Bengaluru, June 29, 2025 – The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) hosted its 27th Annual Day celebrations with great enthusiasm at St. Joseph’s University, Langford Road. The event drew a lively and appreciative crowd.

The evening opened on a high note with a rib-tickling comedy show by Nellu Permannur and team - Comedy Company, setting the tone for an evening filled with laughter and cheer. Performing in their signature comic roles—Nellu Permannur as Nellu, Lancy Bantwal as Lancy, Maria Joyce Vamanjoor as Maria, and Sandeep Mascarenhas as Sandeep—the team delivered a delightful act that was met with widespread admiration and hearty laughter from the audience. The performance was enhanced by background music from Raveen Martis, while Joseph Monteiro provided crucial backstage support. The show was elegantly compered by Shainy Pinto.

The FKCA 2025 Annual Day formal celebrations began with emcee Kiran D’Souza taking the stage. He introduced the members of Konkani Samudai Jayanagar, who performed an elegant welcome dance. Their colorful and graceful performance set a festive and heartwarming tone for the evening's festivities.

This followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by dignitaries Smt. Margaret Alva, Archbishop Most Rev Dr Peter Machado, Dr Fr Victor Lobo SJ, Special Guests Valerian Fernandes, Mark D’Souza, Errol Fernandes, Robert Cutinha and Silvian Noronha - Present and Immediate Past Chairmen and Vincent D’Souza - General Secretary.

Robert Cutinha then took the dais to provide an insightful overview of FKCA, outlining its founding principles and ongoing objectives. He also spoke warmly of the honor of having Archbishop Rev Dr. Peter Machado grace the occasion, which was followed by a heartfelt welcome to Rev Fr., extended by Peter Anil Rego.

Following this, Smt. Margaret Alva - former Union Minister and former Governor of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, and Gujarat, was graciously welcomed by Nigel Fernandes. Dr Fr Victor Lobo SJ received a gracious welcome from Sharon Rego. Robert Cutinha then had the honor of welcoming, Shri K. J. George. The honourable minister was warmly received by Dr Edward Anand D’Souza. He also thanked Arun Prashanth – Finance Controller and Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ - Rector/Director of St Joseph’s University for their support.

Vincent D’Souza - General Secretary, then presented the FKCA Annual Report and detailed the various initiatives carried out by the Executive Committee over the past year.

Robert Cutinha - Chairman then extended a warm welcome to this year’s awardees — Valerian Fernandes, Mark D’Souza and Errol Fernandes. He also welcomed Silvian Noronha - immediate Past Chairman, along with Henry J Pinto, Austin Roche, Charles Gomes, Aida D’Cunha, Edward Victor D’Souza, Arun Fernandes and Edward Anand D’Souza – Former Chairmen of FKCA.

In a heartfelt speech, Chairman warmly greeted the entire Executive Council and all attending member associations, expressing deep gratitude for their efforts in ensuring the event ran smoothly. He offered special recognition to Newly elected Pramod D’Souza - KE President and his team, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis D’Almeida - Spiritual Advisor, all event donors, with special appreciation for Ace Designers - Diamond Sponsor and Religious dignitaries (priests and nuns). He warmly welcomed the entire Nellu Permannur - Comedy Company and team to the evening’s program.

Emcee Peter Rebello, invited Robert Cutinha, Vincent D’Souza and Silvian Noronha to escort Valerian Fernandes, Errol Fernandes and Mark D’Souza on to the dais. Their noteworthy achievements and outstanding contributions to society were prominently showcased on the screens, serving as a powerful testament to their dedication and impact.

Valerian Fernandes was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary service and longstanding contributions to the community and the transportation industry. In his address, he urged our community to foster greater entrepreneurship. He expressed his gratitude to FKCA for the opportunities he had during and after his tenure to promote the Konkani language across diverse domains. He emphasized that FKCA’s evolution into a vital bridge between the government and Konkani Catholics remains central to its mission. He called upon Konkani associations worldwide to unite—urging them to not only excel academically but also to encourage youth to enter civil services and actively participate in government. He underscored the importance of working hand in hand with other communities, emphasizing that collaborative unity—not just within our own culture, but alongside diverse groups—will propel us all forward together. The Federation has regularly presented its demands to the government, and several of these requests have been favorably addressed. The Federation remains committed to advocacy and proactive dialogue. Valerian Fernandes had accepted the Jinnyé Saadhan Puraskar with great humility and gratitude, he dedicates the award to everyone who supported his visionary journey—singling out Gabriel Vaz for his unwavering encouragement and guidance.

