BANGALORE: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Association (FKCA) celebrated the Federation Day at St Joseph’s Indian Boys High School on Sunday. Awards were conferred on three eminent Konkani Catholic personalities, who were chosen for the sixth annual awards of the FKCA by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.
While Konkani cultural activist and co-founder of Mandd Sobhhann and Kalaangann, Eric Alexander Ozario was conferred with the lifetime achievement award, Kannada writer, Central Sahitya Academy Bal Puruskar 2011 and Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee Na (Norbert) D’Souza was conferred with professional excellence award and MD, Lancy Constructions, Lancy Mascarenhas, was conferred with the entrepreneur of the year award.
Speaking at the event, Gowda appreciated the awardees for their contribution to the society.
The Federation has been discussing the grievances of the community with the government and fighting for the rights of Konkani Catholics, he said.
“The Federation pointed out that Rs 50 crore, which was allotted to the Christians in last year’s budget hasn’t reached them. We have created a plan for Rs 35 crore, which will be sanctioned within 10 days. A plan will be soon drawn for the remaining Rs15 crore too,” he assured. Meanwhile, he also added that in the upcoming budget he would try to allot Rs 100 crore for the welfare of Christians.
As part of the celebrations, many students put up dance performances and the community concluded the event by shaking a leg to popular Konkani classic numbers. Over 500 members were present at this annual event celebrated for Konkani Catholics across the state.