Konkan Welfare Trust (KWT), which includes partner associations, KONCAB and KCA, inaugurated the aesthetically designed Gardenia Rooftop venue at the Konkan Samudhai Bhavan on Sunday, April 16th. The event began with a welcome speech by Koncab President Vincent D'souza.
Under a star-lit sky, the distinguished chief guest, Francis Colaso, DGP (retd), cut the ribbon and inaugurated the venue. He was introduced to the audience by Koncab's Jhonas D'Souza. In his address to the select gathering, Francis Colaco reminisced about the amazing progress that the Konkani Associations had made over the decades.
The guest of honour, Dr Ronald Colaco, NRI philanthropist, was felicitated by the KCA president, Adrian D'Souza together with the Koncab president, Vincent D'Souza, and the KWT chairman Sylvester Dsouza. Dr Ronald Colaco was introduced by Shanti Peres.
In his riveting speech, Dr Colaco, extolled the importance of service to the community, particularly the value of 'giving back'. He impressed upon the rapt audience the value of the Mangalorean Catholic Community having a convention venue of its own and highlighted the difficulties of the journey in constructing the Konkan Samudhai Bhavan to its excellent present state, where it is a much sought after venue for functions for over 200 days a year.
The vote of thanks was given by the KCA president Adrian D'Souza who was heartfelt in his gratitude towards the generous donors, past presidents, committee members both past and present and other luminaries present at the function.
All past committee members of KWT, KCA, and Koncab were present, demonstrating the unity, support, and goodwill among its members. Also in attendance were Clarence Pereira, President of KE, Silvian Noronha, Chairman of FKCA, and Ricky Patel, President of Catholic Club, who added to the occasion
The fellowship that followed was heartening with an array of delicious Mangalurean dishes catered by 'The Konkan Restaurant'.
Koncab member Neri D’silva ably compered the function deftly switching between Konkani and English.
The feedback from the guests was one of satisfaction and achievement for a well-designed and impressive venue, which would further enhance the prestige of the Konkan Samudhai Bhavan as a central point of focus for the Mangalurean Catholic Community in Bengaluru.
The occasion was a resounding success and definitely a feather in the cap for the KONCAB and KCA in particular, and the Mangalorean Catholic community in general.
