Pics: Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Sep 29: Bellevision UAE, an association of parishioners of St Lawrence Church Moodubelle bagged the first Sadhan Puroskar instituted by Little Flowers Mukamar at their second anniversary event held at Indian Club here on Friday September 28.

Bellevision has excelled in creating awareness on and promoting Konkani language, culture, art and social service in the UAE along with rendering media communication, sports and charitable works in the past 11 years. The award consists Rs 25,000 cash prize, memento and citation.

USWAS, an association of parishioners of Shirva and FAMAD Pernal, an association of parishioners of Pernal, both hailing from Udupi diocese and spread around the UAE, bagged the runners-up spot for their service. They were each awarded a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a memento and a citation.

Byndoor Association, formed in the UAE 23 years ago recieved a Special Recognition Award.

The members of Little Flowers Mukamar, which was formed two years back under the leadership of Godwin Corda, gathered in large numbers along with their well-wishers and guests for the grand ceremony which began at 12 noon.

Godwin Corda welcomed the gathering and requested Victor D’Souza, parish priest of Mukamar especially flown from Mangalore for the occasion, to invoke god's blessings.

Asha Correa, a rare female compere talent in the UAE took control of the event with her usual wit.

'Hazar moila thavn Aileaum', the Mukamar theme song was sung beautifully by the Mukamar committee members. It was followed by a beautiful dance by Jenica, Janisa and Renisha, and a Bollywood fusion dance by Samantha, Danica & Betina.

Various spot games were conducted by Asha Correa which kept the audience involved and engaged in the programme.

The award presentation ceremony for the 'Sadhan Puroskar', an award for the best organization in the UAE, was conducted by Dayan D’Souza of Mukamar. The winner was selected among 25 regional associations existing in the UAE that cater to the various needs of their community members here in the UAE and back home in Mangalore. The work includes charitable deeds, educational assistance to underpreviliged children, meeting the needs of patients, hospitalization, and financial assistance for the treatment of patients, sports activities/tournaments, cultural activities and various other community services. Altogether 25 associations in competition and three were finalized for the prestigious award. The three finalists were USWAS Shirva, Bellevision and Famad Pernal. Prominent Konkani figure, writer Stan Ageira who was the chief judge, was honoured for his dediction to scruitize the report sent by all the associations. He was felicitated on the occasion.

During the Sadhan Puroskar award ceremony, well-known personalities Fr Victor D'Souza (parish priest of Mukamar), Jean Colaco (wife of Ronald Colaco), Melyin Rodrigues (poet), and Walter D’Souza Nandallike (Daijiworld) were invited on to the stage. Walter Nandalike declared the winner of Sadhan Puroskar.

The winners were recognized for charity, sports events, Konkani Kavitha Fest (national-level) CD creation, volleyball and throw ball tournaments. The presidents of Bellevision Association namely Ronald D’Souza, Ronald Sabi D’Souza and Elias D’Souza were invited on to the stage and the award was presented by Fr. Victor D’Souza, and a cheque for Rs 25,000 was handed over by Jean Colaco.

Heads of the two runner-up associations - USWAS Shirva and Famad Pernal - were also called upon the stage and felicitated with mementos, citations and cheques of Rs 10,000 each.

Also on the occasion Byndoor Association which started 23 years ago, before any organization existed in the UAE, was recognized and felicitated with memento and citation.

Walter Nandalike in his address congratulated Little Flowers Mukamar for gaining popularity around the world within a short span of time through innovative ideas and selfless thoughts.

Melvyn Rodrigues spoke on the occasion and lauded Little Flowers Mukamar for recognizing other associations. He cited the selfless service of Little Flowers on numerous occasions. He said, "Same way, Little Flowers Mukamar should render its services in a very big way and to large organizations."

Fr Victor D’Souza also spoke on the occasion and praised Mukamar association for its kind support to various associations and for recognizing them. He also thanked the association for inviting him on this grand occasion to celebrate its second anniversary and give away the Sadhan Puroskar.

There was also a surprise felicitation for Dayan Mukamar, the undisputed leader in the Konkani community not only in the UAE, but around the world. Hailing from Mukamar, Dayan was instrumental in forming Little Flowers association, and also initiated Daiji Dubai Konkani Writers' Forum in the UAE. He was the former president of ICYM, Mangalore diocese, and member of various other organisations in the Gulf and Mangalore.

Dayan and his wife Lavina and children were ceremoniously taken in a procession to the stage and accorded a grand welcome by the audience and the guests.

The president of Little Flower Mukamar Reshma D’Cruze read out the 'Manpatr' to Dayan D’Souza Mukamar. The felicitation ceremony was conducted by another prominent personality, Dony Correa, an MC in UAE. Dayan was presented with the Manpatr, bouquet, shawl and a fruit basket.

Dayan dedicated his achievement to his family, and said that it was because of the support and encouragement from his wife that he could spare time for social service and achieve milestones in his life.

Melodious Konkani songs were rendered by famous Konkani singers of the UAE namely Mario Rego, (Mog, Havn Mog Kortam) and Rony Byndoor (Wilma Maria R), Nisha Sequeira from Urwa Mangalore (Kaliz Lashta), all of whom sung beautifully and won the hearts of the audience. The one-man band was provided by Russell Sequeira and supported by Anil Cardoza. Harish Sherigar who normally sings in Kannada and Tulu also joined in and sang the Konkani song 'Mog Thujo Axello' from the film 'Mog ani Maipas'. 'Bangar tu moje' (by Rony Byndoor and Nisha Sequeira) 'Sanne Udelam' (Joseph Mathias), 'Don Teen Vorsan' (Russel Sequeira) entertained the audience. Joseph Mathias and Rony Byndoor also sang 'Ami Dogi Sezara' of the evergreen Henry D’Souza .

A brief stage programme was held to felicitate all the sponsors, artistes, musicians and supporters.

A raffle draw was held on the occasion. The unsold raffle tickets were auctioned, and went to the highest bidder Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight.

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