Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) successfully conducted its General Body Meeting (GBM) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting commenced at 6:30 pm with an opening prayer led by Alban D’Souza, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the gathering.
President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas welcomed all the members and expressed his gratitude for their support and encouragement. In his address, he highlighted that the current term of the Managing Committee was coming to an end, necessitating the formation of a new committee for the 2025-2027 term. He urged members blessed with talents and leadership qualities to step forward and apply for suitable positions in the upcoming elections. Additionally, he encouraged all Mangaloreans in Kuwait to join KCWA and contribute to the welfare of the community.
The GBM saw the presentation and approval of various reports by the Managing Committee. Reena Pereira presented the minutes of the last GBM, while Deepak Andrade provided an insightful Activity Report detailing the initiatives undertaken by the association. The Finance, Membership, and Education Fund reports were delivered by Praveen Fernandes, Sylvia D’Costa, and Veena Serrao, respectively, offering a transparent overview of KCWA’s financial and social commitments.
The Cultural and Sports activity reports were presented by Prashanth Ferrao and Prakash Pinto, who updated the gathering on the events organized over the past term. Allan D’Souza presented updates on KCWA’s website and social media activities, emphasizing the organization’s digital engagement efforts.
Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario, in his address, drew inspiration from Hebrews 10:24-25, stressing the importance of community support and encouragement. He highlighted that the collective success of KCWA’s activities was a result of God’s blessings and the members’ active participation. He urged members not only to offer suggestions but also to contribute meaningfully, reinforcing the organization’s motto of supporting the education of underprivileged children.
KCWA Managing Committee elections for the 2025-2027 term are scheduled to take place in March 2025. An Election Commission consisting of Alwyn Noronha, Lavina Furtado, and Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas was formed to oversee the process. President Mascarenhas briefed the gathering on election procedures and encouraged dedicated members to join the committee to help elevate KCWA to greater heights. The elections for various posts within the Managing Committee will be held on March 28, 2025.
A highlight of the evening was the Lucky Draw conducted by Kevin D’Souza and Sylvia D’Costa. KCWA Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario picked the winning number, and Praveen Menezes, holding membership #1470, emerged as the lucky winner.
As a token of appreciation, KCWA honored Managing Committee member Alban D’Souza with a bouquet of flowers for achieving the highest collection for the recently concluded event, Sparsh XXV. Konkani class teacher Maria Rinna D’Souza provided an overview of the Maibhas classes conducted by KCWA, reflecting the association’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Konkani language.
Harry Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts of the members and volunteers. The meeting was moderated by Vice President Arun Jossy D’Souza. The event was meticulously captured through the lens of Alban D’Souza, supported by Prashanth Ferrao. The projector for the meeting was provided by Alban D’Souza, while the presentation was animated by Allan D’Souza and Harry Fernandes. The sound system was managed by Anand D’Souza.
Dinner was served to all attendees, prepared and served by KCWA members from Abbasiya Parish, led by Ivan Tauro and supported by Oswald and Lavina Furtado, Ashok and Sunita Dias, Lancy Pais, and Arwin and Crystal Rodrigues. The event was further supported by the management of the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, which provided the venue for the GBM.
KCWA Managing Committee extended its gratitude to all members for their participation, valuable insights, and constructive suggestions. The GBM witnessed the presence of approximately 110 members along with their families.
