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April 2018: Updates

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At the Annual Thanksgiving Mass held in April 2018, the President of the KCA, Mr. Sunil Alva, personally thanked and appreciated the contribution of the Members of the Managing Council, the various Sub-Committees, and the KCA Staff, for the progress the KCA had made over the past 3 years. Clara Menezes : Vice President (Office Bearer and Trustee 2015 – 2018)Quiet and unassuming, Clara used her vast administrative and organisational skills to improve the working of the KCA, always being available to help and assist in a wide variety of tasks – from building repairs, to Charity Commissioner matters, to handling staff issues. She took on the additional responsibility of organising our 4 events each year, as head of the Cultural and Recreation Sub-committee. Vernon Alvares : Hon. Treasurer(Office Bearer and Trustee 2015 – 2018)A dynamo of energy, and the ‘behind-the-scenes’ man, Vernon has taken on several tasks well beyond the call of duty of his role as the Hon. Treasurer. Besides, being the ‘go-to’ person for any crisis, he oversaw the first round of repairs at the KCA, and used his considerable experience in event management to revamp our hall booking process. He also transitioned the KCA to an upgraded ERP Accounting System, and ensured that the Accounts of the KCA are always up-to-date, and in order. Praveen Pereira : Hon. Secretary(Office Bearer and Trustee 2015 – 2018) An institution like the KCA is subject to many rules, regulations, and laws, and Praveen helped to ensure that we followed them to a ‘T’. He spearheaded the transition from the previous committee, and helped to streamline processes around hall and hostel administration, while also handling staff matters, member correspondence, and member grievances. Eric D’Sa(Council Member 2016 – 2018) ‘Eric the Terrific’, as we like to address him, has been a great source of inspiration, and encouragement to all of us on the Managing Council, especially the young team of Office Bearers. With an energy that belies his age (and the fact that he is a cancer survivor), he has been driving force behind several initiatives of the Managing Council, including the Amchi Khobor News-Magazine, the Life Membership drive and the Monti Fest. He has used his vast experience as a successful entrepreneur, and founder of an NGO, to help the KCA on many different fronts. Importantly, Eric is the designated ‘witness’ in the ongoing court case concerning the Noble Chambers Office, and he makes the long journey to the court, month after month, for the hearings. At a recent hearing, the judge commended Eric for his spirited effort to protect the interest of the KCA – and we are extremely grateful to Eric for taking up this onerous task. Ryan Pais(Council Member 2016 – 2018) Ryan is a senior executive with wide experience in the corporate sector, holding various positions in the banking and hospitality industries. Along with Eric, he has been the longest serving member on the Managing Council, and has often been the calming influence, and a voice of reason during our sometimes heated discussions! Ryan was recently co-opted onto the negotiating team tasked with reaching a just and peaceful settlement in our legal dispute with Model Bank. Lidvina Pereira(Council Member 2016 – 2018)Lidvina served on the Legal and Finance Sub-Committee before joining the Managing Council. As a recently retired senior banker, Lidvina has considerable experience in Finance and Banking, and was instrumental in helping us to study the KCA Accounts for the 8 years prior to 2015, and having the same approved by the General Body in 2016. She is also spearheading the streamlining of our property, and building related compliance issues along with the appointed Architect and Consultants. Arvind Pinto(Council Member 2017 – 2018)Arvind is a well-respected former IRS-Officer, and recently retired as Chief Commissioner of Income Tax. Arvind also served on the KCA Legal and Finance Sub-Committee before joining the Managing Council. He currently practices as an Advocate in the High Court, and serves on various committees, and boards of community institutions in Mumbai. He has taken a keen interest in resolving the legal dispute with Model Bank, and his counsel and advice, is much valued by all on the Managing Council. Walter Nazareth(Council Member 2017 – 2018)Walter is a well-known, and highly successful entrepreneur, and runs one of the largest fire services businesses in the country. He is an IIT Graduate, and served on the Balloting Committee of the KCA before joining the Managing Council. He has also been advising the KCA on the building and property related compliance issues, and is working with our Architect on the matter. A well-respected and prominent Member of the Kanarite Community, Walter has been instrumental in attracting many new Life Members to the KCA. Merwyn D’Souza(Council Member 2017 – 2018) Merwyn recently retired from the Merchant Navy, and has been actively involved in KCA activities for several years. Merwyn served on the Sports Sub-Committee before joining the Managing Council, and was instrumental in the revival of sporting activities at the KCA culminating in the inauguration of the Sports and Fitness Centre in 2017. A great ‘people-person’, Merwyn is the leader of his parish prayer group, and senior citizen cell, and helps the KCA on many fronts, including handling staff issues, helping in overseeing building repairs, and most recently, getting the KCA Counseling Centre, off the ground. Anne-Marie Rego(Council Member 2017 – 2018) Anne-Marie served on the Social and Charitable Sub-Committee before joining the Managing Council, and has been instrumental in reviving our charitable activities, which is one of our core objectives, as an institution. An acclaimed musician, and active in civic affairs in Bandra, Anne-Marie and her Team, have streamlined our charitable outreach under the Educational and Medical Assistance Funds with a clear process and transparent guidelines for disbursal of funds. Joan Buckenham(Council Member 2016 – 2017) Joan has been actively involved in KCA affairs for several years, and served on the Managing Council on many previous occasions. Her considerable administrative experience, and involvement on committees of other institutions, and gymkhanas meant that her views and opinions on various issues faced by the KCA were much valued. Joan

