Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) elected its new Executive Committee for the 2025-27 term during an Extra-Ordinary General Body Meeting held on March 28, 2025, at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. Prakash Godwin Pinto was elected as the President, succeeding Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas.
The meeting began with a prayer led by Veena Serrao, followed by a welcome address from the outgoing president Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas, who expressed gratitude to committee members, donors, and sponsors for their continuous support during his tenure. General Secretary Reena Pereira presented the minutes of the last General Body Meeting held on February 28, 2025, while Praveen Fernandes provided the audited financial report. Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario lauded the association’s efforts in community service, highlighting its contributions towards various welfare initiatives.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of Alwyn Noronha, Lavina Furtado, and Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas. In the elections, Prakash Godwin Pinto from Fajir/Belthangady was chosen as the new President, while Arun Jossy Dsouza from Perampally was elected as the Vice President. Reena Wilma Pereira from Belvai was appointed as the General Secretary, with Vinitha Margaret Pinto from Puttur as the Assistant General Secretary. Smitha Suvarna from Casia took over as the Treasurer General, and Jinella Rodrigues from Neerude was elected as the Treasurer for Cultural Affairs. Kevin Preetam Dsouza from Miyar was appointed as the Auditor, while Tressy Cutinha from Gurpur was selected as the Members Affairs Coordinator. The new Cultural Secretary is Anil Roshan Pais from Permannur, and Veena Serrao from Angelore will serve as the Education Fund Coordinator. Alan Vaz from Hirgan was appointed as the Sports Secretary, Nilton Josen Dsouza from Manjeshwar as the Website Administrator, and Prakash Lawrence Gonsalves from Padukone as the Public Relations Officer. Outgoing president Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas from Bajpe will now serve as the Immediate Past President.
The gathering applauded the newly elected team, and Prakash Godwin Pinto, in his first address as president, thanked the members for their trust and sought their cooperation in making his tenure a successful one. The new committee members took an oath to uphold the mission and values of KCWA and work towards the welfare of the community.
As part of the event, visiting priest Fr. Ronald Cardoza was welcomed with a bouquet by Naveen Mascarenhas. The outgoing president also extended gratitude to Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario and the visiting priests for their presence. Special acknowledgments were given to Allan Dsouza and Harry Fernandes for the multimedia presentation, Alban Dsouza for photography, Anand Dsouza for the sound system, and Roshan Rodrigues for sound management. The association also thanked Blue Hill Restaurant for providing dinner.
The meeting concluded with a prayer and hymn led by Johnson D’Almeida. Vice President Arun Jossy Dsouza moderated the proceedings. KCWA also extended its appreciation to the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, for providing the venue.
