Federation Day
Bangalore, Jan 29, 2006: Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) of Karnataka celebrated the 'Federation day' on the 29th of January at the St. Joseph's Indian High School grounds, Bangalore. About 1000 people witnessed this programme. Hon'ble Minster for Finance, Industry and Infra-structure MR. PGR Sindhia was the Chief guest. Ms. Winnifred Fernandes, MLC was the guest of Honor. At this occasion, the Federation felicitated Mr. A. V. Rego, Founder and Chairman of Brilliant Printers, Bangalore with the Lifetime achievement award. Mr. Ivan Fernandes, Chairman of Ducont, Dubai was honored with the Young Entrepreneur award. Dr. Edward Nazareth -Orthopedic surgeon, Fr. Mullers Medical College Hospital was awarded Professional excellence award.
A.V.Rego at the age of 12, owing to the financial situation of the family, had to leave school and start working. He is the founder of Konkan Catholic Association and was instrumental in building a hostel in Bangalore for the needy boys coming from Mangalore. This hostel of Konkan Catholic Association, till date accommodated over 1,000 needy boys. He is also the founder and at present the Chairman of M/s. Brilliant Printers Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
Ivan Fernandes is the Chairman and Managing Director of Ducont, a Dubai based Organization. Since its inception in the year 2000, Ducont has won several global awards. In the year 2005, the leading ‘IT Weekly’ rated Ducont as the No. 2 Independent Software company in the Middle East. Ivan played a key role to promote an Information technology Park, in his hometown, Mangalore. This is likely to create employment for about 10,000 people.
Dr. Edward Nazareth is one of the renowned doctors in the field of medicines, who has endeared himself to Mangaloreans across-the-globe through his altruism, commitment, dedication and simplicity. Besides practicing he has devoted himself to educate people about the values of good health by writing health related articles for dailies, weeklies and fortnight publications. He was conferred T.M.A. Foundation Award for his works of ‘Bhumivainkunth’ and ‘Nirmonhe’. He was also conferred ‘Konkani Sahithya Academy Award’ for his book ‘Bhumivainkutanth’. His other popular books in circulation are – ‘Sexual education for Youth’, ‘Married Sexual Life’, and ‘Catechism for Children’.
Dr. Nazareth however, could not be present to receive the award as he had to attend a emergency case in the hospital.
Sri. PGR Sindhia in his speech appreciated Konkani’s for their contribution to the society. He also informed that the people like A.V.Rego, Ivan Fernandes and Dr. Edward Nazareth are the role models.
Fun-filled Cultural activities and Housie-housie entertained the gathering.
Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations of Karnataka started in the year 1998 by Mr. Henry Pinto, now entering the eighth year of existence, comprises of 11 Konkani Catholic Associations in Bangalore alone. Konkani Catholic Association in Mysore is also affiliated to the Federation and Konkani association of other cities of the Karnataka are in a process of affiliating to the Federation. Main objective of the Federation is to create political awareness among people of our community and demand our rights from the Government.
Following are the programmes conducted by the Federation during this year:
1) Meeting with the
Chief Minister: On 15th June 20005, Federation office bearers met the then Chief
Minister of Karnataka, Sri Dharam Singh and submitted the memorandum
highlighting the grievances of the community.
2) Press conference: A press conference was addressed on 2nd July, to once again
draw the attention of the government towards the community grievances. All most
all the national and state media gave a good coverage of the same supporting our
demands.
3) Health for the poor: On 3rd July a free medical camp was conducted in “
Karnataka Sarakari madari prarthamika matthu prauda shale “ a government school
near Benson town where in mainly children from slum areas study. We also
distributed 325 shoes to school children who other wise come to school
bare-footed. About 500 children and their parents took advantage of this free
medical camp. After the medical camp free food was served to all the school
children.
4) 4th of July Free medicines were given to the old aged home run by the Little
sisters of the poor, Hosur road.
5) Jobs for all: on 11th of September 2005 the Federation Launched a free
placement service cell to help the jobseekers. A meeting of HRD personnel was
conducted at St. Josephs Indian High school.
6) Fight for social justice: In view of the injustice done in the Minority
development Corporation and Karnataka state minorities Commission, Federation
office bearers met the leaders of other minority communities like Jains, Parsis
and Sikhs to discuss future course of action.
7) Meeting with the Chairman of the National Minority commission standing
committee : Federation office bearers the Chairman of National Minority
commission standing committee– Justice Ranganath Mishra and submitted a
memorandum highlighting community grievances with regard to the state minority
board and minorities commission wherein only one community is favored by the
government ignoring the rest of the minority groups.
8) Meeting with the deputy Chief Minister : Met the Hon’ble Deputy Chief
Minister Sri M.P. Prakash and submitted a copy of memorandum highlighting the
community grievances which was earlier submitted to the Chief Minister.
Future projects:
1) Shelter for
Economically weaker section : Federation is keen to promote a housing project
for the economically weaker section. This is a long - term project which has
already got a good response from the people.
2) Training SSLC /school dropouts : A training programme, a certificate course
in collaboration with a reputed institute on house -keeping for the SSLC and
school drop-outs is in the planning stage. This training will help these
drop-outs to secure a job easily in the house-keeping/service industry .
3) Educating the poor : Federation has a plan to help under privileged students
mainly from the slum areas by providing Free Coaching in Maths, Science and
English.
4) Federation is keen to bring all the Konkani Christian entrepreneurs together.
Objective of this is to mainly share the experiences and help each other to
prosper by giving business mutually. This team also can be guiding force for the
youngsters to start the business / industry.
5) Federation is keen to create awareness among people to take up health
insurance to protect them and their families during difficulties.