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‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social 2018

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Update: The Raindrops Monsoon Social 2018, which was celebrated on July 7, 2018, was attended by over 200 Members, their families, and friends at the premises of KCA, Mumbai. Click here to read a report and view photographs of the function. Event Announcement: The ‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the premises of KCA, Mumbai. An evening to liven the spirit of monsoon, an opportunity to leisurely interact, dress in your best casual rainwear, and ‘pitter-patter’ to the beat of raindrops with live music, food, and entertainment. Let the rains not dampen your spirit, bid adieu to your evening blues, invite your family and friends, and make a splash this monsoon with a happening get-together at KCA, Mumbai. Passes for the ‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social will be available at the KCA Administrative Office from June 25, 2018 to July 6, 2018. Rs. 200 (Members)Rs. 300 (Guests)Rs. 150 (Children between 5 to 12 years of age) Bookings can also be made by calling the KCA Administrative Office at 2643 1584 / 2642 1037 or by sending an e-mail to member.relations@kcamumbai.org. Payments for the Passes can also be made by Mobile Wallet (PayTM) to the KCA Mobile Number 98694 58632. Cost of Passes will cover snacks and cold drinks. A variety of cuisine for dinner will be available for purchase at an additional cost; drinks will also be available at cost at the venue. We look forward to seeing you and your family on July 7, 2018.

