by Jovin Dsouza - Pangla
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Feb 11: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners known as one of the most vibrant parishes in Mangalore diocese, who have widespread presence across the UAE, marked its beginning of decennial year celebrations by staging a grand ‘FESTHA SAMBHARAM’- 2012' at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira, Dubai, on Friday February 10 under the leadership of Manoj Menezes.
The association, USWAS, which took birth in 2002 under the leadership of Franky Dsouza of Shezan fame, has been actively celebrating various events every year in UAE, in addition to extending a helping hand to the needy people back home and also for the development programmes of church in Shirva.
The grand finale of USWAS Dashamanotsav will be held on 30th December, 2012 at Shirva Church ground.
Robert D'Sa, popular Shirva parishioner, who heads over 22 famous Caesar Restaurants & Confectionery outlets around UAE was the chief guest along with Mr. Felix D’costa representing Mr. Bernard Saldanha of Delmon Group. In his absence we render our special thanks to Mr.Jospeh Mathias Doha/Shirva one among the main sponsor.
The proceeds of the event ‘FESTHA SAMBHARAM’- 2012' will be used for the following various welfare projects/programs planned by USWAS as part of it’s decennial year celebrations
1.Support to build or repair low cost houses for the needy families from the Parish.
2.Free Medical/Health Camp in Shirva
3.Blood Donation camp in UAE
4.Sponsorship to maintaining formation of young priest/nun from the Parish.
5.Support for the marriage of economical backward females from the parish.
6.Supporting primary education for the needy students of the parish
7.Fixing Filters for drinking water at school and college.
8.Organizing a cricket match tournament ‘USWAS TROPHY’ in Dubai for the Konkani speaking community of UAE in the year 2012.
9.Support for Manasa Pamboor and Maria Niwas Ashram Kalathur
10.Sports event in Shirva.
The event was ably conducted by Roshan Menezes and Annie Menezes D’sa of Shirva.
The Occasion graciously began with a hymn to Our Patron Saud Mai by USWAS committee members.
Roshan Menezes compered the stage program, President Manoj Menezes welcomed the gathering and Secretary Lesly Saldanha read out the annual report. Vice President Maxim Ferrao proposed the vote of thanks.The decennial year curtain was raised by the Founders and the 10 year Presidents of USWAS.
Speaking on the occasion, Robert D’sa praised the committee members of USWAS for their dedicated efforts to serve for the various causes, be it educational or for medical support for the needy people in Shirva which has been an undying spirit. He also assured his support in the future endeavors. He unveiled the new USWAS logo specially designed for the Decennial year depicting USWAS motto, unity and strength.
Fr. Stany Tauro voiced his video message from Shirva by wishing USWAS members and all Shirva members in UAE a Happy Feast and extended blessings of Saud Mai upon all.
All former presidents of USWAS, who served the association during the last ten years, were invited on to the stage to participate in the decennial inaugural event. The founder members of USWAS were also honoured during the event.
USWAS PURASKAR 2012 - Special honour to 'Shezan' Franky:
Franky D'Souza, a vibrant name for the Konkani speaking community in the UAE, is the founder of USWAS association. In a surprise call, he was honoured and awared with ‘USWAS Puraskar 2012’ by the association for his service to the community, and Shirva in particular.
Frank D'souza, a well known entrepreneur from Dubai, is popularly known as 'Shezan' Franky. He has been involved in helping the needy people silently. He has been of helping and supporting nature, irrespective of the creed, caste or language of the beneficiary. He has been instrumental in helping several needy people during their times of crisis. He has been doing this without publicity, quietly. Reaching out to the needy people has been always a part of his life.
His contribution to USWAS and the projects in back home Shirva has been recognized by the association. He was felicitated with Shawl, fruits, memento and the flowers.
In his address, Franky said that this was the first honour he received in Dubai, even though he has been residing here for over 25 years. He said he never expected any such honour, as he has never done anything for the sake of publicity. "It was indeed a surprise for me, as I never expected this. There are several people who have been instrumental in bringing up the USWAS association. People like Robert D'Sa of CAESAR, Joseph Mathias and Family of Shirva and Bernard Saldanha have been supporting this association through sponsorship and other ways. I will continue my support to the association, and feel proud to be the founder president and member of this association. Please continue the good work, and let us work together make a difference in the world," he said.
Entertainment:
As usual, Shirva Festha Sambram 2012 had a full package of entertainment with a host of fun games, spot prizes, live music with songs and dances from local talents of Shirva Parish.
The attraction of the event was the comedy skits by Shirva’s well-known troupe of comedians, 'Boscyambegar’ including Sharan D’souza, Claud D’lima, Denis Mathias, Manoj Menezes, Canute D’souza, Loyal Pinto, Laveena Tauro and Vanitha Menezes. They tickled the audience with their punch lines, complimented superbly by the performances of the skilled artistes. The Saman skit and B-mix shows were the main attraction which brought the audiences on the dance floor.
Prashanth Sequeira, Joy D’almeida, Nisha Lobo , Sandeep Saldanha and Uttam menezes presented foot tapping and heart beating Konkani ,Kannada , Tulu, Hindi and Tamil songs by their sensational melodious voices.
Well-known band, ‘Sweet Melodies’ of Dubai, under the leadership of Arun Carlo, along with other musicians provided live musical entertainment.
Dance events by Marsha, Sherlyn, Selwyn, Alister, Astrid, Allen, Michol, Cleon, Karen Corda, Fiona, Iynish, Delvina, Shelvin and others proved to be instant hit.
A lavish buffet was served on the occasion.
USWAS, which came into existence towards the fag end of December 2002, and has over 200 members at present, and is driven by the motto, 'Lend a hand not for self, but for each other.' It has been non-profit group providing financial assistance to the needy for various purposes like education of the financially backward children, medical aid, house construction, marriages of members belonging to poor families, and such other purposes of the community of Shirva and surrounding regions efficiently, with generous help from its sponsors and well-wishers..