Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Jan 17: Well-known dynamic personality from Abu Dhabi Michael D'Silva has been elected the new president of Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) for the year 2018. The election was held during the 23rd Annual general meeting of KCO, the premier Konkani organization of Abu Dhabi recently.
KCO has been growing in popularity year after year and has become a household name in not only Abu Dhabi but the entire UAE. For the past 23 years KCO has been involved in various social, cultural and religious activities in Abu Dhabi.
Michael D’Silva, a well-known figure in Abu Dhabi, a philanthropist, was elected the honorary president of KCO for the fourth time. He has contributed immensely to the growth of KCO for over two decades that he has been with the organization. His humble nature, leadership qualities coupled with his rich experience in the organization will surely help boost KCO’s popularity and meet its challenging ventures and social commitments in the coming year.
Michael D'Silva
Leena D'Souza, Dr Sunil Pinto
Leena D'Souza was elected the honorary general secretary. She is an educationist, BA, B Ed, postgraduate, working with Abu Dhabi Indian School for the past 28 years. She is the founder member of KCO and thrice served as general secretary and twice as sports secretary in the past.
Dr Sunil Pinto (PhD, MBA, MCom) was elected honorary treasurer, a young dynamic personality working as a finance manager in a company of repute. He is also known for his dedicated service in St Joseph Cathedral, Abu Dhabi and has been the coordinator of USHERs Ministry. He was also the founder president of ESPA, a community group of Suratkal parishioners.
Leena D'Souza and Sunil Pinto along with the other office bearers and members, will be ably supporting Michael D’Silva and working for the success of KCO activities in the coming year.
The other office bearers inducted to the present committee are:
Vice-president : Valerian Fernandes
Asst general secretary : Sandhya Vas
Sports secretary : Sebastian Pais
Entertainment secretary : Benette D’Mello
Asst entertainment secretary : Renny Lobo
Media coordinator : Jason Correa
Auditor : Amitha Costa
KCO trust advisor : Valerian D’Almeida
Honorary Advisors:
Leo Rodrigues
Dolphy Vaz
Valerian D’Almeida
Outgoing president Dolphy Vas expressed his gratitude to 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 in him and electing him the president of KCO. He promised that with the support of all the members, KCO will be holding many activities in the coming year.
About KCO
Konkani Cultural Organization (KCO) has been growing in popularity and has become well known both in the UAE as well as in India for its benevolent work in helping the needy and deserving students. They have initiated several scholarships through Samanvaya of Mangaluru and have also been helping scores of people suffering with critical illnesses. KCO has been recognizing and supporting many NGO’s back home who are working with distressed, downtrodden and the needy in and around Udupi - Dakshina Kannada districts. With the enormous help from Sponsors and benefactors KCO has managed to carry out their noble mission within UAE and India.
KCO by its wonderful work has transformed itself as a mirror reflecting the culture, tradition and upholding the values of great ancestors and has turned out to be a focal point for the Mangalurean community in Abu Dhabi.