Report by: Vijai D'Cunha (G-kere)
Muscat, Feb 16: The Mangalurean Konkani Wing (MKW) of the Indian Social Club (ISC), Oman, celebrated a momentous occasion as it bid farewell to the outgoing committee and welcomed a new leadership team for the years 2025 and 2026. This ceremonial handover ensured the continuation of the values, achievements, and legacy of the Konkani-speaking community in Oman.
The outgoing committee, which served from 2023 to 2024, was represented by: Ajit Walder (convener), Loveline Rago (co-convener), Vijai D'Cunha (treasurer), Adolf D'Souza (joint treasurer), Sylvia Dias (coordinator), Peter Fernandes (cultural secretary), Ajit Dcosta (sports secretary), Lancy Lobo (entertainment secretary), and Meera Saldana (children’s wing secretary).
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) was held at the Indian Social Club Muscat, with Shakeel, general secretary of ISC, attending as an observer. The session began with Ajit Walder’s call to order, followed by a detailed report on the committee’s accomplishments by Loveline Rago.
Vijai D'Cunha then presented the financial overview for 2024, which included the audited reports and a summary of financial transactions. These were duly proposed and approved by the gathered members.
Following this, the nomination and election of the new committee for 2025-2026 took place. In a moment of great anticipation, Lancy Lobo, a well-known community leader and former president of MCCP, was entrusted with the leadership of MKW, along with a dynamic team committed to furthering the wing’s progress and success.
The newly elected committee for 2025-2026 is represented by: Lancy Lobo (president), Ajith D'Costa (vice president), Adolf (treasurer), Srikanth Coelho (joint treasurer), Sylvia Dias (coordinator), Peter Fernandes (cultural secretary), Preneta Monteiro (entertainment secretary), Vivette Lasrado (children’s wing secretary), and Elizabeth Norona (sports secretary).
A legacy of service, culture, and sports
The outgoing committee leaves behind an exceptional legacy, having made significant strides in social welfare, cultural enrichment, and sports. Under their leadership, MKW extended vital support to those in need, covering medical expenses, assisting families with funeral costs, and facilitating the repatriation of deceased community members to their homeland—regardless of religion or linguistic background. Their humanitarian efforts reflected the true spirit of solidarity and compassion.
Culturally, the committee organised star-studded events, bringing top Konkani artistes from India and the Gulf region to Oman. These events not only celebrated Konkani heritage but also fostered a sense of belonging and community among the Mangalorean diaspora in Oman.
MKW also played a key role in promoting sports, forming a women’s cricket team that emerged as champions in the Women’s League and Women’s Summer League.
The MKW badminton team also triumphed in the Indian Social Club’s annual badminton competition. In addition, a grand sports event was organised at the Oman Cricket International Grounds, featuring men’s outdoor tennis cricket, indoor cricket for both men and women, and a softball tournament. This event, with large spectator attendance and enthusiastic participation from several Konkani-speaking teams, marked a historic milestone for the Mangalurean community in Oman.
A future of promise
The success of the past two years was made possible by the unwavering support of the Konkani-speaking community in Oman and the dedicated leadership of the executive committee. As the new team, led by Lancy Lobo, takes charge, the community looks forward to fresh initiatives, continued growth, and an even greater impact on cultural, charitable, and sporting fronts.
With deep gratitude to the outgoing committee and best wishes to the new leadership, the Mangalurean Konkani Wing embarks on another promising journey, committed to preserving its heritage, serving its people, and celebrating the Konkani spirit in Oman.