The Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) Bengaluru convened its 70th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) at the Konkan Samudhai Bhavan on Sunday, September 22. The well-attended event brought together KCA members from across the city, reaffirming their commitment to community building and Christian values.

The day began with a solemn Mass celebrated by Redemptorist priest, Fr Juventius Andrade C.S.S.R. His homily, both insightful and powerful, interwove themes of leadership and humility, perfectly complementing the investiture of the new KCA Managing Committee. Fr Juventius emphasized the importance of collaboration and the Christian spirit in fostering community. The Mass was infused with the spirit of Monthi Fest as attendees showered flower petals on Maria Bambina, a touching tribute to the Virgin Mary. The choir, featuring KCA’s senior singers and coordinated by Coreen D’Souza Fareed, elevated the service with their melodious hymns.

The formal AGM proceedings were initiated by KCA Secretary, Coreen D’Souza Fareed, and began with a warm welcome note from Adrian D'Souza, the outgoing president. The committee members followed with reports on key events and initiatives from the past year.

Highlights included:

• Ajay Fernandes (Finance & Membership)
  
• Kenneth Peres (Legal Updates)
  
• Luvena Rangel (Media & Marketing)
  
• Tina Alva (KCA ID Cards)
  
• Coreen D’Souza Fareed (Music & Culture)
  
• Louella Dsouza (Travel)
  
• Jane Pereira (Community Events)
  
• Shanti Peres (Charity Events & All Souls Day)
  
  

Following the presentation and approval of the minutes from the 69th AGM, the KCA Managing Committee for 2024-2025 was elected.

The newly instituted committee is as follows:

• President: Shanti Peres
  
• Vice President: Roshan Menezes
• Secretary: Palini Pinto
  
• Treasurer: Ajay Fernandes
  
• Assistant Secretary: Coreen D’Souza Fareed
  
• Committee Members: Adrian Fernandes, Abran Fareed, Dianney Lobo, Jane Pereira, Jeffry Crasta, Karen Pais Prabhu, Lunita Pais D'Sa, Luvena Rangel, Naomi Rasquinha, Prajwal Mathias, Rajesh Ferrao, Rohan Pais, Savitha Gonsalves, Tina Alva, Veena Serrao, and Adrian D’Souza (Immediate Past President).
  
  

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the prestigious Manik Lifetime Achievement Award to two esteemed members of the community: Margaret Alva and Dr. Richard D’Souza. Adrian D'Souza and Shanti Peres conferred the awards, recognizing these individuals for their extraordinary contributions to society. Both awardees shared moving and powerful words upon receiving their honors, inspiring all present.

Adding to the day’s success, the KCA Crochet-for-a-Cause fundraiser raffle was drawn, with Veena D’Souza emerging as the lucky winner of the handmade crochet blanket. The blanket, crafted over three weeks by eight dedicated KCA women, raised funds for the Catholic Women’s League Educational Fund, supporting the education of girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

The AGM concluded with a delightful lunch featuring traditional Mangalorean delicacies catered by Ivan. The post-lunch entertainment session turned into a lively affair, with impromptu musical performances by KCA members. Richie D’Souza on accordion and guitar, Winston D’Souza on violin, and Sheila Mascarenhas on keyboard, serenaded the crowd with Mangalorean songs, bringing joy to everyone present. Louella D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success. Special thanks were extended to Akanksha Pereira for decorating the crochet blanket and to Ashaank Pereira for capturing the day’s moments through his photography.

The event was seamlessly held together by the talented emcee, Karen Pais Prabhu, and the efforts of the outgoing committee members were appreciated by all for orchestrating a truly memorable AGM and election. The 70th AGM of the Kanara Catholic Association was a tremendous achievement, representing a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to promote community, culture, and Christian fellowship. .