Bengaluru: The Catholic Konkani Association (CKA) Dasarahalli, Bengaluru conducted their Annual General Body Meeting and Celebrated Silver Jubilee on completion of 25 years of their formation of the Association here at Defense Colony, Bagalakunte, Hesaraghatta Road, Bengaluru on Sunday, the 19th of September 2021.

The CKA Dasarahalli started their Association to protect the interest of Konkani Catholics coming from coastal areas and to safeguard the interests of the community, language and culture. The day’s event commenced with the Holy mass celebrated at 10 am in Konkani by Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and Fr. Sunil Kumar D’Souza at St. Pauls Church, Nelagadderanhalli. After the mass Tea and snacks were provided by the Association to all those attended the mass.

The AGM began by invoking God’s blessings by Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo. President Mr.Antony Gonsalves welcomed Fr.Sunil Kumar D’Souza Chief Guest for the program and Election returning officer. Also welcomed Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, FKCA Chairman Mr.Silvian Noronha, Immediate Past Chairman Anand Edward D’Souza, Past Chairman Victor Edward D’Souza, Vice Chairman Sunil Cutinho and Anup Saldanha, Legal Advisor Anil Albert D’Souza. He also welcomed all the past presidents of CKA Dasarahalli, committee members and all the members present for the AGM. One minute silent was observed to the repose of soul of the deceased members of the Association.

On the occasion of Silver Jubilee and to share the joy all the past presidents along with the present office bearers cut the cake and the same was distributed to all the members.The minutes of the previous year’s AGM and the annual report were read out by the General Secretary – Mrs.Laveena D’Souza. The audited accounts for the year 2020-21 was placed before the members by the Treasurer Mr.Denis Fernandes

The President thanked the gathering and dissolved the Committee of 2020-21 and welcomed on stage, the election officer Fr.Sunil Kumar D’Souza to conduct the election procedures. Fr.Sunil Kumar D’Souza read out the names of the nominations received. Since there was only one nomination for each post they were elected unopposed.

The following members were elected as the office-bearers of CKA – Dasarahalli for 2021-2023.
President : Richard D’Souza
Vice President: Denis Fernandes
Secretary – Lullus Cutinho
Joint Secretary: Ivan D’souza
Treasurer: Elias Pinto
Cultural secretary: Sunil Joseph
Past President: Antony Gonsalves

The AGM decided to continue Mr.Nanjunda Poojary as their auditor for the year 2021-22. The President concluded by expressing his satisfaction for having carried out various activities and uniting all the members under one umbrella. He thanked all the past presidents for their contribution. He mentioned that he has served 8 years as president of the Association and still he will work with the newly elected president to make the association more vibrant and to take this association to greater heights.

During the AGM the student who have done exceptionally well in their academics in SSLC, PUC and Degree were honoured along with their parents. Newly married couples were also felicitated by the president along with Fr. Faustine Lobo. Introduction of the new members were also done during the meeting. As a part of cultural event the dance was performed by the members.

Past president Mr.Valerian Pinto recalled and remembered those who had started the association in the year 1995 and are no more to be part of this Silver Jubilee Celebrations. He mentioned that they have started the association with only 5 members and now it has grown and has more than 150 active members. He further mentioned that he was hurt when Konkani speaking people were looked upon as outsiders without identity in the year 1995. They stared the association to have a united forum to fight for the rights of Konkani speaking people living in and around Dasarahalli. In memory of Silver Jubilee celebrations, the mementos were presented to all the past presidents, guests and members.

The AGM concluded by Vote of thanks by the Joint Secretary Mrs.Gracy Misquith. He thanked Fr. Sunil Kumar D’Souza for celebrating the mass and conducting the election process. He also thanked Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo for celebrating the mass, Chairman of FKCA Mr.Silvian Noronha, all the guests from FKCA, Past presidents, choir group, Crystal Caterers for arranging the snacks and delicious lunch. He thanked all the members present for the meeting. Fellowship lunch was organised by CKA Dasarahalli. The days event and AGM was Emceed by Mrs. Nolita Rodrigues and the events ended around 3 pm.