Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 12: The close supporters and friends paid tribute to late Pascal Pinto, former president of Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) Kuwait, founder of Kuwait Canara Konkan Community (KCKC), and member of various associations in Kuwait and elsewhere, who passed away on December 30.

The tribute programme was held at World Konkani Centre on Saturday, January 12.

Basti Vaman Shenoy, founder, WKC, Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Group, Elias Sanctis, entrepreneur, Hasan Yousuf, friend of Pascal Pinto, Ex-Kuwait, offered flowers to the picture of Pascal as a floral tribute.

Remembering the connection of Pascal Pinto and WKC, Basti Vaman Shenoy said, “He was a gentleman with his attitude and deeds. He had a large concern for Konkani activities and he extended his helping hands towards World Konkani Centre too. In his visit to WKC he expressed his views on Konkani literature, art and culture. It is very painful to say he is not with us today. But remembrance of his social service and good deeds will lead us always.”

Remembering his connection with Pascal, Walter Nandalike said “In 2005, I met Pascal Pinto when he was admitted in hospital. He suffered heart attack previous day of one programme which was organised by him. I think it was the first attack in his life. He couldn’t attend that event. But within a week, he recovered and started his social service with double energy. By nature,he was not a polished man. For being a straight forward man, he was neglected by others many times . He is known for his kind heart in Kuwait and Mangaluru. Without discrimination of caste and creed he helped the needy people. Today he is no more with us. But the organisations which he started and rendered his service are with us. We have memories of his social work. We need to celebrate his good works and service. Definitely it will help to bring glory of his name “

Re-collecting the memories of his social service Elias Sanctis said “Pascal Pinto was instrumental in supporting Konkani activities in Kuwait as well as in Mangaluru. At the time of Kuwait war he was the main relief for Manglurean community who were in Kuwait. For a nine month period, he gave free shelter and food for the people of his native without any discrimination of caste and religion. He was the key person in majority of associations which were formed in last 25 years. He organised hundreds of programmes in Kuwait which shows his capacity of leadership. Today we lost him. But his social service and leadership is always an inspiration for us.

Remembering the efforts of Pascal Pinto for direct flight between Mangaluru and Kuwait Hasan Yusuf said “Pascal Pinto took the issue of direct flight between Mangaluru and Kuwait as a mission. By taking the office bearers of various associations in Kuwait he worked for the direct flight. Many times I along with other members also went with him to submit memorandum for various governmental departments and meeting with aviation officials. It was a collective effort and team work. At the starting days we got negative feedback from officials and government. But he didn’t lose his fighting mentality. As a result ten years back Indian aviation ministry granted us direct flight. We should remember that if today we are travelling direct to Kuwait from our native it by the leadership of Pascal.”

Vally Quadras, Konkani author and organiser of the programme welcomed the gathering with a keynote on the personality of Pascal Pinto. He remembered Pascal Pinto’s social service, leadership skills, literary interests and helping nature.

HM Pernal, Konkani littérateur and critic rendered vote of thanks.

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