Canada: Maxim D’Mello re-elected as MAC President
Gerry D’Mello, Bendur
Daijiworld media network, Canada
Nov 25: Maxim D’Mello, one of the highly acclaimed Mangalorean leaders outside India, has been unanimously elected as the President of ‘The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC)’ for the third successive term during its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, 23rd November at Tomken Twin Arena, Mississauga, Canada.
Maxim D'Mello, proud son of Late Antony D'Mello & Late Lucy D'Mello, hails from the famous St. Lawrence Parish, Attur, Karkala, Dakshina Kannada. He is happily married to Prescilla Lobo with three children. After his Graduation from Sri Bhuvanendra College, Karkal, he left for Kuwait (M.E.) for employment and worked for The Bank of Kuwait and the Middle East, KSC, Kuwait for over 25 years. He was actively involved with Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) since its inception and served as a President before migrating to Canada in 2002. From then on, he is part of the Mangalorean Association of Canada and serves the community as President of the Association since 2006.
The MAC AGM started at 3.30 pm with a Prayer followed by the welcome address by the incumbent President Maxim D’Mello. He extended a warm welcome to the members who attended in large numbers. He expressed his joy on the completion of the successful tenure and applauded exiting members of the Executive Committee for their dedication and hard-work.
General Secretary Janet D’Souza presented the Annual Report for the year ended 2008. The Report rewound the memories of the audience to the happy times they spent together both indoors and outdoors during the past year. The highlights of the various events conducted by the E.C. during the year 2007-2008 are as follows:
(1) MAC successfully continued to host the Family Social, picnics, Monthi Fest and Christmas tree as these events are very popular.
(2) MAC is recognized in Canada and worldwide with not only the events but also their contributions to the community. This year, MAC contributed generously towards a charity for His Grace, Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Agra and also disbursed funds to Rev. Fr. Patrick D’Souza, Director of Fr. Muller’s Charitable Institutions for their projects in Mangalore. Bearing in mind the thoughtful and dedicated support, energy, and time invested by two of their beloved deceased members - Vasant and Herbert, MAC donated $1000 towards cancer research to the Trillium Hospital, Canada.
(3) MAC also fulfilled one of its major undertakings – initiating and implementing spoken Konkani classes to the youngsters in our community. The response from the students and their parents was tremendous. The youth were able to showcase their new learning and Konkani skills at the Nativity service and were also awarded certificates for their commitment. They also hosted the Youth Forum in February where a number of young adults attended to voice their opinions and plan for an effective involvement in the community using MAC as a platform.
(4) On September 20, 2008, MAC organized a Mass to affirm the strong faith practiced by Catholics, express sorrow at the unprovoked church attacks and show support towards all Christian brethren in Mangalore and other parts of India. The theme of the Mass was forgiveness and tolerance and was attended by a large gathering bound by a common cause and family ties.
(5) MAC has also committed towards sponsorship for Daijidubai, a vibrant Konkani Writer’s Forum in Dubai, in support of their drama competition organized in Mangalore at the Don Bosco Hall.
Ivan Lobo, one of the most committed and dedicated members of MAC, presented the Financial Report of the association. He served the association as a Treasurer ever since its inception. This was followed by the Auditor’s report. Auditor Clara Fernandes certified the Financial Report presented by Ivan.
And so, the formation of the new Executive Committee for the upcoming year was the main highlight of the day. Freda DeSouza, Florine D’Souza and Ivan Lobo, the experienced returning officers, conducted the formalities with aplomb and savior-faire! The members of the new Executive Committee for the year 2008 – 2009 are the following:
President - Maxim D’Mello
Vice President - Ronald Fernandes
Gen. Secretary - Margaret Shanker
Joint Secretary - Mary Fernandes
Treasurer - Ronald Michael Monteiro
Asst. Treasurer - Leo D'Cunha
Cultural Secretary - Leo Rego
Youth & Sports Secretary - Charles D'Souza
Public Relations - Ronald D'Souza
The outgoing Executive Committee will handover the portfolios counter part to counter part in a smooth and professional manner on 1st January 2009. The outgoing E.C. members were:
Ivan Lobo - Treasurer
Janet D'Souza - General Secretary
Oswald Sequeira - Cultural Secretary
Peter D'Souza - Youth and Sports Secretary
Clara Fernandes - Joint Secretary
Prescilla D'Mello - Assistant Treasurer
The newly elected E.C. members – Margaret Shanker, Ronald Monteiro, Leo D’Cunha, Leo Rego, and Charles D’Souza introduced themselves by sharing their past experiences with Associations in India & the Middle-East.
Finally, Ronald Fernandes, the Vice-President, raised the Vote of Thanks. He thanked the exiting E.C. members in a very special way for their sacrifice and efforts in bringing the Association to a higher level.
The President requested members to participate in MAC Christmas Ball-2008 event on December 07, 2009 in large numbers.
The AGM concluded with ‘Janaganamana’, the National Anthem of India, thus leaving the members to look forward for exhilarating events organized by the energetic, talented and vibrant E.C. team
