Newly Elected President Joseph Bikash D’Costa and General Secretary Chitra Rosario Lead PBCA’s New Executive Committee in Oath-Taking and Inauguration Ceremony in New York

Progga News Desk:

In a festive atmosphere marked by enthusiasm, unity, and a strong sense of community, the newly elected 2026 Executive Committee of the Probashi Bengali Christian Association Inc. (PBCA) formally took office at a colorful oath-taking and inauguration ceremony titled “Joyjatra” (Journey of Victory).

The event celebrated the transition to new leadership and highlighted a renewed commitment to strengthening organizational unity, promoting harmony, preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Bengali Christians in the diaspora, and expanding community service initiatives.

The ceremony was presided over by outgoing PBCA President Gabriel Tapas Gomes and hosted by Mathias Babul Rosario, outgoing General Secretary and Member Secretary of the PBCA Election Committee 2026.

At the beginning of the program, outgoing President Gabriel Tapas Gomes presented an overview of the activities, accomplishments, and achievements of the 2022–2026 Executive Committee. He invited all members of the outgoing committee to the stage and expressed his sincere appreciation for their dedication, hard work, and cooperation throughout their term.

Among those present on stage were members of the PBCA Election Commission 2026, newly elected President Joseph Bikash D’Costa, Nirmal Albeno Gomes, founding president of the organization’s original ad hoc committee, founding member Anil Doming Gomes, and Subir Louis Rosario, editor-in-chief of Tepantari.

Religious leaders representing various churches also attended, including Rev. Father Mintu Rosario, Rev. Father Stanley Gomes, Pastor James Roy, Pastor Joseph Biswas, and Pastor Kamal De. Nirmal Albeno Gomes delivered a welcoming address, while Subir Louis Rosario spoke on behalf of the general membership.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the formal swearing-in of the 13-member Executive Committee. Accompanied by a group musical performance led by Renu Gomes and her music team, the newly elected officers entered the stage in a colorful procession.

Derrick Pineru, Chief Election Commissioner of PBCA Election 2026, administered the oath of office, asking the newly elected leaders to uphold the organization’s constitution, principles, goals, and objectives while carrying out their responsibilities with honesty, dedication, transparency, and unity.

Election Commissioners Javier Ashok Gomes, Domenic Anjan Costa, Hemanta Palma, and Setu Sarkar were also present on stage during the ceremony.

Following the oath-taking, family members of the newly elected officers welcomed them by placing traditional ceremonial scarves, known as uttoriyo, around their shoulders and offering congratulations.

 

The newly elected 13-member Executive Committee for 2026 consists of:

* President: Joseph Bikash D’Costa
* Vice President: Julian Malcolm Mendes
* General Secretary: Chitra Rosario
* Assistant General Secretary: Roslin Bottleru
* Treasurer: Richard Anik Gomes
* Assistant Treasurer: Brian Gomes
* Organizing Secretary: Chanda Koraia
* Joint Cultural Secretaries: Urmi Bennett Rosario and Sony Christopher Pereira
* Joint Youth and Sports Secretaries: James Tipu Baroi and Lawrence D’Costa (Danny)
* Executive Members: James Gomes (Adi) and Derrick J. Gonsalves

Following his formal assumption of office, newly elected President Joseph Bikash D’Costa delivered an address expressing gratitude to Almighty God for His blessings and guidance. He also thanked the members of PBCA for placing their confidence in him and giving him another opportunity to serve the organization.

Describing PBCA as much more than an organization, D’Costa said it is a family that represents the identity, culture, faith, and enduring bonds of Bengali Christians across generations.

Reflecting on his longstanding involvement with the association, he noted that he served as General Secretary in 2002 and assumed the presidency in 2004. He subsequently had the opportunity to serve as president for more than 10 additional years. Throughout his years of service, he witnessed the organization’s growth, challenges, and accomplishments.

He emphasized that the true strength of an organization lies in the unity of its members, mutual respect, and collective commitment.

“I am not here simply to celebrate a victory. I am here to accept a responsibility,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to listening to members, serving the community, and bringing everyone together.

D’Costa outlined his vision of building a more united, accessible, and inclusive PBCA that actively engages every generation. He stressed the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people, preserving Bengali Christian cultural and religious traditions, supporting families facing difficult circumstances, and extending assistance to newly arrived immigrants in the United States.

He also emphasized that meaningful change cannot be achieved by one individual alone. It requires a united community and the collective efforts of all members.

He expressed his desire for every PBCA member to feel that their opinions matter, for younger generations to consider the association their own, for senior members to receive the respect they deserve, and for every family to feel confident that PBCA will stand beside them.

Thanking those who supported him in the election, D’Costa also extended his respect and appreciation to members who supported other candidates. He called for unity beyond electoral differences, stating that the election is over and the focus must now shift toward the organization’s future.

He stressed that personal interests, divisions, and disagreements should never stand in the way of serving the community.

Pledging to lead with honesty, transparency, dedication, and compassion, D’Costa acknowledged that he may not have immediate solutions to every problem or an easy answer to every challenge. However, he promised to devote his time, experience, and best efforts to the continued development of the organization.

Newly elected General Secretary Chitra Rosario will work alongside the president and the other members of the Executive Committee to strengthen the association’s organizational activities and maintain closer communication and cooperation among its members. The new leadership is expected to focus on greater youth engagement and initiatives that benefit the wider Bengali Christian community in the United States.

In recognition of the successful conduct of a fair, impartial, and transparent election, PBCA presented special awards and commemorative plaques to Chief Election Commissioner Derrick Pineru and all members of the Election Commission.

Outgoing President Gabriel Tapas Gomes also presented recognition awards to those who contributed to the election process, including presiding officers, polling officers, poll observers, IT specialists, polling agents, and volunteers.

Following the recognition ceremony, the outgoing Executive Committee formally handed over the organization’s records and assets to the newly elected leadership, completing the official transfer of administrative responsibilities.

The program concluded with closing remarks by outgoing President Gabriel Tapas Gomes. Guests and community members then enjoyed a dinner reception accompanied by musical and dance performances, bringing the evening to a festive close.

The inauguration marked more than a formal change in leadership. It represented a renewed commitment to unity, cultural preservation, mutual respect, community service, and stronger connections among Bengali Christians in the United States. With Joseph Bikash D’Costa as president and Chitra Rosario as general secretary, the new Executive Committee begins its term with a vision of bringing members together and building a stronger, more inclusive organization for future generations.