Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Global Barkurians Charitable Trust (GBCT)  – 5th Anniversary Celebrations.

Coastal Paradise - Sastan – Saturday, 5th April 2025
The Global Barkurians Charitable Trust (GBCT) marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 5th anniversary with grandeur and warmth at the recently inaugurated Coastal Paradise, in Sastan, on Saturday, 5th April 2025. The event was a beautiful blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and commitment to the cause that binds the Trust its hundreds of well-wishers around the globe together, as one family.

Commencement of the Event
The evening began at 7:30 p.m. with an exchange of pleasantries among the attendees, setting the tone for a memorable celebration. An invocation followed, invoking divine blessings for the event. The proceedings were skilfully hosted by Mr. Archibald Furtado, who ensured a seamless flow of the program.

Formal Welcome and Keynote Address
At 8.00 p.m., Mr. Vincent DAlmeida, the man and brain behind the formation of GBCT, way back in 2019, formally welcomed the gathering, specially Rev Fr Ronald Miranda, Parish Priest of St Peter Church, Mr Jossie Fernandes Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council and delivered an inspiring keynote address, reflecting on the journey of GBCT and its contributions to the community.

Ceremony Cake Cutting
A symbolic moment of the evening was the cutting of the 5th Anniversary Celebration Cake, led by Vicar and all the GBCT Trustees present, Vincent DAlmeida, Archibald Furtado, Eric Carvalho, Kishore Gonsalves,  Usha Rodrigues……commemorating five years of service, unity and camaraderie.

The audience deservedly reminded of the Trustees who could not make it viz. Divyanand Gonsalves, Savitha Furtado, Walter DAlmeida, UAE, Eva DSouza, UK, Ivan R Gonsalves, USA, John F Gonsalves, Muscat, Vinod Sequeira, Mangalore, Ivan M Rebello, Johnson Martis, Wilfred Sequeira, Arthur Mendonca, Shanthi Lewis – Mumbai. The house also recognised GBCT donors, contributors and well-wishers – who played a crucial role in executing various general utility and humanitarian projects.

Toast and Response
At 8.30 p.m., Chief Guest, Fr. Ronald Miranda, Parish Priest of Barkur, proposed a toast and extended his best wishes to the Trust for its continued success. His words resonated deeply with the attendees.  Fr Miranda specifically recalled the contribution of GBCT for both Church and its Maryknoll Higher Primary School. Since he was in Barkur only last 2.5 years, he stated that the work GBCT done praiseworthy as it tried to reach the last, least and lost in our community…

Felicitation of Celebrities
At 8:45 p.m., GBCT took a moment to recognize and honour outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields. Traditional shawls and fresh roses were presented as a token of appreciation:

Mr. Dolphy D’Souza retired from dedicated service of Maryknoll High School, Barkur, truly a well-wisher of GBCT, after 35 great years was honoured by Parish priest and GBCT Trustees.

Mr. & Mrs. Alwyn and Sujatha Andrade veteran stage artists, social workers who celebrated their Silver Jubilee of married life in February, 2025, well-wishers of GBCT, received recognition from the Chief Guest Rev Fr Miranda and GBCT Trustees on this occasion, by draping a traditional shawl and fresh roses.

As a token of very special recognition and appreciation, Mr & Mrs Vincent Ida DAlmeida were honoured on this unique occasion as the whole family is involved,  dedicated and showing concern to needy in the society over the years, by Mrs. and Mr. Dolphy Muscarenhas, by draping traditional shawl and fresh roses.

Vote of Thanks & Dinner
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. GBCT Trustee Mr Eric L Carvalho, Mumbai, (Vice President of SPA Barkur – Mumbai) acknowledging the contributions of everyone involved in making the celebration a success. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner at 8:50 p.m., providing an opportunity for members and well-wishers to connect and celebrate together.

As the celebration continued, Simon Lobo, a versatile singer, and our own Barkurians in Franklyn Fernandes, Kishore Gonsalves, Alwyn Andrade, Eric L Carvalho, Vincent DAlmeida, Archibald Furtado, Usha Rodrigues and others added flavour with their nostalgic singing and fun and laughter as the glittering Hall was experiencing the taste of first showers, outside with relaxing cool weather.

The 5th Anniversary celebration of GBCT was a testament to the unity, dedication, and philanthropic spirit of the Global Barkurians. It was an evening filled with warmth, respect, and aspirations for a promising future.