza delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and organizers. The event concluded with Agniyastra’s mind-blowing musical extravaganza, which had the audience grooving to foot-tapping numbers.

The event was a resounding success, marked by engaging activities, insightful speeches, and meaningful recognitions. The successful event was meticulously planned and well executed by the Executive Council comprising of the Office Bearers of all the member associations and the FKCA Office – bearers, Chairman - Robert Cutinha, Immediate Past Chairman – Silvian Noronha, Vice Chairmen – Antony Gonsalves and Nigel Fernandes, General Secretary – Leena Lobo, Treasurer – Richard Misquith, Joint Secretaries – Vincent D’Souza and Tony Pinto, Cultural Secretary - Sharon Rego, Spiritual Director – Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida and Legal Advisor – Dr. Edward Anand D’Souza.