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 8th, 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, 25th
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 9th 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!
