Prakash Godwin Pinto Elected President of Kuwait Canara Welfare Association
Salmiya, Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), a prominent organization dedicated to the welfare and advancement of the Canara community in Kuwait, held its Extraordinary General Body Meeting on Friday, March 28th, 2025, at the Indian School of Excellence in Salmiya. The primary focus of the meeting was the election of a new Executive Committee that will lead the association for the upcoming term of 2025-2027. The meeting, attended by a significant number of members, was conducted with due diligence and adherence to the established procedures of the organization.
The proceedings commenced with an opening prayer led by Veena Serrao, setting a reverent tone for the important decisions that were to be made. Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas, the outgoing President of KCWA, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. In his address, Mr. Mascarenhas expressed his profound gratitude to the members, committee members, their families, and the generous donors and sponsors whose unwavering support contributed significantly to the success of KCWA during his tenure. He acknowledged the collective effort and commitment that defined the association’s accomplishments over the past two years.
Following the President’s welcome address, General Secretary Reena Pereira meticulously presented the minutes of the previous General Body Meeting held on February 28th, 2025. These minutes served as a record of the association’s prior deliberations and actions, providing a contextual backdrop for the present meeting. Subsequently, Praveen Fernandes presented the audited financial report, offering a transparent overview of KCWA’s financial standing and demonstrating responsible management of resources.
President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas then delivered a comprehensive briefing on the achievements of KCWA during his term from 2023 to 2025. He highlighted key initiatives, programs, and activities that contributed to the organization’s mission of promoting the welfare, education, and cultural heritage of the Canara community in Kuwait. Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario, in his address, commended the significant and impactful work undertaken by KCWA, emphasizing the positive difference the association has made in the lives of its members and the wider community. He lauded the dedication and commitment of the leadership and volunteers who have tirelessly contributed to KCWA’s success.
The core agenda of the meeting, the election of the new Executive Committee, was then undertaken. The Election Commission, comprised of esteemed members Alwyn Noronha, Lavina Furtado, and Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas, meticulously managed the election process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the association’s constitution. The results of the election were announced, with the following individuals being elected to lead KCWA for the 2025-2027 term:
President: Prakash Godwin Pinto, hailing from Fajir/Belthangady
Vice President: Arun Jossy D’Souza, representing Perampally
General Secretary: Reena Wilma Pereira, from Belvai
Asst. General Secretary: Vinitha Margaret Pinto, representing Puttur
Treasurer General: Smitha Suvarna, from Casia
Treasurer – Cultural Affairs: Jinella Rodrigues, representing Neerude
Auditor: Kevin Preetam D’Souza, from Miyar
Members Affairs Coordinator: Tressy Cutinha, from Gurpur
Cultural Secretary: Anil Roshan Pais, representing Permannur
Education Fund Coordinator: Veena Serrao, from Angelore
Sports Secretary: Alan Vaz, from Hirgan
Website Administrator: Nilton Josen D’Souza, from Manjeshwar
Public Relations Officer: Prakash Lawrence Gonsalves, from Padukone
Immediate Past President: Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas, from Bajpe
The announcement of the newly elected committee was met with enthusiastic applause and expressions of support from the attendees. Prakash Godwin Pinto, the newly elected President of KCWA, addressed the gathering, expressing his sincere gratitude for the trust placed in him and the newly formed committee. He pledged his unwavering commitment to upholding the values and mission of KCWA and sought the cooperation and support of all members to ensure a successful and impactful tenure. The newly elected committee members then collectively took an oath, reaffirming their dedication to serving the community and working towards the betterment of KCWA.
The meeting also included a formal welcome to visiting priest Fr. Ronald Cardoza, who was presented with a flower bouquet by outgoing President Naveen Mascarenhas. Mr. Mascarenhas then proposed a vote of thanks, expressing his deep appreciation to Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario, visiting priest Fr. Ronald Cardoza, Allan D’Souza and Harry Fernandes for their multimedia presentation, Alban D’Souza for photography and projector assistance, Anand D’Souza for providing the sound system, and Roshan Rodrigues for sound management. He also extended gratitude to Blue Hill Restaurant for providing the sumptuous dinner and to all the members who attended the meeting in significant numbers.
Grace before the meal was recited by visiting priest Fr. Ronald Cardoza, followed by a fellowship dinner. Johnson D’Almeida concluded the meeting with a closing prayer and hymn. Vice President Arun Jossy D’Souza served as the moderator for the event.
The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association extends its sincere appreciation to the management of the Indian School of Excellence, Salmiya, for providing the venue for the meeting and contributing to the smooth and successful conduct of the proceedings. The election of the new Executive Committee marks a significant milestone for KCWA, paving the way for continued progress and service to the Canara community in Kuwait.
