Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Oct 22 : A dynamic community leader Michael D’silva has been elected as the new president of Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) – the premier Konkani organization of Abu Dhabi for the year 2014 – 2015, during its Annual General Meeting held recently

KCO has been growing in popularity year after year and has become a household name in UAE stepping in to 20th year. K.C.O has initiated several scholarships for needy students through Samanvaya of Mangalore and have donated several lakhs through their charitable work in the past. They are involved in various social, cultural and religious activities in Abu Dhabi..

Michael D’silva – President. A well know figure in Abu Dhabi, a philanthropist, was elected as the President of K.C.O. Abu Dhabi for the third time. A very humble in nature and a very organized personality.

Michael Dsilva

Canute Pinto and Amita Costa

Canute Pinto – General Secretary – A down to earth hard working and an superb Master of Ceremony, Canute has been elected as General Secretary for the 2nd time. He has in his treasure, experience of involvement in social activities in the youth movement back in Mangalore. He is also known for his best organizing skills.

Amita Costa – Treasurer – CA by profession, elected as Treasurer. She is also actively involved in Throw Ball Team.

The new executive committee for the year 2014 – 2015 has been formed and the members are as follows:

President : Michael D’Silva
Vice President : Richard Castelino
Gen Secretary : Canute Pinto
Asst. Gen Secretary : Jaison Correa
Treasurer : Amitha Costa
Auditor : Franky Donald DSilva
Entertainment Secretary : Vivek Serrao
Sports Secretary : Valerian Fernandes
PRO & Media Co-ordinator : Lancy D’Souza

Advisors : Leo Rodrigues
Dolphy Vas
Valerian D'Almaida

Outgoing president Valerian D’Almaida thanked all the office bearers and committee members for their tremendous support during her tenure as president. Newly elected president Michael D’silva also thanked everyone for reposing faith on him and electing him as a president of KCO. He promised that with the support of all the members, KCO will be holding many activities in the coming years..

ABOUT K.C.O

Konkani Cultural Organization (K.C.O), a household name among the Mangalorean Catholic Community in Abu Dhabi, has gained popularity through their various charitable, cultural and religious activities. By bringing together the various sections of Mangalorean people under one umbrella, it has proved by its deeds & actions that it is a premier organization in Abu Dhabi and an equal organization in standing comparable to other sister organizations across the U.A.E. and the gulf.

K.C.O. by their wonderful work has transformed itself as a mirror reflecting the culture, tradition and upholding the values of our great ancestors and has turned out to be a focal point for the Mangalorean community in Abu Dhabi.
The Konkani speaking Mangaloreans have created a niche for themselves in Abu Dhabi through their wonderful community work. The Mangaloreans in Abu Dhabi have the honor of organizing the first ever "Mangalorean Day" in the entire U.A.E. way back in the 70's. They too have the privilege of staging the first ever Konkani Drama in the Emirates on May 3rd, 1973.

K.C.O. Abu Dhabi is gaining in popularity year after year through their various activities aimed at bringing together the community for group programmes and also because of its strong support for the economically backward and less fortunate members of the community in the UAE and back home.