Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its General Body Meeting on Friday, 28th August 2026 at Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya. The meeting commenced at 6:30 pm with the opening prayer led by Deepak Andrade.

President Prakash Godwin Pinto warmly welcomed the gathering and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all members for their unwavering love, support, and encouragement. In his address, he sincerely thanked the members for their continued support and active participation in KCWA events. He highlighted the recent education loan disbursement programs conducted in the Udupi and Mangalore Dioceses and provided a brief overview of the events and their significance. The President also informed the members that the Monthi Fest Novem Jevan, scheduled for 4 September 2026, has been cancelled due to the current situation in the region and in accordance with the prevailing instructions and regulations of the concerned authorities. Furthermore, the President expressed his sincere appreciation to the Constitution Amendment Committee for dedicating their valuable time, effort, and commitment towards reviewing the Constitution. He encouraged members to actively participate and invited interested members to join the new committee, which is expected to be formed early next year.

Various Reports were presented and approved by the members present. Reena Pereira presented Minutes of last GBM and Vinitha Pinto presented the Activity Report. Finance, Membership and Education Fund reports were presented by Smitha Suvarna, Tressy Cutinho and Veena Serrao respectively.

Cultural activity & Sports activity report was presented by Anil Pais and Alan Vaz respectively, whilst they updated the upcoming events. Nilton D’Souza presented an update on KCWA’s website and social media platforms, highlighting the latest developments and activities. During the session, KCWA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was also launched by the KCWA Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario. An update on the Constitution amendment review was presented by Arun Jossy Dsouza. As the time available during the GBM was limited, it was proposed that an Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGBM) be convened exclusively for the members to discuss and deliberate on the proposed amendments. The proposal to convene an EGBM for this purpose was placed before the members present at the GBM and was duly approved.

Monthi Fest Coordinator Deepak Andrade briefed the members on the reasons for the cancellation of the Monthi Fest celebrations. He informed the gathering that, despite the cancellation, KCWA will continue the tradition of providing festive meals to 23 shelter homes within the Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses. He also encouraged all members to actively participate in the Marian Quiz. Jinella Rodrigues read out

the names of the donors and expressed sincere gratitude to all the donors for their wholehearted support and generous contributions.

Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario began his message with the Word of God from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. In his reflection, he beautifully reminded the members not to be afraid or discouraged despite the difficult situation in the region, but rather to place their trust in God. He emphasized that challenging situations can be opportunities to strengthen our faith and trust in God. He encouraged everyone to continue trusting in the Lord, supporting those in need, and extending help to others. He reminded the gathering that when we place our faith in God and reach out to others with love and compassion, God will bless and guide us and our families.

Visiting Guest Priest Fr. Manoj D’Souza was also present at the GBM. Addressing the gathering, he spoke about the close connection between KCWA and the Monthi Fest, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective participation. He explained that offering a single flower to Mother Mary does not make a feast; it is when everyone comes together and offers their flowers that the celebration becomes meaningful and beautiful. In the same way, he highlighted that when each KCWA member contributes a little through the different categories of membership, these individual contributions come together to make a significant difference in supporting and serving those in need and thanked KCWA for financial assistance to Daya Special School and Day Care Centre Belthangady Fr. Manoj appreciated the efforts of KCWA and encouraged the members to continue working together with generosity and commitment. He reminded everyone that when we remain open to God’s plan and place our trust in Him, God will bless and guide our path.

Tressy Cutinho and Roshan Rodrigues conducted the Lucky Draw for the members present at the venue before the beginning of the meeting and winner was picked by visiting guest Priest Fr. Manoj Dsouza. Yvonne Veigas # 2425 emerged as the Lucky Winner.

The Moderator warmly welcomed the newly registered members Vernon Sylvester D’Silva, Veera Miranda, and Samuel Vaz for joining KCWA during the GBM. Naveen Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks and led the closing prayer. Vice President, Arun Jossy Dsouza was the moderator. Prashanth Ferrao captured the event through his skills in photography. Projector was provided by Alban D Souza. Nilton D Souza animated the presentation supported by Jinella Rodrigues. Sound system was provided by Roshan Rodrigues. Fr. Manoj Dsouza recited grace before meal.  Dinner and refreshments were served by Mughal Tandoori Restaurant. Around 150 members with their families were present. Delicious dinner was served to all present at the GBM.

We had the privilege of introducing Zias Gabriel Sharath, a 60-year-old solo traveler from Mangalore, Karnataka, who is undertaking an incredible motorcycle journey from Mangalore to Europe, travelling through 38 countries and covering approximately 40,000 kilometers. Currently in Kuwait, Zias Gabriel Sharath was warmly welcomed at the GBM. He expressed his gratitude to the gathering for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share his experiences. He also shared that he believes the prayers of people and God’s blessings have been keeping him safe throughout his travels. It was truly inspiring to meet such a courageous traveler and hear about his journey, experiences, and faith.

KCWA Managing committee would like to express their sincere gratitude to members for attending the GBM and sharing their valuable thoughts and constructive suggestions. We also thank the management of Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya for providing the venue to hold the meeting.