Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 2: Kanara Catholic Association (KCA), the 69-year-old Mangalurean Catholic association held its annual general meeting on Sunday, September 1 at the Konkan Samuda Bhavan.
In the elections held, Marjorie Texeira was re-elected president, Hilma Roach as vice president, Ajay Fernandes as treasurer, Clemence D’Silva as secretary and Jane Pinto as joint secretary. In addition, a total of 21 committee members were elected to serve the needs of the community to the fullest.
The AGM started with a solemn Montifesth mass celebrated by Fr Stephen Pereira. After that, the highlight of the meeting was the felicitation of the chief guest, Ronald Colaco and the inauguration of the KCA Entrepreneurs’ Cell by the guest of honour Roshan D’Silva. In her speech introducing Ronald Colaco for KCA’s highest award, the Manik Award, the vice president Hilma Roach spoke about how even handed and impartial Ronald Colaco has been in helping schools, churches and temples across India and even abroad.
In his stirring speech, Colaco spoke about how important it is to give to needy causes without reservation and with an open hand. He urged the community to follow his example, and stated that the simple joy of giving exceeded any other emotion available to people
In another innovative move, KCA also launched an Entrepreneurs’ Cell at this AGM. In his speech, Dr Joseph Rasquinha, who introduced the guest of honour, Roshan D’Silva, the CEO of Tripvillas mentioned how important entrepreneurs like Roshan were to the community, and how in spite of having a degree from IIT Mumbai, he went on to found a company which even has investment from the Singapore Prime Minister’s office. In his speech to the large audience, guest of honour, Roshan used the touching story of how if even a glass of milk was full, you could still add sugar and make a difference. He expounded on how the Mangalurean community with its enormous talent and resources in India and around the world would find it easy to encourage entrepreneurs a difference.
In a way, Roshan’s words were prophetic as there were over 40 stalls which had different home talents on show from KCA members. The depth and diversity of the services offered surprised and heartened everyone who visited. From pickles, jams, ready to cook masalas, laddoos, cakes, homemade furniture, customised travel solutions, sports fitness, home beauty products, and a number of specialised food stalls the range and quality was amazing. There was also on offer leather goods, alternative health solutions, and even an unusual stall exhibiting zen like plant arrays. All in all, the range was exciting and a great prism of the depth of talent the Mangalurean community has.
As a start to the journey to bring out the best in community, both in giving to needy causes and to develop a spirit of entrepreneurship, the AGM was a resounding success.