On Friday, August 28, the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) convened its General Body Meeting at the Indian School of Excellence in Salmiya, beginning at 6.30 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Deepak Andrade.
President Prakash Godwin Pinto opened the session, thanking members for their steady support and active involvement in KCWA programmes. He highlighted recent education loan disbursement initiatives in the Udupi and Mangaluru dioceses, outlining their impact on local students.
Pinto announced the cancellation of the Monthi Fest Novem Jevan scheduled for September 4, 2026, citing the prevailing regional situation and directives from the relevant authorities. He praised the Constitution Amendment Committee for its review work and invited interested members to join a new committee expected to form early next year.
Several reports were tabled and approved. Reena Pereira read the minutes of the previous GBM, while Vinitha Pinto presented the Activity Report. Finance, Membership and Education Fund updates were delivered by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao respectively. Cultural and Sports activities were summarized by Anil Pais and Alan Vaz, and Nilton D'Souza gave a progress report on KCWA's website and social media presence.
During the meeting, KCWA launched its official X (formerly Twitter) account, a step overseen by Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario. Arun Jossy D'Souza provided an update on the constitution amendment review, and members approved a proposal to hold an Extraordinary General Body Meeting to deliberate the suggested changes.
Monthi Fest Coordinator Deepak Andrade explained the reasons behind the festival's cancellation but confirmed that KCWA will continue serving festive meals to 23 shelter homes across the Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses. He also urged members to take part in the upcoming Marian Quiz.
Donor acknowledgments were read by Jinella Rodrigues, who expressed gratitude for the generous contributions. Fr. Avil Rosario reflected on the Letter to the Philippians, encouraging the community to maintain faith despite challenges and to keep supporting those in need.
Visiting guest priest Fr. Manoj D'Souza addressed the gathering, emphasizing unity and collective participation. He likened a single flower offered to Mother Mary to a solitary contribution, noting that only a collective offering creates a meaningful celebration, a principle he linked to KCWA's membership ethos.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf