New Leadership for Mangalore Konkans Dubai: Stephen Menezes Elected as President

 

One of the oldest and most prestigious associations in the GCC, Mangalore Konkans Dubai anonymously elected Mr. Stephen Menezes Vamanjoor as the president of this 37-year-old association, making him one of the youngest presidents in its history.

During the annual general body meeting held at Winny’s restaurant Karama on March 18th 2025, the new committee of MKD was formed under the guidance of past president James Mendonca. James briefly explained the legacy of MKD that given the reputation and the socio – cultural works that MKD has done in the past 35 years since 1988. He also stressed the importance of serving humanity, community, culture and language. James mentioned how by-laws of Mangalore Konkans Dubai are designed to support the mission of the organization and called the new committee to commit themselves to the motto of MKD.

The newly elected executive committee includes:

• Vice President: Mr. Rajesh Sequeira
• Secretary: Ms. Engride Goldina D’Souza
• Treasurer: Mr. Melroy Pinto
• Media Coordinator: Mr. Ashith Pinto

Newly elected president Stephen Menezes thanked the association members for keeping a trust on his caliber and giving the prestigious position. He assured his dedication and commitment to keep the legacy of MKD high and uplift the association activities that will serve the humanity and Konkani culture.

Meet the New Leadership Team

Mr. Stephen Menezes – President

Hailing from St. Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, Stephen is a well-known actor, comedian, playwright, poet and director in the Konkani entertainment scene. He has won multiple awards, including prizes for dancing at events organized by Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore. He was pivotal as the main coordinator of the Mangalore Konkans Family Fiesta, which took place on December 8^th, 2024 at the Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club attended by 2000 people. As president, his goal is to provide fresh direction to the association and wholeheartedly serve the community. Professionally, he is the Managing Director of Reach Me Advertising Company.

Mr. Rajesh Sequeira – Vice President

Rajesh Sequeira has been recognized for his instrumental role in establishing Mangalore as an international airport and facilitating direct flights from Gulf countries.

A dedicated leader from Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Rajesh is a multi-talented individual known for his contributions to various fields. He is a gifted singer, musician, public speaker, actor, and master of ceremonies, captivating audiences with his charisma and dynamic presence. His exceptional event organizing skills and impactful motivational speeches have garnered him great respect within the community.

Currently working as an Aircraft Engineer for a reputed airline in the UAE, Rajesh is also a Light Sport Aircraft pilot. He seamlessly combines his professional expertise with his passion for social work, youth empowerment, and environmental conservation.

Rajesh's dedication and pursuit of excellence inspire many, making him a beacon of hope and progress. His recognition reflects the power of vision, perseverance, and selfless service.

Mr. Melroy Clement Pinto – Treasurer

Hailing from St Sebastian Chruch, Bendoor, Melroy is a highly disciplined and organized professional, known for his meticulous approach to work. With MCom in Finance and PGDHRM & a Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) certification, he holds the position as a Manager (GRC and Operations) at Curtin University Dubai.

Ms. Engride Goldina D’Souza – Secretary

Affiliated with Our Lady of Fatima Church, Perampalli, Udupi, Goldina has embraced strong leadership qualities and a commitment to community service, inspired by her father, Mr. Eric Perampalli, a thriving entrepreneur and philanthropist. While currently pursuing a career in finance, she is also a talented keyboard player.

Mr. Ashith Pinto – Media Coordinator

Belonging to Infant Jesus Church, Modankap, Bantwal, Ashith holds a Master’s degree in Management and is known for his event-organizing expertise. Under his leadership, numerous successful events have been organized across the UAE, India, and other GCC countries.

Advisory Board

The newly appointed advisory board includes esteemed former presidents and seasoned leaders:

• James Mendonca
• Alwyn Pinto
• Sonali Fernandes
• Floyd Kiran Moras
• Agnel Fernandes
• Roshan D'Silva

Mr. James Mendonca – Former President & Advisory Board Member

James served as the President of Mangalore Konkans Dubai for 17 years, (2003-2008, 2010-2015, 2018-Mar 2025) contributing significantly to the growth and success of the organization. His leadership helped expand the association’s reach, making Mangalore Konkans Dubai a well-respected name in the community.

Many major events were organized during his tenure like Gulf Voice of Mangalore, Konkani Sports Meet, Wilfy’s Sentimental Nite, Lorna’s Musical Show, “Bangar Monis” Konkani Play, 25^th Year Celebration in 2013, etc.  He thanked all the past and present members for their support and co-operation during the years.

About Mangalore Konkans Dubai

Mangalore Konkans Dubai was established in 1988 with the core mission of promoting Konkani language and culture among the Mangalorean diaspora in the UAE. The organization also extends financial support to the Mangalorean community in Dubai and the Dakshina Kannada district.

Over the years, Mangalore Konkans Dubai has remained true to its mission, emerging as a major force in the UAE while actively preserving Konkani traditions and cultural heritage.

Mangalore Konkans, Dubai is the only association from the UAE to receive an award from the President of India Prathiba Patel on Dec 9^th 2010 at the World Konkani Conventions Ekta Divas organized by Maand Sobhan Mangalore in recognition of their valuable contribution to the preservation and enrichment of Konkani Culture in UAE. 

Key Contributions and Achievements

• First association of Mangaloreans in the UAE (established in 1988)
• Organized the first Konkani Way of the Cross in the UAE
• Introduced the first Nativity Feast for children with flower showering at the grotto
• Founded the first Konkani Choir at St. Mary’s Church, Dubai
• Instrumental in deputing a Konkani-speaking priest to Dubai, leading to the start of permanent Konkani Mass.

Major Events Organized

Mangalore Konkans Dubai has organized several prestigious events, including:
✅ Grand May Queen Ball
✅ Konkani King & Queen Contest
✅ Konkani Milan
✅ Family Fiesta
✅ Wilfy Sentimental Night
✅ Lorna’s Musical Evening
✅ Felicitations for Bishop Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza
✅ Konkani Dramas & Sports Meets
✅ Talent Shows & Konkani Singing Competitions
✅ Parental Guidance & Medical Seminars
✅ Leadership Training & Personality Development Programs
✅ Cookery Contests
✅ Teenage to Adulthood Seminar
✅ Mega Konkani Concerts
✅ Speech Craft & Life Skills Workshops
✅ Gulf Voice of Mangalore

Philanthropic Initiatives

In addition to cultural and community events, Mangalore Konkans Dubai has also established several charity and welfare programs:
✔ Education & Medical Trust Fund with CODP Mangalore
✔ Cancer Patients Aid Fund with Fr. Muller Mangalore
✔ Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial Best Singer Award with Sandesha Foundation

With its new leadership and dedicated advisory board, Mangalore Konkans Dubai continues its mission to uplift the Konkani community, preserve its cultural roots, and create a strong platform for Mangaloreans in the UAE.

Congratulations to the new team, and best of luck for a successful term ahead!

Dubai: Mangalore Konkans' Family Fiesta Creates Festive Atmosphere

Dubai, Dec 8 : Mangalore Konkans Dubai, a popular association for Mangaloreans in Dubai, presented 'Family Fista', a fun and entertainment programme for a charity cause on Friday, December 7 at the Wanderers Club grounds, Sharjah, UAE.

The beautiful weather encouraged the participants to get into a fun mode, and people from all walks of life were seen busy in games, dance and entertainment.

Abhishek and Yamini, RJs of Radio Spice 105.4FM took charge of the event in the morning. There were plenty of prizes to be won for spot games, group games, tug of war, cookery contest, ethnic dress contest, novelty sales, and sponsors game (housie-housie).

The arrival of Santa Claus added true Christmas spirit to the event as large number children who were waiting eagerly welcomed him Santa with a deafening cheer. Santa did not disappoint the eager kids and distributed goodies to them.

Christmas carols and bollywood dance by Arun Lobo's 'Feat-Beat' group added charm and regaled the crowd.

As usual Mangalore Konkans Dubai, under the leadership of James Mendonca put tremendous efforts behind the show, and all the members worked as a team professionally. Arrangements were good, and food stall by Lawrence D'Souza's Najmath Bangalore Restaurant was the centre of attracion outside the venue.

Master of ceremony Anil Trivedi managed the show very well despite the short notice, after designated MC Anil Menezes could not attend due to the demise of his mother.

Mangalore Konkans Dubai is stepping into its silver jubilee celebration, and is expected to provide packs of entertainment, socially beneficial and educative programmes throughout 2013.
ve band and RJ Joy were the highlights of the event as both lured the audience on to the dance floor throughout the day. Participants from all age groups were seen grooving to the music.

 

Dubai: James Mendonca is New President of ‘Mangalore Konkans’

Dubai: James Mendonca is New President of ‘Mangalore Konkans’

Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)
Dubai, June 26: Popular community leader, successful entrepreneur, social worker, and able organizer James Mendonca has been elected president of the prestigious Konkani Catholic community organization ‘Mangalore Konkans Dubai’.
Mangalore Konkans Dubai (Estd 1988), affiliated to the ICWC, Dubai, is one of the most successful organizations in the Gulf which is inching towards its glorious 25th anniversary due in 2013. Mendonca will be president for the term 2011-13.

Mendonca, who has won the ‘Rachana NRE Entrepenuer of the Year’ award has served as president for two terms in the past. His commitment, public relations, and organizational skills are admired by the entire Konkani community in the UAE. He is expected to take Mangalore Konkans Dubai to new heights.

The election, which was held recently in Dubai, also nominated the following office-bearers for the year 2011-13. They are:
President: James Mendonca
Vice-President: Aboline D’ Cunha
Secretary: Lily D’ Almeida
Joint Secretary: Ronald Sequeira
Treasurer: Joseph Pinto
Entertainment Secretary and PR: Rajesh Sequeira
Sports Secretary: Kumar Remy Fernandes
Advisors: Santosh Nazareth, Valerian Peris, Ronald D’Cunha

Santosh Nazareth, who successfully completed his two-year term as president, thanked all the members and committee members for their support during his stint and assured his full support to the new president and the organization. He also thanked his team members Linus Moras, Vanitha D’Souza, Clinton Mendonca, Deepak Machado, Agnel Fernandes, Stany D’Cunha, and Albert Rodrigues for their dedicated leadership over the past two years.

During the tenure of Santosh Nazareth Mangalore Konkans Dubai received an award from President of India Pratibha Patil, during the first world Konkani Cultural Convention held in 2010.
The new team, under the presidency of Mendonca, assured commitment and dedication in taking Mangalore Konkans Dubai to greater heights as it heads towards its silver jubilee two years hence
The main objectives of Mangalore Konkans Dubai are to promote the Konkani language and culture and to extend moral or financial support to needy brethren, particularly within the Konkani community residing in Dubai.

Dubai: Enjoyment Galore at Mangalore Konkans' Family Fiesta

Jovin D'Souza Pangla Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 3: The post-lunch session of 'Family Fiesta' witnessed double the fun with an African band and an eastern band by Gopi Kamath keeping the crowd non-stop on the dance floor. There was also a professional dance group 'Feat Beat' that performed with elan.
Christmas tableau with the arrival of Santa Claus excited not only the children but also the adults who enjoyed the festive atmosphere to the hilt.
Sponsors and well-wishers of the event were felicitated with mementos.
Family Fiesta chairperson Sonali Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
Christmas Tree auction, spot prizes and games were the other highlights of the event. There were a number of gifts and takeaways for the winners as well as the participants.
The event concluded at around 7.15 pm with an invigorating baila by Gopi Kamath, as the huge crowd joined in the fun to dance the evening away.
Morning Updates:
Dubai: Spectacular Start to Mangalore Konkans' Family Fiesta
Sharjah, Dec 3: The long weekend fun continued among the UAE's expatriate community with the family fiesta organised by Mangalore Konkans, Dubai on Friday December 3 at the Wanderers Club here. The event received overwhelming response from fun lovers around the UAE.
The event began around 10 am with an African Band regaling the audience. Soon after there was a variety of other entertainment including dance session, spot prizes, ground games for kids and adults, Christmas carols and many other fun events.
Dubai's noted compere Anil Menezes took charge of the event and kept the audience on their toes.
President of Mangalore Konkans Santosh Nazareth in his address thanked all the sponsors, members, and all those who supported the event.
The event will contiue until 7 pm with much more fun and frolic including a visit from Santa Claus.

Twelve Singers Qualify for 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' Semifinals

UAE : Twelve Singers Qualify for 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' Semifinals

Pics: Ramcy Fernandes & Vivian PintoDaijiworld Media Network—Dubai (SP/CN)
Dubai, Apr 30: New talents surfaced in abundance at the UAE-level Konkani singing competition being conducted by Mangalore Konkans, the ace Konkani organization of the Middle East, at the Dubai Gem Private School on Friday April 30.
Almost 130 male and female singers participated in the day-long competition in the solo, mixed duet, group singing, and `Sangeet Kutumb' categories. Participants from most of the Emirates were seen getting themselves tested in the competition by some of the best people in the music industry.
The morning session saw 17 entries in the female category and 27 entries in the male category. This competition was very important for the participants as 12 winners got automatic chance to enter the `Gulf Voice of Mangalore' competition to be held later this year, where the winner will walk away with the grand prize of Rs 1.0 lac.
The afternoon session was for children in the age group of 6 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 15. There was competition in the mixed duet and Sangeeth Kutumb categories too.
Adrian Gomes, well-known musician from Kuwait, Jossy Moras, musician and certified western singer as well as Carnatic music professional from Dubai, and Olivia Rodrigues, singer from Dubai, were the judges for the morning session.
The afternoon session was judged by Fr Denis D'Sa, administrator, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Ketan D'Souza, musician, and Olinda Goveas, well-known singer, Dubai.
Jossy Moras, Olivia Rodrigues, and Fr D'Sa spoke on behalf of the judges.
“This is a `sangama' of artistes, organizers, sponsors, teachers, and parents”, said Fr D'Sa in his speech.
Congratulating all the participants for keeping high the spirit of participation, he said that, “Music is a uniting factor. Proper practice prevents poor performance”.
Remembering Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus on the occasion, he gave a call for research to be conducted on his songs.
Manohar Pais, chief co-ordinator of the event, felicitated all the judges.
Santhosh Nazareth, president, Mangalore Konkans, offered flower bouquets to Ivan Fernandes, DUCONT, trophy sponsor, Melvyn Rodrigues, Daijiworld.com, media partner, and Herman Lewis, Radio Spice, radio partner, for their patronage.
Lilly D'Almeida, general secretary, Mangalore Konkans, welcomed the gathering at the start of the marathon event that went on for almost 10 hours. She thanked all the participants, their parents for the encouragement extended to their children, all the sponsors, and the audience.
Stany D'Cunha, member, Mangalore Konkans, proposed the vote of thanks.
Ronald Colaco, philanthropist from Bangalore, who is also the platinum sponsor of the finals of `Gulf Voice of Mangalore' to be held on October 22, 2010, at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai, was felicitated along with Ivan Fernandes, DUCONT, by Fr Denis D'Sa.
Ronald Colaco unveiled the logo of this mega event during the occasion.
Mangalore Konkans was established in 1988 with the objective of nurturing Konkani talents in the Middle East and to support social causes. It has been conducting singing, elocution, cookery, and sports competitions for the past 22 years and raising funds through its ‘Family Fiesta’ programmes.
‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ is the dream child of Lawrence Pinto and Louis Rodrigues from Kuwait, which was a huge success last year, wherein Vinay Lewis from Kuwait emerged as the winner. This year, the baton has been handed to Mangalore Konkans by this duo and the initial selection rounds are being conducted all over the Middle East.
Rajesh Sequeira and Roshan D'Silva were the comperes of the event. Valerian Peris announced the names of the semi-finalists of `Gulf Voice of Mangalore' from the United Arab Emirates.
James Mendonca, Santhosh Nazareth, and Linus Moras were present along with the singing competition committee members on the dais.
Prizes were distributed by Francis Mascarenhas, Lancy Madtha, Herman Lewis, Joseph Mathias, Hilda Pais, Ivan Fernandes, and Ronald Colaco.
Prize Winners:
Children - Age 6 to 8 Years

First : Lanisha Vaz

Second : Claton D'Souza

Third : Monisha Rasquinha
Children - Age 9 to 12 Years

First : Kevin D'Souza

Second : Shannon Beatrice D'Souza

Third : Rynell Rodrigues
Youth - Age 13 to 15 Years

First: Aaron Calvin D'Cunha

Second: Brian Tony Fernandes

Third: Gavin Joshua Rodrigues and Nigel D'Silva

Mixed Duet
First : Mario Rego and Olivia D'Almeida

Second: Jerry S DeSouza and Joanna M D'Souza

Third: Xavier D'Souza and Olivia Coutinho
Group Singing
First : Dainy D'Souza and group

Second: Mamatha D'Souza and group

Third: Lancy Noronha and group
Sangeeth Kutumb
First : Lancy Madtha and Family

Second: Mario Rodrigues and Family

Third: Melvin D'Souza and Family
Male Solo
First: Jerry S DeSouza

Second: Xavier Pereira

Third: Ashok Menezes
Female Solo
First: Maria L Fernandes

Second: Cresilla Shanti Rodrigues

Third: Loveeta D'Souza
Special Prize: Jerry S DeSouza (for composing and singing the song on Wilfy Rebimbus)
Preliminary winners to the semi-final round of Gulf Voice of Mangalore (of Mangalorean Origin) Female:

