Bengaluru, Aug 19: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA), at its 26^th Annual General Body Meeting, held at Konkan Samudhai Bhavan, Bengaluru on Sunday, elected Robert Cutinha as its Chairman. The meeting was well attended by 110 office bearers - representatives from various Member Associations.

The event commenced with the Holy Mass in Konkani celebrated by Fr Francis Assisi Almeida – the Spiritual Director of FKCA. During the official deliberations of the AGM, Silvian Noronha, welcomed the gathering. He expressed his gratitude to the past chairpersons, office bearers of member associations, Auditor Mr Nanjunda Poojary of M/s. Nanjunda & Co, Council members for their support during the year.

A minute's silence was observed in memory of the departed souls of Brigadier Gerry Gonsalves, former Chairman and other members who had passed away during the previous year.

The minutes of the previous year's AGM (2022-'23) and the annual report were read out by the General Secretary Antony Gonsalves. The audited accounts for the year 2022-23 were presented before the members by Treasurer Noel Sequeira.

On the Occasion of Konkani Manyantha Diwas, Victor Edward D'Souza was felicitated for his yeomen services towards Community, Konkani language, culture and public at large. The awardee was introduced to the gathering by Anand Edward D'Souza.

Victor Edward D’Souza spoke about his association with the Konkani associations since 1983, through KCWA, FKCA, KE and as a Chairman of FKCA. He expressed the need to strengthen FKCA globally and to have an independent FKCA Secretariat. Also, he contemplated on the efforts that need to be put on making use of the various schemes like minority funds, develop civil and political leadership etc. He thanked all for support and appealed to all to work together to build the Federation to the next level.

The outgoing Chairman Silvian Noronha thanked the gathering and dissolved the Committee of 2022-23 and welcomed on stage, the election officer Rev Dr Francis Assisi Almeida and Anthony Gonsalves to conduct the election process. Rev Dr Francis Assisi Almeida read out the names of the nominations received.

The Office bearers for 2023-24 are:

Chairman: Robert Cutinha
Vice Chairman 1: Antony Gonsalves
Vice Chairman 2: Nigel Fernandes
General Secretary: Leena Lobo
Joint Secretary 1: Vincent W. D'Souza
Joint Secretary 2: Antony E. Pinto
Treasurer: Richard Misquith
Legal Advisor: Anand Edward D'Souza
Cultural Secretary: Sharon Rego
Spiritual Director: Fr Francis Assisi Almeida
Immediate Past Chairman: Silvian Noronha.

Auditor of FKCA M/s. Nanjunda Poojary was reappointed as auditor for the year.

Robert Cutinha while accepting the post of Chairman called for the need for all to work together united in building a strong and vibrant Federation. He assured of his best efforts and requested for support from the members.

The AGM concluded with a Vote of thanks by the General Secretary Antony Gonsalves. He thanked Rev Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida for celebrating the Holy Eucharist and officiating as Election Returning Officer; Konkan Welfare Trust (KWT) Chairman Mr. Sylvester D’Souza for offering the venue to conduct the AGM, KONCAB Association for their arrangements for mass, choir and hall arrangements, Crystal Caterers for the lunch, Elton D’Souza for the photography. He thanked all the members present for their support and participation. Kiran Dsouza was the MC of the programme. The meeting ended with a fellowship lunch.