Bengaluru, Feb 27: The 62-year-old Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) formed in 1955, held its annual premier cultural and social event, ‘Mood Mangalorean’ at its newly built building "Konkani Samudai Bhavan" at Kalyan Nagar, here.
The KCA also inaugurated its community building in Bengaluru dedicated to Konkani community.
The Chief Guest of the inauguration was Leslie Fernandes the ex-Chairman and major shareholder of the multinational Dockendale Shipping, which has 42 ships around the world. Mr. Fernandes who started his career in the Indian Navy in 1951, eventually moved to the merchant marine where he rose to the rank of Chief Engineer.
When Dockendale was started in 1973 by the world famous Naval Architect and Shipbuilding legend George Cambell, Leslie Fernandes joined them as General Manager for Japan. He has instrumental in the joint venture between Dockendale and the Danish conglomerate Clipper which has 130 ships. In 2000, their office in the Bahamas was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Bahamas, Hubert Ingraham.
The President of KCA, Errol Fernandes said “Our distinguished Chief Guest Mr. Leslie Fernandes appreciated in his speech the charity work done by KCA and said that, "Konkani Samudai Bhavan will help many Mangalorean youth who visit Bengaluru in search of jobs,"he said. He particularly liked that KCA provide accommodation for less privileged individuals from the Kanara region who come to Bangalore looking for jobs and other opportunities”
The function also had a gala evening of song and dance with over 55 dancers from the members themselves organised by the Vice President of KCA, Marjorie Texeira. Efforts were made to adhere to the ethic dress and themes of the Kanara region.
According to Dr. Joseph Rasquinha, the Committee Member in charge of Technology and Media, “KCA’s success in organising this function is due to the effort of the Managing Committee whose members put in time, effort and tremendous enthusiasm in making the occasion a success”.
The Guest of Honour was Ronald Colaco, a well-known NRI businessman. The event was sponsored by Ferns Builders and Mr. Austin and Mrs. Hilma Roach. KCA’s website is www.kcabangalore.com
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