Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its General Body Meeting on Friday, 29 th August 2025 at Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting commenced at 6:30 pm with the opening prayer led by Naveen Monis. A moment of silent prayer and special condolences were held in memory of Eric Ozario, a respected Konkani music composer and cultural leader, who passed away earlier that day.

Vice President and Moderator, Arun Jossy Dsouza, introduced the 9 nominated members of Managing Committee to the members present at the GBM. They were warmly welcomed with flowers in recognition of their new roles, by the Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario.

President Prakash Godwin Pinto warmly welcomed the gathering and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all members for their unwavering love, support, and encouragement. In his address, he extended sincere thanks to the members for their continued support of KCWA events. He highlighted the recent education loan disbursement programs conducted in the Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses, providing a brief overview of the events. He also shared that the team had the privilege of meeting the Bishop’s Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha & Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo. He extended a warm invitation to members and their families to attend the Monthi Fest Novem Jevan, scheduled for 5th September 2025. He also expressed his joy and pride in creating history by successfully organizing four premier shows of a Konkani movie ‘Fondacho Misther’ on 28th August 2025, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Various Reports were presented and approved by the members present. Reena Pereira presented Minutes of last extra-ordinary GBM and Vinitha Pinto presented the Activity Report. Finance, Membership and Education Fund reports were presented by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao respectively. Cultural activity & Sports activity report were presented by Anil Pais and Alan Vaz respectively, whilst they updated the upcoming events. Website and Social Media updates were presented by Nilton Dsouza.

Monthi Fest coordinator Prashanth Ferrao briefed about the KCWA Monthi Fest celebration and Novem Jevan for KCWA members and their families to be held on 5 th September 2025 at Indian Community School, Block-10, Salmiya. He also encouraged everyone to participate in Marian Quiz. Kevin Dsouza read the donors’ names and thanked them for the wholehearted support which makes KCWA possible to provide traditional festive meals to 21 shelter homes within Mangalore and Udupi Diocese.

Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario began his message with God’s Word from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. He reminded us that we are all followers of Jesus Christ and encouraged us to live out our faith daily by showing kindness and helping others through our small acts of sacrifice.

Guest Priest Fr. Stephan D’Souza addressed the audience and applauded the work KCWA is doing to support education and humanitarian causes, praising their efforts as those of a true Good Samaritan. He also emphasized that the cultural activities organized by KCWA help preserve and promote our language, ensuring it is passed on and cherished by generations to come. He wished KCWA continued success in their noble mission.

Arwin Rodrigues and Tressy Cutinho conducted the Lucky Draw for the members present at the venue before the beginning of the meeting. Lucy Aranha Membership#2378 emerged as the Lucky Winner.

Winners of Konkani Elocution Competition 2025 was also announced. KCWA conducted Konkani Elocution Competition for its members’ children before the GBM. Elocution Competition coordinator Kevin D Souza announced winners names and expressed gratitude towards Judges of this competition Mr. Anil Dmello, Sr. Venitha A.C and Mr. Reyan Lobo.

Winners – Junior Category (Class 4-7)
• First Place: Rachel Mascarenhas and Lauren Mascarenhas
• Second Place: Gloria Shanthi Tauro
• Third Place: Kecia Anna Dsouza

Winners – Senior Category (Class 8-12)
• First Place: Joyston Dalmeida
• Second Place: Neil Aston Monis

KCWA congratulated all the winners and the participants for their active participation. The competition was well coordinated by Reena Pereira, Kevin Dsouza and Anil Pais.

The Moderator warmly complimented the upgraded life member Shaun Dominic Rodrigues, newly registered member Shaila Lobo, Reiner Rego and Cristal Vinola Dsouza for registering and joining KCWA at the venue.

Yvonne Veigas proposed the vote of thanks and recited closing prayer. Alban D Souza captured the event through his skills in photography. Projector was provided by Alban D Souza and Nilton D Souza animated the presentation. Sound system was provided by Roshan Rodrigues. Dinner was served by China Metro Restaurant, Farwaniya. Around 150 members with their families were present. Fr. Stephan Dsouza recited grace before meal. Delicious dinner was served to all present at the GBM.

KCWA Managing committee would like to express their sincere gratitude to members for attending the GBM and for sharing their valuable thoughts and constructive suggestions. We also thank the management of Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya for providing the venue to hold the meeting.

>