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Jerome Antony Saldanha

Leave a Comment / Down the Corridors of Time / admin

By Dr. Kranti K Farias KCA presents to you another eminent personality in the community, the Late Jerome Antony Saldanha, who was President of the Kanara Catholic Association, and known for his service to the community, to society, and in public life. This is a commemorative article as their tribute in the 150th year of his birth. Jerome Antony Saldanha was born on April 25, 1868; one year before the Mahatma. He was affectionately called ‘Jerome Bab’ by all those who knew him in Mangalore, and in Bombay. His father, Mr. Joseph S Saldanha of the Gadialgar Saldanha family, retired as Huzur Sheristadar of the District Court, Mangalore. His mother was Mrs. Delphine Saldanha of the Umzoor Saldanha family. He married Monica (Mocubai) daughter of Mr. Salvadore Pais, Coffee Planter, Mangalore. They had three sons, and three daughters. Jerome studied in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, till his F.A. and then in the St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli, from where he passed his B.A,. Then, he went to Bombay, where he got his LL.B. Degree. He even passed the Marathi Examination held before the Central Committee for Departmental Examinations in Bombay on March 25, 1901. Judicial Career Mr. Saldanha joined the Service of the Bombay Government on October 5, 1892. He held appointments in the Secretariat, Judicial, and Political Departments at Bombay from October 1892 till May 1901. He had postings and promotions to various parts of India. His services were placed temporarily at the disposal of the Government of India, Foreign Department, Simla, from June 28, 1904 till March 31, 1906. He was promoted as Assistant Judge and Assistant Sessions Judge of Thana in September 1914. He was soon invested with the powers of an Additional Sessions Judge. From June 1920 till January 1921, he was deputed for drafting the Karachi Municipal Bill. He became Joint District Judge and Additional Judge of Dharwar in November 1921, and was transferred in the same capacity to Thana in January 1923. He retired from Government Service on April 25, 1923. Scholar and Writer Mr. Saldanha was a noted Scholar and Writer. He took keen interest in ethnology, and was elected President of the Anthropological Society of Bombay in 1923. He wrote several articles in the ‘Mangalore Magazine’, and other journals on the history of Kanara, the Konkani language, and other subjects. He also wrote articles in the Bombay Law Journals. His books were 1) Indian Castes, Vol. 1, Konkani Castes 2) Notes on the First Englishmen in India and other subjects 3) Savantvadi Legal and Judicial Manual 4) The Law of Salsette Land and Town Development 5) Hints to Jurors and Assessors 6) ‘Hints on Civil Ecclesiastical Law in India’ and ‘Notes on Canon Law’, edited jointly with Father A Marcy S.J., the well-known authority on Canon Law. With special interest in the cultivation of the Konkani Language and Literature, he delivered scholarly lectures in Mangalore, and under the auspices of the Kanara Catholic Association, on ‘Kanara Catholics’ and on ‘A Honor for our Community’. Post-retirement activity – as Legislator and Nationalist After retiring from Government Service, Mr. Saldanha settled down in Mangalore. He got elected in 1923 to the Madras Legislative Council, first as an Independent Candidate from the West Coast Indian Christian Constituency, then got re-elected in 1926 as Congress Party Candidate having joined the Indian National Congress in 1925. In 1937, he stood for Election to the Madras Legislative Council, and won as a Member of the People’s Party. On the latter becoming defunct after some time, he joined the National Democratic Party. His son, the late Gerald J Saldanha, also a former President of KCA writes, “It was a great event in our life when my father, as the President of the South Kanara District Congress Committee, had the honour and priviledge of presiding at a public meeting addressed by Mahatma Gandhi some time in 1929.” J.A. Saldanha stood for self-government for India within the British Commonwealth, and for Joint Electorates. He was in the Chair at a meeting held at the Balmatta Boys School on May 3, 1932 to further the ‘Buy Indian’ Movement. The Kanara Indian Christian Civic League of which he was a Member, on October 15, 1932 resolved that the League favoured Joint Electorates with reservation of seats for Indian Christians and safeguards for ensuring election of candidates acceptable to the community. The committee supported the ‘Quit India’ movement and required all Members to help that Movement. His work for the Kanara Catholic Association, Bombay. At the AGM of the Aloysians in Bombay on May 29, 1898, with Mr. D B Pinto, B.A., in the Chair, it was unanimously resolved that an Association be formed for the furtherance of common interests of the former pupils of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. J.A. Saldanha, was elected President. This was the precursor of the Kanara Catholic Association of Bombay (KCA). Jerome A Saldanha was one of the Founder Members of the KCA formed in 1901, when he was elected Vice President, and then again in 1917 and 1918. He was elected President in 1907, 1908, 1909, 1915, and 1920. He joined Messrs. F.A.C. Rebello, F.L. Silva, and others in founding and fostering institutions and Co-operative Housing Societies for Catholics in Bombay at Bandra, and in other suburbs including the formation of the Mangalorean Co-operative Housing Society, which consisted almost entirely of KCA Members. He worked for the amelioration of Catholics in the city, especially of those coming from Mangalore, getting them jobs through his recommendation. The Kanara Catholic Association presented him with a Gold Medal in 1918 as a token of appreciation of his services. Mr. Saldanha was appointed Justice of the Peace, and this was considered a great honour to the community. It was at the SpGM of 1919 that Rules of KCA were amended. Mr. Saldanha moved a Resolution to start a Fund for the poor of the community called the ‘St. Anthony’s League’. Poor Mangaloreans had to be identified, and loans given to those coming to Bombay, and without means to start life. The funds had to be raised through donations

