Bengaluru Aug 20, 2024: Robert Cutinha was re-elected as the Chairman of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) during the 27th Annual General Body meeting, which took place on Aug 18th at Konkan Samudhai Bhavan, Bengaluru. The program saw the participation of over 100 representatives.

The event began with Holy Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Maxim Dias of Bellary Diocese and who presently is the Karnataka Regional Secretary for the Commissions of Proclamation and Basic Ecclesial Communities together with Rev. Dr Francis Assisi Almeida, Spiritual Director of FKCA. The liturgy arrangements and choir were organised beautifully by Konkani Catholic Association, Mathikere, Konkani Catholic Sangh, Yeshwanthpur and KONCAB. The AGM then commenced with an opening prayer by Rev Dr Francis Assisi Almeida.

Robert Cutinha welcomed the gathering. He briefly spoke about his satisfaction and joy over the various achievements of the Federation over the year especially five new associations joining as affiliates and the day-long successful celebration of the Federation Day. He thanked the associations for their great support, the office bearers for their many initiatives, the media team for their efforts, the Spiritual Director, Fr Francis Assisi Almeida for his time and support, former Chairpersons for their guidance and encouragement, auditor Nanjunda Poojary of M/s Nanjunda & Co’s office for his advice and help.

Leena Lobo, The General Secretary, presented the minutes of the previous AGM and the annual report covering the various initiatives of the Federation concisely. This was followed by the Treasurer, Richard Misquith who laid out the audited accounts for 2023-24.

On the occasion, the Federation recognized Dr. Anand Edward D’Souza along with his wife Mamatha Barboza for outstanding service to the Konkani community, language and culture. Dr. Anand Edward spoke of his journey as an entrepreneur as well as interactions and motivation from the Konkani community and his endeavours to contribute to the community through various initiatives.

Rev Dr Francis Assisi Almeida was honoured on the occasion for successfully obtaining his PhD on his thesis on Article 30 of the Constitution of India on the subject – Minority Educational Institutions in the Era of Privatization.

The Federation recognised and honoured the great philanthropic initiatives of Silvian Noronha, Immediate Past Chairman of FKCA and his multiple initiatives to provide relief to the needy and deserving in myriad ways.

During the year, five associations became affiliated with the Federation: Mangalorean United Konkani Association (MUKA – UK), Konkani Kutam e.V. Germany, SKA London, Karaval Milan, Dubai, and St. Vincent Palotti Konkani Kutamb (SVPKK), Banaswadi. President of SVPKK, Leslie Fernandes, along with his team, were honored. Leslie Fernandes also shared a few words, expressing his commitment to SVPKK and his eagerness to continue serving with greater dedication.

St. Anne's Konkani Kutaam (SAKK) Marathahalli Team were felicitated for their exemplary support and contribution towards the Federation Day 2024 celebrations.

Stephan Machado (KCWA RT Nagar) and Anil Sequeira (Sezari, Bommanahalli) were felicitated for their Presidentship for the upcoming year.

Past Chairman Valerian Fernandes, Charles Gomes, Victor Edward D’Souza, Dr. Anand Edward D’Souza and Arun Fernandes graced the occasion.

Following the dissolution of the 2023-24 committee by the Chairman, the election process for the new office bearers was conducted under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Francis Assisi Almeida who was the Election Officer.

The elected Office Bearers for 2024-25 include:
Chairman – Robert Cutinha
General Secretary – Vincent D’Souza
Vice Chairman 1 - Anthony Gonsalves
Vice Chairman 2 – Nigel Fernandes
Joint Secretary 1 – Peter Anil Rego
Joint Secretary 2 – Noel Sequeira
Treasurer – Zaveena Lobo
Cultural Secretary – Sharon Rego
Legal Advisor – Dr. Anand Edward D’Souza
Spiritual Director – Rev Dr. Francis Assisi Almeida
Immediate Past Chairman - Silvian Noronha
Immediate Past General Secretary - Leena Lobo

The program was ably compered by Kiran D’Souza. Elton Joy D’Souza’s photography skillfully captured the essence of the AGM.

The meeting concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Nigel Fernandes, Vice Chairman FKCA.