Bengaluru, 05 Feb 2015: Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) celebrated its annual day with much fanfare here on Sunday February 1 evening.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru archbishop Dr Bernard Moras were the chief guests of the occasion.
FKCA chairman Edward D’Souza welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. He also urged CM Siddaramiah about long pending demand for a plot to construct a building for housing the community office.
Earlier, Bellary bishop Dr Henry D’Souza concelebrated the Thanksgiving Mass along with other clergies.
FKCA which is an Apex Body representing over 30 Konkani Catholic Associations in Karnataka and different parts of the country and the world, honored 3 Konkani Catholic achievers for being role models to the Konkani community in their respective professional domains – Edwin Joseph Francis D’Souza was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award, Jacob Crasta was presented with the Professional Excellence Award, while Austin Roche was awarded the Entrepreneur of The Year Award.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Siddaramaiah stressed upon the need to be good human beings. ‘There are many who try to divide people using religion. The government will protect the rights of the minorities “he added. He assured the gathering that the promise made by the former Chief Ministers in the previous years for a considerable size of land to FKCA, will soon be fulfilled.’
Archbishop Dr Moras called upon the Catholic community to raise their voice against movements like ‘Ghar Wapsi’ and ‘Saffronization’. He also said , ‘Christians should protect themselves from such ideas; it is dangerous,’ said Dr Moras.
MLC Ivan D’Souza recalled the services of Konkani Catholic community to the nation, and suggested the youngsters to come forward with dedication and willingness in-order to garner political recognitions and thus play a major role in the upliftment of the society.
Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy president Roy Castalino vocalized the trouble caused to Christians by different anti-peace organizations and urged the government to take stringent steps to establish an environment where linguistic freedom and practice of faith can be enjoyed by every Christian.
Karnata home minister K J George and Mangalore south MLA J R Lobo were also present.
MLA Lobo urged FKCA and the Konkani Catholic community to come forward with an unique project of sheltering the poor.
FKCA cultural secretary Leena Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.
The star attraction of the cultural extravaganza was a melodious ‘Konkani Saanz’ by The Milestone Band’ led by the young Konkani singer Kevin Misquith. It also included dance and musical performances from various Konkani associations.
Vernon and Neri compered the programme. DJ Romel added flavor to the event.
Ronald Colaco and Family, DNI Home Theaters, Deccan Group, Hebron Properties, Neumatica, Associated Hydro Pressing Pvt. Ltd.; Mangalore Hills Group and other ere key sponsors of the event.
The presence of large Konkani Catholic community of Bangalore added fervor to the Federation Day – 2015.
Courtesy : Bellevision