Media Release
Kuwait, Sep 3: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its general body meeting (GBM) on Friday, August 28 at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting commenced at 6.30 pm with an opening prayer led by Deepak Andrade.
President Prakash Godwin Pinto warmly welcomed the gathering and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all members for their unwavering love, support and encouragement. In his address, he thanked the members for their active participation in KCWA events. He highlighted the recent education loan disbursement programmes conducted in the Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses. The president also informed the members that the Monthi Fest Novem Jevan, scheduled for September 4, has been cancelled due to the current situation in the region and in accordance with the prevailing regulations of the concerned authorities. Furthermore, he expressed his sincere appreciation to the constitution amendment committee for dedicating their valuable time towards reviewing the constitution and invited interested members to join the new committee, which is expected to be formed early next year.
Various reports were presented and approved by the members. Reena Pereira presented the minutes of the last GBM and Vinitha Pinto presented the activity report. The finance, membership and education fund reports were presented by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao respectively.
Cultural and sports activity reports were presented by Anil Pais and Alan Vaz respectively, who also updated the gathering on upcoming events. Nilton D’Souza presented an update on KCWA’s website and social media platforms. During the session, KCWA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was launched by spiritual animator Fr Avil Rosario. An update on the constitution amendment review was presented by Arun Jossy D'Souza. As time was limited, a proposal to convene an extraordinary general body meeting (EGBM) exclusively to discuss and deliberate on the proposed amendments was placed before the members and duly approved.
Monthi Fest coordinator Deepak Andrade briefed the members on the reasons for the cancellation of the Monthi Fest celebrations. He informed that despite the cancellation, KCWA will continue the tradition of providing festive meals to 23 shelter homes within the Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses. He also encouraged all members to actively participate in the Marian Quiz. Jinella Rodrigues read out the names of the donors and expressed sincere gratitude for their generous contributions.
Spiritual animator Fr Avil Rosario began his message with the Word of God from the Letter of St Paul to the Philippians. He reminded the members not to be discouraged despite the difficult situation in the region, but rather to place their trust in God, emphasising that challenging situations can be opportunities to strengthen faith.
Visiting guest priest Fr Manoj D’Souza spoke about the close connection between KCWA and Monthi Fest, emphasising the importance of unity. Highlighting that individual contributions come together to make a significant difference, he thanked KCWA for its financial assistance to Daya Special School and Day Care Centre in Beltangady.
Tressy Cutinho and Roshan Rodrigues conducted a lucky draw, and the winner was picked by Fr Manoj D'Souza. Yvonne Veigas emerged as the lucky winner. The moderator warmly welcomed newly registered members Vernon Sylvester D’Silva, Veera Miranda and Samuel Vaz.
The gathering also had the privilege of welcoming Zias Gabriel Sharath, a 60-year-old solo traveller from Mangaluru, who is undertaking an incredible motorcycle journey from Mangaluru to Europe, travelling through 38 countries and covering approximately 40,000 kilometres. He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and shared his experiences, adding that the prayers of people and God’s blessings have kept him safe.
Naveen Mascarenhas proposed a vote of thanks and led the closing prayer. Vice president Arun Jossy D'Souza was the moderator. Prashanth Ferrao captured the event, while the projector was provided by Alban D'Souza. Nilton D'Souza animated the presentation supported by Jinella Rodrigues, and the sound system was provided by Roshan Rodrigues. Fr Manoj D'Souza recited the grace before the meal. A delicious dinner was served to the 150 members and their families by Mughal Tandoori Restaurant.
The KCWA managing committee expressed its sincere gratitude to the members for attending the GBM and thanked the management of the Indian School of Excellence for providing the venue.