SKA London
Uniting Mangalorean Catholics in the United Kingdom through faith and fellowship.
SKA London is a dynamic Roman Catholic Christian community group that brings together individuals from Mangalore who have made London their home. Founded on the principles of fellowship and faith, SKA London serves as a cultural and spiritual hub for the Mangalorean diaspora in the heart of the city. The Association offers a welcoming environment where members can connect, share their heritage, and celebrate their faith together, creating a strong sense of belonging among its members.
Established on 22 July 1979, SKA London was born out of a meeting aimed at incorporating the Association, which has since grown into a vibrant community. The first democratically elected office bearers were Felix D'Souza as Chairman, Raymond Menezes as Secretary, and John Masceranus as Treasurer. Supported by a dedicated committee of volunteers, the Association quickly became a cornerstone for Mangaloreans in London.
The early years of SKA London were marked by intimate gatherings, with events such as the Christmas Dinner & Dance and Nativity Feast (Monthi Festh) celebrations hosted at the homes of volunteers. As the community grew, so did the scale of the events, eventually necessitating larger venues to accommodate the increasing number of members. The Association has always prioritized inclusivity and democratic participation, holding annual general meetings to decide the constitution of the committee and to elect its office bearers.
In recent years, the Association has witnessed significant growth, paralleling the rise in the number of people arriving in the UK from South Kanara. Today, SKA London organizes a variety of activities throughout the year, including Easter functions, picnics, sports days, Monthi Festh, Konkani Sambhram, and the traditional Christmas Dinner and Dance. The Association is also active in sports, boasting cricket, volleyball, and throwball teams, which further strengthen the bonds among members.
Through these events and activities, SKA London continues to foster a vibrant community spirit, providing a platform for Mangaloreans in London to preserve their cultural identity while nurturing their faith in a supportive and engaging environment.
Our Team
Guiding SKA London with vision, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
22nd July, 1979
Founded SKA (South Kanara Association) London
The South Kanara Association (SKA) London was established on 22 July 1979, following a meeting to formally incorporate the organization. The inaugural office bearers, elected through a democratic process, were Felix D'Souza as Chairman, Raymond Menezes as Secretary, and John Masceranus as Treasurer. They were backed by a dedicated committee of volunteers.
3rd December, 1979
First Annual General Meeting
The Association began its activities by organizing a Christmas Dinner & Dance, along with Nativity Feast (Monthi Festh) celebrations. These events were hosted at the homes of dedicated volunteers.
2nd July, 2017
Kevin Misquith Set to Thrill London with Live Konkani Performance
On July 2, 2017, the prominent Konkani musician Kevin Misquith was featured in "The Daily Telegraph" as he prepared to perform live in London. The event, organized by SKA London and KCA UK, marked a significant moment for the Konkani community in the UK, showcasing Misquith’s talent and bringing the community together under the leadership of Sunil Dcunha and Santosh Pinto.
13th October, 2019
SKA London Ruby Anniversary Celebration Featuring Konkani Mass
On October 13, 2019, SKA London will celebrate its Ruby Anniversary with a special event titled 'Konkani Sambhram'. The celebration will feature a Konkani Mass conducted by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore, at Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes. The event, beginning at 11 a.m., honors four decades of SKA London's contributions to the community, bringing together Konkani speakers and celebrating their cultural heritage.
8th September, 2024
Monthi Fest 2024: 10th Anniversary Celebration and Konkani Sambhram 3
On 8th September, SKA London celebrated Monthi Feast at Alperton Community School with heartfelt devotion and joy. The event began with children offering flowers to Mother Mary, followed by prayers led by Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo, Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha, and Fr. Roshan Lopez. The lively Preston Brass Band accompanied the procession. The celebration included a Holy Mass officiated by Bishop Dr. Lobo, a traditional Mangalorean lunch, and the entertaining Comedy Junction skit by Sangon Mugdhana Kalakar, Dubai. Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul McAleenan graced the event. For more, visit our blog and event details.
