Media Release

Bangalore, Aug 12: Irene D’Souza was re-elected the president of Konkani Samudai, Bangalore during its annual general meeting (AGM) held on Sunday Aug 10 at Christa Prabhalaya Church hall, Jayanagar here.

The programme started with a prayer by Judith D’Souza. President Irene D’souza welcomed the gathering and special guests Edward Victor D’souza, chairman of FKCA and Fr Henry Saldanha.

Secretary Vinod Monteiro read the annual report as well as the minutes of the last AGM. Claudy Roberts presented the accounts on behalf of treasurer.

FKCA chairman Edward D'Souza spoke on the importance of Konkani which is one of the languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and said, "We have to be united to save our mother tongue by teaching it to our children on a daily basis. FKCA is dedicated to work for the welfare of Konkani Catholics and our rich culture. We should encourage youth and help our children to become leaders of the future in political and government administrative services." He assured his support to all to make this possible.

Merit students and achievers were felicitated with certificates and mementos.

The election of new members was conducted by returning officer Charles Gomes. All the members voiced that, for the last two years, Konkani Samudai has done extraordinary activities and several good deeds, hence they wanted existing president and secretary to continue. They accepted the decision of members and after that other office-bearers and committee were elected as per the process.

Irene D'Souza thanked the people for the faith they had kept on her and assured that she would strive to work for the Samudai in it’s 10th year and continue with the good deeds and requested for support from all.

Fr Henry Saldanha said, "We should increase our membership strength from all surrounding parishes and get associated with the people there to make this association large and strong. We are the salt of earth and we should associate with all to give better taste, this could happen by helping others."

At the end many members gave suggestions on the action plan and improvements to be made in the future.

The programme concluded with vote of thanks by vice-president Jerome D'Silva.

After the AGM, Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Henry Saldana, followed by lunch.

The elected committee members are listed below:

President - Irene D’Souza
Vice-president - Anitha Gomes
Secretary - Vinod Monteiro
Joint secretary - Ashley D'Silva
Treasurer - Ronald D’Souza
Cultural / youth secretary - Marina Machado
Sports secretary - Molly D'Sa

Immediate past president - Lawrence Saldanha

Committee members: Lavita Vas, Mercia Martis, Sandhya Roberts, Judith J D'Souza, A F D'Souza, Jessy Rodrigues, Charles Gomes, Maria Madtha, Vinod Titus Monteiro, Leona Menezes, Ivy Fernandes,, Lawrence D'Souza, Ashley Machado, Naveen Rodrigues and Jerome D'Silva.