1. Reena Loren

2. Sabita Mathias

3. Cresilla Shanti Rodrigues

4. Olivia D'Almeida

5. Loveeta D'Souza

6. Veera Rodrigues
Male:
1. Jeevan Edward Vas

2. Ashok Menezes

3. Ivan Fernandes

4. Mario Rego

5. Prashanth Pinto

6. Robin Godwin D'Souza

Dubai : Fun and Frolic in Abundance at 'Family Fiesta- 2009'

by Sujay BendurDaijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Dec 12: Mangalore Konkans Dubai had organized their annual event, 'Family Fiesta – 2009,' at the Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah on Friday December 11, 2009.
The day-long event started at around 11.00 am, with the delivery of the welcome address by the president of Mangalore Konkans, Santosh Nazareth.
'The Mission' band had come all the way from Srilanka to entertain the crowd throughout the day with their beautiful music. The cloudy weather and light rains provided the crowd with an ideal atmosphere to dance to the musical tunes.
Though there had been intermittent drizzling with some intervals in between, the spirit of the crowd continued to be high, and the people went on to have fun until evening. The Christmas atmosphere was in the air at the venue, as several participants were wearing the 'Santa' colour caps and attire.
Stalls, games, face-painting etc., which were organized by Mangalore Konkans attracted lot of participants, especially the kids.
Along with the 'Mission' troupe, local artistes like Gopi Kamath, Monica Valder and others entertained the crowd with their melodious voices and talented rendering.
Loads of spot prizes and gift vouchers that were on offer, encouraged the crowd to become overtly creative in their dances and performances. Singing of Christmas Carols by the teams from the crowd was one of the highlights of the event.
A good number of sponsors from around UAE and outside generously supported the event for the charity causes undertaken by the organizers, Mangalore Konkans Dubai. A spontaneous auction for novelties that was undertaken at the venue, succeeded in generating AED 125, 000, which stands as witness to the generous support from the community members for charitable causes.
NRE entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco, who is on a visit the UAE, also joined the Family Fiesta and contributed to the cause. Philanthropist Ivan Fernandes, Charles D'Souza and others too joined the cause.
Anil Menezes ably compered the event

Mangalore Konkans Dubai Presents 'Family Fiesta 2009’

Media Release
Dubai, Dec 6: Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah will witness ‘Family Fiesta 2009’ presented by Mangalore Konkans Dubai on Friday 11th December’2009, an annual family oriented event with a Christmas theme. The program will commence at 10:00AM.
Mangalore Konkans who has a history of organising such family oriented events with a social theme at the core of its mission and vision, has not spared any effort in ensuring that the entertainment and ambience are just perfect.
Santosh Nazareth President of Mangalore Konkans states with assurance, that no effort is spared in organising the event and promises it to be the best, the year will witness. With the team work of the members, support of the sponsors, well wishers & near and dear ones, he looks forward Family Fiesta 2009 to be another feather in the cap of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, after the successful & memorable Konkans Sports Meet held on 20th November 2009 at Dubai Police & Cultural Sports Club.
Primary attraction for the event is a Srilankan band “Mission” who has carved a name for themselves, not only in Sri Lanka and abroad, but even in UAE for their unique multi-lingual performance. The event will feature multilingual including konkani local artists. It is worth mentioning that the event will have foot tapping music and maximum amount of time allocated towards entertainment. A Christmas carol jamboree is being held in order to put everyone present in a Christmas mood. Anil Menezes, a well-known Master of ceremonies who will be taking on the role of MC promises to take the event to its heights with his creative ideas.
Children will have their own entertainment with jumping castle, face painting and loads of other games and fun events. Various game stalls have been arranged to keep all of us entertained. A creative Christmas tableau, which portrays the life of Christ, is another added attraction of the event. Santa will arrive from a land far, far away with loads of gifts and presents for the children. Audience will also have a chance to win loads and loads of prizes through various games, sponsor game (one of the unique), novelty dance and so on. The famous Marco Polo hotel has promised that the buffet laid out which is inclusive in your ticket, will be the best in class.
Mangalore Konkans Dubai a pioneer in charity works in India, UAE & worldwide aims to reach out the education of the deserving poor children and provide medical assistance to the sick. The proceeds of Family Fiesta 2009 will be donated towards the above noble cause. Be a part of it!!!
All in all, Family Fiesta 2009 promises to be the best event of the year 2009. Book your tickets now. Mark your calendars as ‘Family Fiesta 2009’ on 11-12-2009. For further information and tickets you may contact us on (Call/SMS) 050-7035220, 050-6443036, 050-6588383, 055-8441898, 050-1636014 or familyfiesta.mk@gmail.com. For tickets in Abu Dhabi kindly contact Mr. Christopher D’Cunha on 050-6566541.