Errol Fernandes, Chairman & Managing Director of Ferns Estates & Developers, was honoured with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his visionary leadership and impactful role in real estate development. In his address, he passionately encouraged the youth to boldly embrace entrepreneurship and significantly contribute to the country’s economy. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to FKCA for the honor bestowed upon him.

Mark D’Souza, Chartered Accountant and Founding Partner of Mark D’Souza & Co LLP, received the Professional Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in finance, education, and entrepreneurship. He expressed heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support throughout his professional journey. He spoke fondly of his long time association with St. Joseph’s Institutions since decades. Drawing from his experience as a former President of Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE), he urged young people to become part of the organization and its mission to foster entrepreneurship. In his words, “excellence is not just about achievements, but about the impact one makes,” and he emphasized the importance of keeping God at the centre of one’s pursuits, aligning personal success with spiritual grounding.

Shri K. J. George then took the podium, greeting the dignitaries and the audience with warmth. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Smt. Margaret Alva, noting how deeply inspired he is by her long-standing dedication to public service and her remarkable journey in Indian politics. In his address he honored the numerous Catholics who have served in public office, recognizing each one by name and applauding their energetic dedication and zealous commitment to their roles. He offered special praise to the Laity, noting that their efforts not only empower the Catholic community but also extend vital support to other communities. He expressed immense pride in sharing the stage with the awardees, praising their remarkable impact on infrastructure and society. Highlighting their achievements, he noted how each of them has “significantly brought a difference” in their respective fields.

In her inspiring address, Smt Margaret Alva shared her deep pride in her Mangalorean Catholic heritage, expressing sincere delight at being part of FKCA’s events. She applauded Archbishop Most Rev Dr Peter Machado for his dedication—not only to safeguarding the rights of the Catholic community but also for intervening on wider issues that called for the Church’s voice. Reflecting on her public life, she affirmed her unwavering commitment to fight for minority rights in all circumstances, urging the audience to be courageous, united, and steadfast in advancing the Federation’s mission.

Rev Dr Peter Machado praised Shri K. J. George for his consistent support to Catholics in need, underlining how the minister has stood by the community in times of necessity. He acknowledged the Karnataka government’s assurance to repeal the controversial anti-conversion bill and called on Catholics to work toward its removal—affirming the Church’s unwavering commitment to religious liberty. Beyond internal solidarity, Dr Machado emphasized the importance of standing “not just united amongst ourselves but within the rest of the communities as well”, highlighting inter-religious harmony as essential for social progress. He spoke about the Pratibha Foundation, an initiative formed by state bishops alongside entrepreneurs to support youth aspiring for careers in civil services—linking spiritual guidance with civic empowerment.

Emcee Peter Rebello proudly announced that Most Rev Dr Peter Machado has been elected Vice President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). The announcement was made following the CCBI’s 36th Plenary Assembly held at XIM University in Bhubaneswar on February 2, 2025, where Archbishop Dr Peter Machado was officially elected to the position.

This was followed by a Mando performance featuring member associations of the Federation – St Vincent Palotti Konkani Kutam Banaswadi, Konkani Catholic Association Mathikere, Konkani Catholic Sangh – Yashwanthpur, Konkani Samudai Jayanagar and Bangalore Konkani Catholic Sangh Koramangala.

Mr. Anthony Gonsalves delivered the vote of thanks, extending heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. He specifically acknowledged St. Joseph’s University for graciously providing the venue, Blue Bird Caterers for their Mangalorean cuisine and excellent service, 8 PM Events & Productions, who managed the sound system and LED lighting, Asher Encarv Imaging LLP for doing the Mementos and Kalanjali Kaydees, a dynamic Koncab dance group who performed an electrifying fusion dance that mesmerized the audience.

The Media Team—Nigel Fernandes, Nishal D’Souza, Noel Sequeira, Smruthi D’Souza, Sharon Rego, and Joel Galbao—were thanked, along with Benedict Jai Kumar for live streaming. Special thanks also went to Vikram D Almeida for handling the photography.

Dr. Fr. Victor Lobo, SJ, offered the dinner blessing.

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, Robert Cutinha - Chairman, Silvian Noronha - Immediate Past Chairman, Antony Gonsalves and Nigel Fernandes - Vice Chairmen, Vincent D’Souza - General Secretary, Zaveena Lobo - Treasurer, Peter Anil Rego and Noel Sequeira - Joint Secretaries, Sharon Rego - Cultural Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida - Spiritual Director, Dr. Edward Anand D’Souza - Legal Advisor and Leena Lobo - Ex General Secretary.