The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its General Body Meeting on Friday, 30th August 2024, at the Indian School of Excellence in Salmiya. The meeting began at 6:30 pm with an opening prayer led by Roshan Rodrigues.

KCWA members warmly welcomed their new Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario, who was escorted to the stage by President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas and General Secretary Reena Pereira. Vice President Arun Dsouza formally introduced Fr. Avil Rosario to the audience.

In his address, President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees and expressed his deep gratitude for their continued love and support. He commended the members for their active participation in KCWA events and called for their continued support for upcoming activities. He also extended a special welcome to Fr. Avil Rosario, expressing sincere thanks for his willingness to serve as the new Spiritual Director.

The meeting featured the presentation of various reports by the Managing Committee, which were duly approved by the members. Reena Pereira presented the minutes of the last General Body Meeting, while Deepak Andrade provided the Activity Report. Additionally, Jayson Dsouza presented the Finance Report, Sylvia D'Costa shared the Membership Report, and Veena Serrao presented the Education Fund Report.

The Cultural Activity and Sports Activity reports were presented by Prashanth Ferrao and Prakash Pinto, respectively. They also provided updates on upcoming events. Allan D'Souza delivered the Website and Social Media updates.

Cultural Treasurer Praveen Fernandes briefed the gathering on the upcoming KCWA Monthi Fest celebration and the Novem Jevan for KCWA members and their families, scheduled for 13th September 2024 at the Indian Community School, Senior Branch-Salmiya. He expressed his gratitude to the donors, reading out their names and acknowledging their generous support, which enables KCWA to provide traditional festive meals to 22 shelter homes within the Mangalore and Udupi Diocese.

In his inaugural address as KCWA's new Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario delivered an inspiring message focused on the importance of unity among members. Beginning with a passage from John 15:5, he highlighted the vital role of faith in guiding the association’s mission and activities. Fr. Rosario emphasized that the strength of the group lies in its unity, urging members to support one another and work together towards common goals. He called for setting aside differences to focus on the greater good, reminding everyone that their shared faith is a powerful unifying force.

Fr. Rosario also underscored the association's guiding principle: "In pursuit of providing education to the poor children." He reaffirmed KCWA’s commitment to supporting the education of underprivileged children, stating, "By extending a helping hand, we not only uplift the lives of these young souls but also receive their heartfelt prayers in return. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their futures and, in doing so, be blessed by their gratitude and well-being." He shared that many children have already benefited from the scholarships provided by KCWA, expressing their gratitude through prayers for their benefactors. This touching testimony highlighted the profound impact of the association's efforts and inspired members to continue their support.

To conclude his message, the Spiritual Director shared a passage from St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, verse 5:14, reinforcing his call for unity and perseverance in faith. This scriptural reading served as a fitting conclusion, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of hope and a deeper commitment to the association’s future.

Manoj Rego, Sylvia DCosta and Jinella Rodrigues conducted the lucky draw for the members present at the venue before the beginning of the meeting and winner picked by KCWA new spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario. Gerald Arun Dsouza membership #2849 emerged as the lucky winner.

The winners of the 'Feel the Reel' Contest 2024 were also announced by coordinator Harry Fernandes. He expressed his gratitude to the judges of the competition, VJ Dixon and Hera Pinto. This contest, held during the summer holidays, was open to KCWA members and their children. The winners of the contest are as follows:

Junior Category:

Highest Likes on YouTube
▪ Winner: Rachel Mascarenhas

Judges Choice
▪ Winner: Rachel Mascarenhas
▪ Runner-up: Gloria Shanthi Tauro

Senior Category:

Highest Likes on YouTube
▪ Winner: Neil Aster Tauro

Judges Choice
▪ Winner: Joyston Dalmeida and Neil Aster Tauro
▪ Runner-up: Rishael Lobo

KCWA extended heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their enthusiastic involvement in the contest. Consolation prizes were distributed to all participants, with a special thanks to American Tourister for sponsoring these prizes. The competition was efficiently coordinated by Prashanth Ferrao, Reena Pereira, and Harry Fernandes.

Santosh Dsouza delivered the vote of thanks and led the closing prayer, while Vice President Arun Jossy Dsouza served as the event's moderator. Alban D'Souza skillfully captured the event through photography and also provided the projector. Allan D'Souza and Harry Fernandes animated the presentation, with the sound system managed by Roshan Rodrigues.

During the meeting, Moderator Arun Jossy Dsouza warmly welcomed new Life Members and ordinary members into the KCWA family. The association also extended birthday wishes to committee member Roshan Rodrigues, who was celebrating his birthday, and expressed gratitude for his ongoing support of KCWA events.

A delicious dinner, catered by China Metro Restaurant, Farwaniya, was served to all attendees. Approximately 140 members and their families were present at the GBM.

The KCWA Managing Committee expressed their sincere gratitude to all members for attending the GBM and for sharing their valuable insights and constructive suggestions. Special thanks were also extended to the management of the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, for providing the venue for the meeting.