Kuwait: Shirva Welfare Association Celebrates Annual Feast with Joy Aplenty
Report & Pics: Wilson & Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network
Kuwait, Feb 4: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the leadership of president Clifford D'Souza celebrated its Patron feast (Vodlen Fest) at Indian Central School Auditorium on Friday February 3 from 5.30 pm onwards.
The programme commenced with Nitin Castelino introducing Deepak Andrade, MC of the programme, and welcoming the members and the guests. The committee members too welcomed the gathering with a song, for which the lyrics were written by Lancy Rodrigues and music composed by Adrian Gomes of Shirva parish who is popularly known as A R Rehman of Konkani.
President of SWAK Clifford D'Souza officially welcomed the guests and thanked all the members for their support. Gretta D'Souza read out the annual report highlighting the achievements of SWAK.
SWAK with its motto 'People Caring for People' has always encouraged is members and their families to showcase their talents by providing them a platform during functions organized by them. This year too the audience thoroughly enjoyed the various songs, dances and the jokes which were showcased by the SWAK members. Songs were rendered by Ashok Barboza, Ralph Serrao, Ashley Correa, Sheldon D'Souza while foot-tapping dances were performed by Sweedal, Sweeny Mathias, Ines, Irel, Meghna, Calita D'Souza, Calvin, Aral, Carol D'Souza, Astrel Menezes, Alisha Gomes, Sheldon, Freya, Ralph, Flayan, Calder, Loretta, Shaun, Aral Noronha, Janice Lobo, Danica Monteiro, Adley Mathias, Shania, Regina, Shabihta, Saritha, Sharal, Shanthi, Lavina and Avril Mathias.
Rib-tickling jokes were enacted by Nitin, Sunny, Godwin and the comedy king and queen duo of husband-and-wife Anil and Renny Menezes.
The audience enjoyed mind-blowing Konkani and Hindi numbers by singers Rony D'Cunha, Lancy Rodrigues and Gladys Lorena.
Under the guidance of music maestro Adrian Gomes, Ashley sung the song ‘I Love You' from movie ‘Bodyguard' for which music was provided by Alston (keyboard and guitar), Alister (rhythm pad) and Ashwin (Tamborine).
SWAK kids Alston Gomes (lead guitar/keyboards) and Alister Gomes (drum pad) sons of Adrian Gomes, mesmerized the audience with their instrumental musical on the song 'Dum Maro Dum' from the film 'Hare Krishna Hare Ram'.
The chief guest of the programme Fr Stany Tauro, Lawrence D'Souza and Fr Neol were escorted to the stage and were honoured with bouquets. The chief guests along with the SWAK committee members cut the cake. Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest of Shirva church was specially flown to Kuwait for this celebration. In his festive message he thanked the SWAK members for this occasion and was delighted to be a part of this celebration. Fr Noel also delivered his festive message and both of them appreciated the efforts of SWAK which have helped less fortune students get their primary education. Fr Stany Tauro was felicitated on this occasion with shawl and momento. A cheque of Rs 1 lac was also presented to Fr Stany for the ongoing project of building a parish house.
Students who had excelled in academics and extra-curricular activities were also honoured. Deandra Janice D'Souza (12th standard) was awarded the late Thomas Castellino Memorial Academic Award sponsored by Nitin Castelino in rememberance of his father. Trevo Clyde D'Souza (10th standard) was awarded the late Princel Diona D'Souza Memorial academic award sponsored by Urban D'Souza in rememberence of his daughter. Myron Menezes and Ferrol Renson Serrao were awarded the SWAK sports award. Sweeney Mathias bagged the SWAK award for miscellaneous activities for excellence in 7th Don Bosco inter-school choral recitation competition.
Sponsors, outstanding members and media personnel were also felicitated during the occasion for their contribution to SWAK.
Lucky dip draw and Housie were conducted to keep the excitement alive. Lucky member and highest lucky dip seller were given prizes. Votes of thanks was delivered by vice-president Alwyn D'Souza and Fr Stany Tauro offered grace before meal.
The programme was sponsored by Lawrence D'Souza (owner Caesars Group Co) and co-sponsored by Archie Menezes and family, Herold D'Souza (Royal Plaza), Elias Sanctis and family and Stany Pinto.
The well conducted programme came to an end with masala dance session by DJ Sudhi and grand feast dinner by Royal Plaza Catering. Sound and lighting was provided by Anand - Illuminations. The event was well compered by Deepak Andrade and appreciated by everyone.