Kuwait City: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its General Body Meeting (GBM) on Friday, 29th August 2025, at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting began at 6:30 pm with an opening prayer by Naveen Monis. Members also observed a moment of silence and offered special condolences for renowned Konkani music composer and cultural leader Eric Ozario, who passed away earlier that day.
Vice President and moderator of the evening, Arun Jossy D’Souza, introduced nine newly nominated members of the Managing Committee, who were welcomed with flowers by KCWA’s Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario.
KCWA President Prakash Godwin Pinto, in his address, thanked all members for their constant support and encouragement. He highlighted the association’s recent education loan disbursement programmes held in the dioceses of Udupi and Mangaluru, and shared that the team had the privilege of meeting Bishops Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha and Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo. He also invited members and their families to join the upcoming Monthi Fest and Novem Jevan on 5th September at the Indian Community School, Salmiya. Expressing pride, he recalled the historic success of four houseful premiere shows of the Konkani movie Fondacho Misther in Kuwait on 28th August.
The meeting saw presentation and approval of various reports. Reena Pereira read the minutes of the previous extraordinary GBM, while Vinitha Pinto presented the Activity Report. Reports on Finance, Membership and Education Fund were shared by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao. Updates on cultural and sports activities were presented by Anil Pais and Alan Vaz, while Nilton D’Souza briefed members on website and social media initiatives.
Monthi Fest coordinator Prashanth Ferrao shared details of the upcoming celebrations, including the Marian Quiz. Kevin D’Souza announced the names of donors, thanking them for helping KCWA provide festive meals to 21 shelter homes in Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses.
Fr. Avil Rosario, in his spiritual message, drew from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians and encouraged members to practice faith through kindness and sacrifice in everyday life. Guest priest Fr. Stephan D’Souza applauded KCWA’s role in supporting education and humanitarian causes, comparing their service to that of a true Good Samaritan. He praised KCWA’s cultural programmes for keeping the Konkani language and heritage alive for future generations.
The winners of the Konkani Elocution Competition 2025, held earlier for KCWA members’ children, were announced during the meeting.
Junior Category (Class 4–7):
• First Place: Rachel Mascarenhas and Lauren Mascarenhas
• Second Place: Gloria Shanthi Tauro
• Third Place: Kecia Anna D’Souza
Senior Category (Class 8–12):
• First Place: Joyston Dalmeida
• Second Place: Neil Aston Monis
The contest was coordinated by Reena Pereira, Kevin D’Souza and Anil Pais, and judged by Anil D’Mello, Sr. Venitha A.C. and Reyan Lobo. KCWA congratulated all winners and participants for their active involvement.
A lucky draw was also held, conducted by Arwin Rodrigues and Tressy Cutinho, where member Lucy Aranha (#2378) emerged as the winner.
During the meeting, the moderator also welcomed upgraded life member Shaun Dominic Rodrigues and newly registered members Shaila Lobo, Reiner Rego and Cristal Vinola D’Souza.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Yvonne Veigas and a closing prayer. The event was captured by photographer Alban D’Souza, with technical support from Nilton D’Souza and Roshan Rodrigues. Dinner, served by China Metro Restaurant, Farwaniya, was enjoyed by around 150 members and their families. Grace before the meal was led by Fr. Stephan D’Souza.
KCWA Managing Committee expressed gratitude to all members for their participation and constructive suggestions, and to the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, for providing the venue.