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John D’Silva

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Doyen of Co-operative Banking Profile by Dr. Jeanette Pinto John Henry D’Silva, Doyen of Co-operative Banking was born on May 16, 1936; the fifth of six children of Anthony and Remedia D’Silva. He hailed from an agricultural family of Sanoor, Karkala, South Kanara. He had his primary education at St. Joseph of Sanoor till Standard IV, thereafter, he went to SVT Higher Elementary School at Karkala, walking ten kilometers daily, and completed Standard VIII. He moved to Mumbai in 1951. A keen and diligent student, he completed his secondary education from Karnataka Free Night High School. He did his B.A. from Jai Hind College (Morning Classes), and B.Com from R A Podar College (Evening Classes). Thereafter, he Joined New Law College for LLB. After graduation, he shifted to Abhyudaya Nagar, a Housing Board Colony, with over 4,000 flats / families. Amazingly, it provided the starting block for his career. Blessed with a compassionate heart, John began to touch the lives of the marginalized. People esteemed him as a man of honesty, sincerity, and action. They elected him President of the Abhyudaya Nagar LIG Tenants Association in 1960. Seeing the need for an English Medium School in the area, he started the Abhyudaya Education Society High School. John soon realized that there was no bank in the area around Abhyudaya Nagar where over six thousand families lived. He wrote to some leading Commercial Banks requesting them to open a Branch. None showed any interest. In the absence of banking facilities, the common man would keep his savings with local shopkeepers, and take it back when in need. This urged John to start a Co-operative Bank to provide thrift and credit. The capital required for starting a Credit Society was Rs. 5,000 and for a Bank, Rs. 50,000. In December 1963, he collected Rs. 5,000 from 87 people, and on January 16, 1964 registered the Abhyudaya Co-operative Credit Society Limited. The Housing Board allotted office premises to the Society. As soon as the Capital amount touched Rs. 50,000, John got it converted into Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Limited in 1965. That was a fantastic achievement. In April 1988, the Reserve Bank of India gave Scheduled Bank status to 11 big Co-operative Banks. Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Limited, although the youngest in age, was one amongst them; a mere sapling, it attained the third highest position amongst almost 2000 Co-operative Banks in the country. Kudos to John, his foresight, was rewarded. He then offered his expertise to start a Co-operative Bank for taxi drivers. Up until the Nationalization of Banks, the taxi trade was financed only by money lenders. In 1967, he got the registration for the New India Co-operative Bank Limited, the first Bank to be registered in Mumbai after the Banking Regulation Act was made applicable to Co-operative Banks. In 1920, the Christians of Mumbai headed by Mr. F.A.C. Rebello, the Doyen of the co-operative movement, had registered the Bombay Catholic Urban Co-operative Credit Society Limited. It was dormant till 1982, with total funds of just Rs. 26,500/-. In August 1982, John was elected its President with full powers to convert the Society into a Bank. John accepted the challenge, and in 1984 got the Society converted into “Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Limited“. It was the first bank which started functioning overnight, with seven branches all over Mumbai. This was a big miracle! The KCA had, in 1916, under the leadership of Mr. F.A.C. Rebello, established the Mangalorean Catholic Co-operative Credit Society Limited. This too lay dormant till 1992 with total funds of around Rs. 117,000/-. In October 1993, Mr. John D’Silva was elected its President with full powers to convert the Society into a Bank. In the nineties, the Reserve Bank of India had revised its norms of capital requirement for converting the Society into a Bank to Rs. 60 Lakhs. It was a big challenge. For the sake of his fellowmen, and as a tribute to its Founders, John accepted the challenge, collected the required capital, and in 1998, the “Model Co-operative Bank Limited” was born. It was the second bank, which started functioning overnight with ten branches all over Mumbai. It was another miracle! The Reserve Bank issues circulars and directives to regulate the working of Co-operative Banks. To overcome the difficulty of staying on track, and up-to-date, John started publishing a unique reference book since 1976, which is considered a Bible by Co-operative Bankers. John D’Silva has the distinction of organizing four Co-operative Banks – namely, Founder and First Chairman, Model Co-operative Bank Limited, and Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Limited; Founder and First Managing Director, New India Co-operative Bank Limited, and Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Limited. For his outstanding work, he has been recognized by many institutions, and received several Awards – notable amongst them are – Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2005 from Rachana Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mangalore; Lifetime Achievement Award 2008 from the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations of Karnataka, Bangalore. Distinguished Achievement Award to Outstanding Konkanis 2008 from the Dr. T.M.A. Pai Foundation, Manipal; Sandesha Special Recognition Award 2012 from the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education; the George Fernandes Social Award 2016 for outstanding work from the Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti; and the New Year Award 2017 jointly instituted by Manipal University, Academy of General Education, and Syndicate Bank. At present, he is associated with the following – Founder President, Fuddar Prathisttan; Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman, Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; President, Mangalorean Catholic Educational Co-operative Credit Society Limited; President, Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra; Editor-in-Chief, Co-operative Bankers Reference Book, and Trustee, S.V.M. International School. Besides co-operative banking, Mr. D’Silva has had the privilege of organizing and working on the management of many institutions and organizations. John is married to Gladys, and they have two children – Amalanand and Amithanand, both married and well settled. An inspiration life such as John’s is not only impactful, but one that all should emulate to make this world a better place.

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Vol. 3, Issue 2: Jul – Sep 2018

‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social 2018

Housie at the KCA

Leave a Comment / Cultural & Recreation / admin

Announcement Dear Members, We are pleased to announce that the Cultural & Recreation Sub-Committee of the KCA is organizing a weekly Housie every Monday evening for Members and their guests. The first session starts on June 20, 2016 @ 7 pm sharp. Do come with your family and friends. Make sure you carry your KCA Membership Card. Thank You, Cultural and Recreation Sub-CommitteeKCA Mumbai Update: You can read about the Inaugural Housie session here

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Contribution to Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund

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In view of the unprecedented drought conditions in Maharashtra, the Managing Council of the KCA, in consultation with the Social & Charitable Committee decided to make a token contribution of Rs 100,000 (1 lakh) to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Drought Relief Fund. With the increasing farmer suicides & desperate conditions of millions of people, right in our backyard in Maharashtra, we felt we should do our bit for our distressed brethren, in their hour of crisis. Inspired by the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “For it is in GIVING that we RECEIVE”, let us move forward with generosity of heart and spirit, so that the KCA may be known for making a difference to as many lives as possible.

