London (Ontario): The Annual General Meeting and election of new office bearers of the Knanaya Catholic Congress of Western Ontario (KCCWO), based in London, Ontario, Canada, was held on Saturday, November 7 at the Knai Thommen Parish Hall in London. The meeting was chaired by outgoing President Febi Thaikattu for the 2024–2026 term, during which the new executive committee for the 2026–2028 term was elected. The general meeting evaluated the organization’s activities and achievements over the past two years, praised the work of the former executive committee, and shared suggestions and opinions for future initiatives.
The newly elected office bearers are Manu Korappillil (President), Melvin Kochanil (Vice President), Ashley Azakkulam (Secretary), Arun Pralayil Puthanpurakkal (Joint Secretary), Jitin Cherolikal (Treasurer), and Shinto Stephen Ullattil (Joint Treasurer). Jojo Netiyakalayil and Jebin Cherukattur were elected as National Council members, and Ajo Kurien and Nikhil Pulivel were selected as committee members. In the new executive’s policy statement, President Manu Korappillil emphasized prioritizing the organization’s development and the unity of the Knanaya community. He stated that the new leadership is committed to protecting the community interests of Knanaya families residing in London and neighboring areas in Canada, and to advancing their unity and mutual love.
He highlighted the critical role of local organizations in preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the Knanaya community, handed down through generations. He also said the organization would focus more on properly introducing the community’s history and traditions to the younger generation, especially those growing up abroad, and on strengthening communal bonds. Secretary Ashley Azakkulam said fostering community love and respect with a sense of reality among Knanaya members is among the organization's primary goals. He remarked that it is essential to convey the true history and traditions of the community to the new generation without allowing misunderstandings or baseless propaganda. He further stated that faith formation based on Catholicism and Knanaya traditions, family bonds, and youth participation would receive greater emphasis. The new executive will lead efforts to bring Knanaya families in London closer to the global Knanaya community and contribute to strengthening global Knanaya unity.
The new leadership begins its tenure aiming to further strengthen KCCWO as a community that preserves the dignity and faith heritage of Knanaya expatriates living in Canada amidst busy lives, and proudly pass these on to future generations. The outgoing executive committee members, led by President Febi Thaikattu, Vice President C.B. John Mulyankal, Secretary Majesh Mathew Keezhedathumala, Treasurer Shijo Thomas Mangat, Joint Secretary Josmon Lukose Thekkilakkattil, and Joint Treasurer Jibin Abraham Purathechir, facilitated the general meeting and election process. National Council members Shelly Joy Puthanpurayil, Rejo John Mangat, and committee members Vinu Jose Vadakemaniyamkunnel and Ajo Kurian Kaithakkal Nirappel also actively participated in the organization’s activities over the past two years.
At the general meeting, members expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the leadership, selfless service, and support provided by all former office bearers in the growth of the organization, community unity, and various social, cultural, and faith-based activities during the 2024–2026 term. The meeting also congratulated the former committee and extended full support and best wishes to the new executive. The new leadership takes charge with hopes of preserving the unity, heritage, and faith of the Knanaya community and engaging the younger generation more deeply in the organization’s activities.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
