KCWA Holds General Body Meeting in Kuwait
Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its General Body Meeting (GBM) on Friday, August 28, at the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting began at 6.30 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Deepak Andrade.
KCWA President Prakash Godwin Pinto welcomed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to the members for their continued support, encouragement, and active participation in KCWA activities. He highlighted the recent education loan disbursement programmes conducted in the Udupi and Mangaluru Dioceses and briefed members on their significance.
The President also announced that the Monthi Fest Novem Jevan scheduled for September 4, 2026, had been cancelled due to the prevailing situation in the region and in accordance with the instructions and regulations of the concerned authorities.
Pinto appreciated the Constitution Amendment Committee for its efforts in reviewing the association’s Constitution and encouraged members to participate actively in the process. He also invited interested members to join the new committee, which is expected to be constituted early next year.
Various reports were presented and approved by the members. Reena Pereira presented the minutes of the previous GBM, while Vinitha Pinto presented the Activity Report. The Finance, Membership and Education Fund reports were presented by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao, respectively.
Anil Pais and Alan Vaz presented the Cultural and Sports Activity Reports and briefed members on upcoming events. Nilton D’Souza provided an update on KCWA’s website and social media platforms. During the meeting, KCWA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was launched by Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario.
Arun Jossy D’Souza presented an update on the Constitution amendment review. As time was limited during the GBM, it was proposed that an Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGBM) be convened specifically to discuss and deliberate on the proposed amendments. The proposal was placed before the members and approved.
Monthi Fest Coordinator Deepak Andrade explained the reasons for cancelling the Monthi Fest celebrations. He said that, despite the cancellation, KCWA would continue its tradition of providing festive meals to 23 shelter homes in the Mangaluru and Udupi Dioceses.
He also encouraged members to participate in the Marian Quiz. Jinella Rodrigues announced the names of the donors and expressed gratitude for their generous contributions and wholehearted support.
Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario reflected on the Word of God from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. He encouraged members not to be discouraged by the difficult situation in the region but to place their trust in God. He said challenging circumstances could provide opportunities to strengthen one’s faith and urged members to continue supporting those in need and extending help to others.
Visiting guest priest Fr. Manoj D’Souza also addressed the gathering and spoke about the close association between KCWA and Monthi Fest. Emphasising the importance of unity and collective participation, he said that a single flower offered to Mother Mary does not make a feast; rather, it is the collective offering of everyone that makes the celebration meaningful.
Drawing a parallel with KCWA’s membership, Fr. Manoj said that individual contributions, however small, could make a significant difference when combined. He appreciated KCWA for extending financial assistance to Daya Special School and Day Care Centre, Belthangady, and encouraged members to continue their work with generosity and commitment.
A lucky draw was conducted by Tressy Cutinho and Roshan Rodrigues before the meeting began. Fr. Manoj D’Souza picked the winning entry, with Yvonne Veigas (#2425) emerging as the winner.
Moderator and Vice-President Arun Jossy D’Souza welcomed the newly registered members Vernon Sylvester D’Silva, Veera Miranda and Samuel Vaz to KCWA.
Naveen Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks and led the closing prayer. Prashanth Ferrao covered the event through photography, while Alban D’Souza provided the projector. Nilton D’Souza coordinated the presentation with the support of Jinella Rodrigues, and Roshan Rodrigues provided the sound system. Fr. Manoj D’Souza recited the grace before the meal.
Around 150 members and their families attended the GBM. Dinner and refreshments were served by Mughal Tandoori Restaurant.
The gathering also had the opportunity to meet Zias Gabriel Sharath, a 60-year-old solo traveller from Mangaluru, Karnataka, who is undertaking an ambitious motorcycle journey from Mangaluru to Europe. He is travelling through 38 countries and covering approximately 40,000 kilometres.
Currently in Kuwait, Sharath was warmly welcomed at the GBM and shared his experiences with the members. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and said he believed the prayers of people and God’s blessings had kept him safe throughout his journey.
The KCWA Managing Committee expressed its sincere gratitude to all members for attending the GBM and sharing their valuable thoughts and constructive suggestions. It also thanked the management of the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, for providing the venue for the meeting.