Media Release
Kuwait, Feb 7: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the presidentship of Alban D’Souza celebrated its patron feast (Vodlen Fest) on Friday February 3 at the Indian Community School Auditorium at Khaitan.
The evening programme commenced with the introduction and welcome of Melvin Rodrigues, master of ceremony for the day by committee member Robert Mathias. Committee member Urban D'Souza led the prayer followed by a melodious welcome song 'swagat swagat' by the committee members for which the lyrics were written by Lancy Rodrigues and music was provided by music maestro Adrian Gomes.
SWAK president, Alban D’Souza officially welcomed the chief guests Fr Noel D’Almeida assistant parish priest of Abbasiya parish, Vallie M D’Sa (managing partner of Khalil Bahman and partners General Trading and Contracting Co), Stany Pinto (SAMI EXB), sponsors, well-wishers, Shirva parishioners, committee members and their relatives to the celebration.
SWAK honorary member and main sponsor of the event Lawrence D'Souza of Caesars group of restaurants and confectionaries was also remembered during this time. Alban called on the attendees to actively participate and enjoy the events of the day. General secretary, Regina Serrao read out the annual report highlighting the services rendered by SWAK for the poor and the needy.
All the office-bearers and committee members of SWAK, together with the chief guest Fr Noel D’Almeida, Vallie M D’Sa and Stany Pinto cut the festive cake, as a token of sharing the joy and happiness with one and all.
In his festive message, Fr Vinay D’Almeida appreciated the good works of SWAK and said, despite busy schedules these works were performed to help needy people. He highlighted the works of the previous committee under the presidency of Alwyn and his team for the remarkable job performed in the previous years. He said, "SWAK has doing good work since decades. Our Lady of Health has protected the association. He appealed to the members to continue the spirit of 'people caring for people' by supporting the needy brothers and sisters in Kuwait and back home. As a token of gratitude, the chief guests and the sponsors were felicitated by SWAK president Alban D'Souza with floral bouquets. Alwyn D’Souza read out the list of sponsors. The main sponsor of the event Lawrence D’Souza was remembered for his continued support in various activities and for sponsoring the feast programme ever since its inception. Co-sponsor Vallie M D’Sa, managing partner of Khalil Bahman and Partners General Trading and Contracting Co was also honored by the president.
After a brief introduction by committee member, Joyce D’Souza, senior SWAK member Stany Pinto was honored with a shawl, memento and fruit baskets by Fr Noel, Vallie M D’Sa and Alban D'Souza for his support to SWAK during the past years. Since its inception, every year during the feast, SWAK has been bringing to the limelight, the excellent achievements of the committee members' kids by felicitating them and their parents with a token of appreciation. The education felicitation of top outstanding student of 10th standard was sponsored by Urban and Janet D’Souza in remembrance of their angel daughter Princel Deona D’Souza. Alwyn D’Souza and Doris Lobo led the award ceremony. The award was jointly won by three students Disha Mathias, Elton Pinto and Astrel Menezes for their outstanding performance in 10th standard. The students Maclean Menezes, Alvina Carlita D’Souza and Sheldon D’Souza were also honored for their academic excellence. All the winners were felicitated with memento and certificates by the chief guest. Joylene Gonsalves was honored with a bouquet and memento by president Alban D’Souza for her victory in Gulf Voice of Mangalore Season 5 in female category.
The audience was enthralled by the rib-tickling jokes of committee members Urban D’Souza, Herold D’Souza, Felix Serrao, Janet D’Souza and Walter Santhmayor. In the midst of the celebration, MCs Melvin Rodrigues and Dr Manohar Prabhu along with Clifford D’Souza conducted various spot prizes and entertained the gathering by games. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the series of entertainment programmes which followed. The classical, solo dances were presented by artistes; Baby Danica Monteiro (Ek Taara – classical), Melrick D'Souza (Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai- Sultan), Reeshel Fernandes (Pingara Pori - Bajirao Mastani ), Nathan Monteiro (lungi dance), Alrick Barboza (I look better when I am dancing) and Daniella (Nachde nee saare). Melodious songs were sung by Baby Alisha Gomes (Molba Voilo Chandamama). Joylin Gonsalves (winner GVOM-5), Morvin Quadros (winner GVOM-4), Ashok Barboza and Jyothi Vaz sang the Konkani duet song 'Hathanth gevun moga hath ditalon tuka haav bhaas'. Deon Prince D'Souza mesmerized the audience with his unique talent exhibition 'beat box' with a vocal performance.
Towards the end, a Lucky Dip draw and housie were conducted to keep the excitement alive. The lucky member and highest lucky dip seller were honored with prizes. Vice-president Clifford D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the committee members, owner, chef and staff members of Caesars Restaurant and all those who contributed towards the staging of this celebration in various forms. The vice-president made a special note of thanks to President Alban D’Souza and Urban D’Souza for their notable contribution towards SWAK. Urban D’Souza for being the highest lucky dip seller and Alban D’Souza did commendable work of collecting the highest sponsorships in the consecutive year.
Fr Noel D’Almeida invoked blessings on the meal and grace before the meal was recited by kids followed by a sumptious buffet dinner prepared by Caesars Restaurant. The whole event was captured by the media team from SB Media Irshad and photography by Prem Crasto Blue Ray Digital Co. Anand D'Souza from Waves Rental provided the lights and sound.
The entire proceedings of the feast day celebration was compered impressively by MC’s Melvin Rodrigues and Manohar Prabhu.