by Priya Saldanha
Pics by Prem Crasto

Kuwait, Oct 19: United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK) a group of talented artistes under the leadership of Agnel Saldanha organized a charity show on Friday October 19, at the American International School from 5.30 pm onwards, in aid of “Little Sisters of Poor” Mangalore.

As the saying goes “Coming  together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success and with a motto “Our Talent, Help for the underprivileged” this was the 4th program of UMK who have been instrumental in providing new budding talents with a platform and in contributing the collections to the underprivileged back home in Mangalore.

Program commenced  by the anchors of the evening Praveen Castelino & Renita Mascarenhas formally welcoming the audience. The UMK members gathered on the stage by welcoming audience in a unique style. Mind-blowing songs`HO NAI MOZO GAON’,`YE PORI’ were sung by Ashok Barboza, Sharol Barboza, Saritha Noronha, Steven Aranha, Sunil Mendonca, Doris Lobo, Vrinda Lewis, Deepak Andrade,Linette D'Souza, Flavy Saldanha, Elvin Mescarenhas & Shallet Suman Fernandes.

Songs were coordinated by Kevin Dsouza.UMK Mash up dance was performed by Renwick, Andrea ,Joel, Swizel, Rhea, Nicole, Sania,Movin, Aldrin, Iril , Robin, Irisha, Sara, Rylyn, Delma, Daniela, Kanishk, Krisha, Priana, Suzette,Nicole, Josline, Roslyn, Shanal, Fedora and Choreographed by Nancy, Joel & Andrea Pinto.

A theme dance depicting the aged and their trevails  was performed by Sudha, Samantha, Andrea, Nancy & Manoj, Arun & Zaneta, Vrinda & Sunil, Mary, Royston, Robin, Renwick , Joel and Choreographed by Nancy, Joel & Andrea Pinto was an eye opener appreciated by the audience.

The main sponsors of the event Lawrence D’souza of Ceasars Group of Restaurant and Confectioneries, Dr. Sneh Lata (Nuna) Goel and  Co-sponsors Valley D’sa of Khalil Bahman, Satish Chandra Shetty– Oriental Group of Restaurants. The main sponsors along with the co-sponsors and Fr. Noel were escorted to the stage for lighting of the lamp along with Agnel Saldanha and Advisor. One of the main sponsors Lawrence Dsouza was not able to come for the program as he was out of Kuwait but had sent his best wishes to UMK. Agnel Saldanha informed that after deducting all the expenses they can manage to give Rs 11,20,000 (Rs 1.02 million) to 'Little Sister of Poor' excluding the donation collected from the audience through donation box circulation.

Gurkar of UMK Agnel Saldanha officially welcomed all the guests and thanked the sponsors, Co-sponsors as well as the audience without whose support the program would not be a success. He was grateful for the tremendous support received from his team and the public. Dr. Sneha Lata Goel in her speech did not fail to mention that now a days we notice that old parents are not looked after or taken care by their own children and UMK has continued in helping the unknown people. Satish Chandra Shetty was proud to highlight the success of UMK who try to contribute maximum to the needy by minimizing their expenses. Chief Guest Fr. Noel wished UMK “Good “Luck” and appreciated their efforts in helping the needy.

The main sponsors of the event Lawrence D’souza and Dr Sneh Lata (Nuna) Goel were felicitated with Momentoes and flower bouquets. Co-sponsors, the contributors of the program like drama director – Jackson Dsouza, Musician - Suneeth Noronha, Choreographer – Joel Pinto, Manoj, Kevin Dsouza, Media Partner- Daijiworld.com and Media Supports, Designer-Rayan Lobo, Technical support – Glen Wilson Fernandes were felicitated with bouquets.  Lucy Aranha proposed the Vote of thanks and thanked everyone who supported the noble cause.

A video presentation 'Little Sisters of the Poor' was showed on the screen to give information to the audience. Little Sisters of the poor based at Bajjodi – Mangalore is a place for the old people who have no one to take care of them. Thanks to the Little Sisters of the Poor who give these elderly people hope, joy, happiness and above all peace of mind and reuniting them into their family.   A Box was circulated for collection in the hall.

The much-awaited drama 'Ootrre Uzwadlem' was appreciated by the audience more than expected. The team kept up the tempo of laughter emanating from the audience throughout while also bringing out various shades of emotions. The artists Lional Mascarenhas, Agnel Saldanha, Lucy Aranha, Kevin D’Souza,Edward D’Souza, Renny Menezes, Satish Saldanha,  Sampath Lobo,  Avil Fernandes, Santhosh Rodrigues, Prashanth Ferrao gave their maximum to give life  to the characters enacted in the play.

Background music was provided by Suneeth Noronha & Sunil Mendonca The drama was choreographed by Vrinda & Renwick Lewis. The excellent lighting and sound was provided by Illuminations-Anand D’Souza and stage setting was done by Levnis Suares, Manoj Poojary & Anand Pais. The play was written by Pradeep Barboza-Paladka and directed by Jackson D’Souza-Miyar.

The whole program was very much appreciated by the audience.