Media Release
Dubai, Jan 18: It all began in the year 2001 when a few devoted Konkani Christians gathered under the spiritual guidance of a youthful priest, Fr Cyprian D'Souza, then assistance parish priest of St Mary's Church, Dubai under the dynamic stewardship of another leader from the community, Noel Mascarenhas. The prime objective of the group was to promote unity and co-operation among various Konkani speaking communities in the UAE and to explore opportunities for developing talents in various fields and to raise funds so as to reach out to the poorest of the poor. Also, the priority was to wipe their tears and feel their pain whenever they were in distress whether in the UAE or back home in India. In this task, SMKC's well-known tagline - 'Wipe many tears and bring many smiles' became a well-known slogan in the later years.
The 'SMKC Education Trust Fund' launched by SMKC Dubai at Bishop’s House in undivided Mangalore diocese in 2004 had been a great landmark in the history of the association. Through this fund the students from the low income families have been supported to pursue their higher studies. The number of beneficiaries supported by SMKC Education Trust Fund as follows:
Each student has received Rs 50,000 every year from SMKC Education Trust Fund to pursue studies.
The SMKC Dubai Health Care Trust Fund was established in 2012 at St Anne’s Friary, Mangaluru was another venture from the association to assist the medical expenses of poorest families of the district. Many people have received benefits from this fund.
St Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai, after hosting the successful mega event 'Grand Konkan Showers 2015 - 264th Wilfy Nite' in Mangaluru on December 6, 2015 with more than 6500 attendees, is now gearing up for another major event this year.
SMKC Dubai has come forward to organize the mega event 'Konkan Showers 2017 - 268th Wilfy Nite' in Udupi diocese. The venue of the event will be St Francis Xavier English Medium School Ground, Melpete, Udyavara on Sunday February 12.
In a span of 16 years, SMKC Dubai has contributed Rs 1.75 crore towards community welfare projects. The Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh has joined hands with SMKC Dubai to carry out the Pastoral Plan 2025 - A divine cause, a definitive approach - an initiation of Udupi diocese, of the following:
* SAMPADA Social Development Organization
* Medical relief and educational funds
* Medical college and hospital
* Minor seminary
* Retired priests' home
* Bishop's House
Paul Colaco, vice-president of SMKC Dubai says, "SMKC Dubai has always aimed at being unique in all its endeavours and is considered to be one of the most versatile and generous associations by our community, not only in the Gulf but across the entire Konkan belt. To support our endeavors, SMKC Dubai had not only the dedicated members who stood by thick and thin, but also had generous and supportive backing of benefactors/donors and the community who were together throughout 'rain' or 'sunshine'. Together as one family we were able to 'wipe more tears' and 'bring more smiles' on the faces of the downtrodden. Whilst we thank God and Mother Mary for granting strength and courage to carry out the words of our Lord Jesus - 'Whatever you do to my little children you do unto me' - I request all our community members to support the diocesan projects of Udupi."
SMKC Dubai is expecting a crowd of more than 8,000 for this event. Entry is free and free transport will be arranged after the show to major stops in and around Udupi diocese.