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Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner 2016

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Update: The Thanksgiving Mass, held after several years was a joyous affair with over 250 members & their families attending. Click here to read a report and view photographs of the function. Event Announcement:

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Monti Saibinishi Fest 2016

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Update: On September 25, 2016 Monti Fest was celebrated with much fervour & gaiety for the first time at KCA Mumbai. Click here to read a report and view photographs of the function. Event Announcement: AGM! Sounds boring Yeah? We feel from attendance in the past AGMs most Members of KCA may feel as you do, especially if a Sunday morning or evening is to be spent travelling long distances, just to listen to some statistics and speeches! So what can be done to make it rewarding. While we will definitely like your views at the meeting on how to make our Association more active socially and culturally, while we meet the obligations laid down in the objects of the Association, we want to also make it a fun cultural day for you and your family Hence, it was decided, (as far as we are aware for the first time in the history of our Association), to bring to you the MONTHI SAIBINISHI FEST on the same day as the AGM. We had to postpone it by a couple of weeks to avoid clashing with the Bandra Feast during which the there is heavy traffic near Yuvakalaya. The function is strictly for members and their families only. If you prefer, next time we will have it on the Sunday before the feast day. We will do our best to give you a true feeling of being in Kodial on a feast day!! The flyer can be downloaded from the bottom of this page Cultural & Recreation team Coupons for the Buffet Lunch will be available @ Rs 100 per person upto September 23rd at the KCA office during office hours. Children below 6 years are free Drinks will be served and will be available at cost at the venue Please note that purchase of coupons for the Buffet lunch is optional. Members attending only the AGM, need not purchase coupons. The Programme:9.30 AM: Members received with flowers at the entrance 10.00 AM: Konkani Mass begins promptly at the ground floor hall, celebrated by Bishop Percival Fernandez, with Konkani hymns, during which new paddy will be blessed for distribution to members later 10.45 AM: Adoration & Procession of Mother Mary including offering of flowers (‘Aboli’ and ‘Shivnti’) by children and then the adults 11.15 AM: Light refreshments will be served 11.30 AM: The voting Members will remain in the ground floor Hall for the AGM. The rest of the family will proceed to the first floor Hall for games & a Cultural programme both in English and Konkani. The cultural group ‘Konkani Melodies‘ will regale you with songs from Amchi Gaon! 1.00 PM: Enjoy a specially prepared Buffet lunch with 9 different Mangalorean vegetable dishes, a fish coconut curry for those who want some variety, the traditional sweet dish ‘vorn’ and other savouries, for just a nominal amount of Rs. 100/- Buffet Lunch Menu: Vegetable Dishes – (1) Channa Sukke, (2) Bhindi Thale, (3) Pio Suke, (4) Green Banana Suke, (5)Tendli and cashew Suke, (6) Pathrade Gassi, (7) Turiya Mung Gassi, (8) Walche Bajee with Dhal curry, (9) Aloo Dhento curry. Non Veg – Mangalore Kane coconut fish curry Rice Dishes – Boiled Rice & Sannas Starter – Milk with Noveo Salad – Cucumber Karamb Pickles – Sweet lime pickle, Minced Mango pickle Sweet – Worne About Monti Fest (background for some of us born & bred in Mumbai!!) Monti Fest is one of the biggest Mangalorean Catholic festivals held on 8th September every year. This festival celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and involves blessing of Novem (new crops). It is celebrated with much fervour & gaiety by Kanarites & Kanarite associations all over India & even abroad! The festival derives its name from the Monte Mariano Church at Farangipet in South Kanara, and was initiated by Fr Joachim Miranda, a Goan Catholic priest at Farangipet in 1763. Though Tippu Sultan destroyed the churches of Kanara, he spared Monte Mariano Church in deference to the friendship of his father Hyder Ali with Father Miranda.

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April 2018: Updates

‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social 2018

Jerome Antony Saldanha

John D’Silva

Vol. 3, Issue 2: Jul – Sep 2018

‘Raindrops’ Monsoon Social 2018

Housie at the KCA

Contribution to Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund

Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner 2016

Monti Saibinishi Fest 2016

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