Report & pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Nov 14: 'United Mangloreans Kuwait (UMK),' a group of talented artistes under the leadership of Agnel Saldanha with the motto 'Our talent - Help for the unprivileged' organized its most awaited charity show on Friday November 13, at American International School, from 4.30 pm onwards.
The show comprised melodious songs, foot tapping dances and a Konkani social comedy drama 'Tuje Khatir' written and directed by Ronald D'Souza Mulky in aid of St Joseph Prashanth Nivas Ashram, an abode of peace for the destitute, aged, children, mentally and physically handicapped. The Ashram being run by Sisters of Charity, located at Jeppu, Mangaluru, India.
In the past five years, UMK has contributed around Rs 75 lac to Shena Sadan HIV AIDS center - Mangaluru, Navachetana Special School - Venur, White Doves –Mangaluru, Little Sisters of Poor - Mangaluru, Manasa Rehabilitation Center – Pamboor, Udupi district and De Mercede Orphanage – Deralakatte, Mangaluru.
The programme began with anchors of the day Marcus D'Almeida and Reshma Fernandes formally welcoming the audience. Gurkar Agnel Saldanha and all members of UMK proceeded to the stage along with live brass band (Austin Salins, Glen Fernandes, Ronson Saldanha and Walter Machado). After the prayer song by UMK members, a skit was played which is directed by Nancy Pinto. melodious songs and foot tapping dances were performed which were directed/choreographed by Flavy Pereira, Nicole Kalasala and Best Buddies Group.
Fr Noel D'Almeida, Fr Xavier Marian D'Souza, visiting priests Fr Ivan Rodrigues along with sponsors Vally D'Sa, Satishchandra Shetty, Geeta D'Souza, Henry levis and UMK Gurkar Agnel Saldanha were welcomed to the stage for lighting of the traditional lamp. Gurkar of UMK Agnel Saldanha welcomed the audience and explained the achievements of UMK through the Kuwait public towards good deeds. Agnel Saldanha informed that after deducting all the expenses they can manage to give over Rs 26 lac to Prashanth Nivas Ashram. The total charity raised by UMK crossed 1 crore rupees in 6 shows which is a milestone for the association.
The sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementoes and flower bouquets. The contributors of the program like the director of the drama, music director, choreographers along with the various media persons were also felicitated with flower bouquets. Chief guest Fr Noel D'Almeida and Satishchandra Shetty spoke few words appreciating the efforts of UMK towards a good cause.
After introduction of St Joseph Prashanth Nivas by Marcus D'Almeida and Reshma Fernandes, a documentary video prepared by Glen Wilson Fernandes was presented on the same.
After the introduction by Marcus D'Almeida and Lavita D'Souza the much awaited drama 'Tuje Khatir' started with a big bang as expected. The team succeeded in tickling the ribs of the audience and bringing out the emotions to its maximum. The artists Agnel Saldanha-Miyar, Aldrine Pais-Nagori, Alexander Fernandes-Shirva, Divya Cardoza-Paladka, Johnson D'Almeida-Belman, Joseph D'Souza-Navunda, Lydia Misquit-Manipal, Mareena Veigas-Pune, Mary Saldanha-Derebai, Praveen Castelino-Nakre, Rajesh Cardoza, Paladka, Rajesh Fernandes-Udyavara, Remi Cornelio-Shankarpura, Satish Saldanha-Kateel, Shawn Pereira-Miyar, Vishwas Pinto-Ujire, Walter Brags-Omzoor gave their maximum to fill the life in the characters of drama.
The drama was written and directed by Ronald D'Souza, Mulki. Script was edited by Roque Lewis. Background scores/music were provided by Suneeth Noronha-Katapady, Joe D'Souza and Purandar Manchi. Choreography by Linette D'Souza and Vrinda Lewis. Stage Setting done by Johnson D'Almeida, Austin Cardoza, Nelson D'Silva and Wilfred Menconca. Make- up was done by Ajay Gosh, Gretta D'Souza and Lidwin Bothello. Lights and sounds were provided by Waves Eventys and Rentals (Anand D'Souza). The program was well compered by Marcus D'Almeida, Lavita D'Souza and Reshma Fernandes. Saritha Noronha proposed vote of thanks.
Even though Kuwait is flooded with Indian associations and around a dozen Mangalorean associations, it is highly appreciable that some individuals gathering together to help for a good cause with mind blowing programs to the entire satisfaction of the audience. Writer, director Ronald D'Souza has done a tremendous job by directing the drama professionally and presenting it with highest standards using local amateur artists which should be recognized and highly appreciated. In general people avoid associations who ask donations/ sponsorship but always welcome UMK and complain when they don't come for collection. Such a trend set by UMK proves that Mangalureans in Kuwait like to do charity if they are confirmed that it goes to proper place without any deductions. During last 6 years UMK has become a brand for charity and a house hold name among Indians in Kuwait due to their hard work and contribution towards needy people back home.