Introduction
VKSSF Alumni Association (VAA) was formed on February 2, 2014 at World Konkani Center, Mangaluru, under the guidance of Mr. T.V Mohandas Pai. Ms. Lenita Jenifer Menezes was elected as the President of VAA for year 2014-2016. Nine other office bearers were also appointed on this day. The Formation of VAA executive body was followed by first general body meeting of VAA with the agenda plans for the year 2014-2015. VKSSF 2010 batch scholars came together and build a vision for VAA. VAA also conducts Executive body meeting very often which results in new projects releasing under it.
Amchizine, VAA e-Magazine
AMCHIZINE, the official E-Magazine of VAA has so far brought out two successful edition. The very first edition was launched on June 6, 2014 at World Konkani Centre by Shri Ramadas Kamath U., Chairman Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship Fund. The second edition of Amchizine was also released on February 21, 2015 by Ms. Sonia Shenoy, Anchor CNBC TV18, during PRERNA, a vision TVM initiative.
Vidyouth
VidYouth – Vishwa Konkani Yuva Mahotsav, a multi disciplinary fest is organised by VAA for the benefit of VKSSF Scholars. It is an opportunity for all scholars to showcase their technical as well as cultural talents by participating in various competitions organized by VAA. So far, two versions of Vidyouth was held. Vidyouth 1.0 was held on August 19, 2014 at World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru. Ten Events were conducted and around 200 scholars participated in them. VidYouth 2.0 was held on August 19, 2015 at World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru. About 180 participants participated Vidyouth has been a flagship project among all the projects launched by VAA till date.
Welfare of VKSSF Scholars
Agendas of VAA has always focused on Welfare of VKSSF Scholars. Many small projects, yet very effective, was organized by VAA so that VKSSF Scholars can benefit from them and succeed in their academic or professional career. VAA took the initiative of collecting resumes of all non-placed students and helping them find openings in companies they are part of. VAA members have been visiting WKC during Kshamata camps every season to interact with VKSSF scholars, share their placement experiences and guide them. An orientation program for the placement aspirants of VAA was organized under the guidance of KSHAMATA on August 31, 2014 at World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru. VAA organized a Higher Education Information Session were Sushma Kini, VAA Study Abroad Scholar, had an interaction session with VKSSF study abroad aspirants.
Crowdfunding for a Scholar
VAA took a small step to help a smart VKSSF scholar realize his dreams. Swasthik Prabhu, 2012 VKSSF Scholar was offered a Research Internship at TU Clausthal, Germany. VAA came together and crowdfunded so that he could easily cover the expenses for this internship.
Formation of WKC Chapters
VAA has started three chapters namely Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kochi chapter. The Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Kochi chapters were started on January 4, 2015, January 18, 2015 and February 1, 2015 respectively. These regional chapters frequently meet, go on short trips and keep the bond between the VAA members strong.
Outreach Programs
VAA realizes it’s responsibilities as an organization to not only Konkani Community and World Konkani Centre, but also towards the society they live in too. Members of VAA visited Aids Rehabilitation center “Jeevadhan” at Mangaluru and organised various activities for the children. Books were distributed to the children as part of the visit. Old cloth collection campaign was also conducted for Goonj, Bangalore. Goonj is a Non-Profit Organization that recycles discarded clothes and household goods and turn them into useful products for the poor.
