Date of publication: 08.02.2005

Lawrence Pinto – ‘The Undisputed leader of Konkan Community in Kuwait’
Profile and Interview by Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady / Kuwait

A noble personality, a Mangalorean, who was instrumental in uniting the Konkani speaking people - the Mangaloreans and the Goans residing in Kuwait under one umbrella through sports as well as through his super-hit cultural programme ‘Konkani Ekvottachi Sanz’ and also by organizing social cultural programmes in Kuwait thereby highlighting the name of Mangaloreans in Kuwait, is none other than Lawrence Pinto.

Born on 15 November 1948, he is the youngest among 9 children to late Marcel and late Monthi Pinto from Ganada Majal / Agrar in Bantwal Taluk Lawrence is now settled in I C Colony in Borivali - Mumbai. Married to Virginia Pinto they are blessed with 2 sons - Christopher and Clifford who are running their own business in Kuwait.

Lawrence Pinto, popularly known as Pinto or Lawry Pinto, is a symbol of hard work and has proved in his life that where there is a will there is a way. Bad financial position led him to discontinue his studies from 8th standard and he joined the L&T Bombay as an unskilled labourer. He took great pain of part time study and graduated with a B Com degree from the Siddharth College, Mumbai. This led him to the position of storekeeper in his organization.

In 1975, on his search to get better prospects in life, he landed in Kuwait and was employed at the Bader Al Mulla, where he worked for 3 years and later he joined the Kuwait Airways. Knowing his abilities and hard work, Bader Al Mulla offered him a better position and Lawrence was once again joined back Bader Al Mulla. Today, he is the superintendent (stores and purchase) of the well-known Bader Al Mulla’s engineering division.

Apart from his profession, Lawrence has involved himself in many social service activities. He is gifted with a tall lanky frame with a height of 6` 1/2’ and is a great sport lover. He was a very active member of KCWA and served as vice president from 1995 to 1997. He then became president of KCWA for a period of 2 years from 1997-1999. During his tenure at the top rank, a modest beginning was made by opening a dedicated computer school (SASS) for the physically handicapped, which is being administered by Apostolic Carmel nuns of St Agnes School, Mangalore.

It was during his time as president of KCWA that the family picnics for the members were initiated. He also started the mortuary fund in KCWA. The Nativity Feast celebration in Kuwait where more than 2,000 people take part in celebrating the ‘Monthi Fest’ was also started during his tenure.

He was the first person responsible to bring the Bishop of Mangalore Rev Dr Aloysius D’Souza on a visit to Kuwait. He always plays active role in organizing sports and games. The KCWA cricket team was started by him.

Lawrence was also treasurer and then general secretary of the prestigious Indian Arts Circle.

He has played Cricket and Football for L&T in Mumbai. He has also played in Karnataka League for ‘Sathya Vijaya Foot Ball Club’. He is the manager of the sports team (Cricket and Football) of Bader Al Mulla Company.

Indian Football journey was started in Kuwait during 1978 and Lawrence Pinto was founder and the main instrument of the ‘Kuwait India Football Federation’ (KIFF), which is under the Indian Embassy of Kuwait. In 1979, he made ‘Youth Recreation Centre’ and formed a team called the ‘Rising Stars’, which is the fourth oldest Indian Football team in Kuwait. On the occasion of completion of its 25 years, he arranged a grand celebration called ‘Konkani Ekvottachi Sanz’ witnessed by leading Goan and Mangalorean artists such as Prince Jacob, Humbert, Rita Rose, C D’Silva, Wilfy Rebimbus