Udupi: Emirates Pangalites Celebrate Grand 'Dashamanotsav'
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 26: Emirates Pangalites, an association of parishioners of Shankarapura - Pangala in the UAE celebrated their 10th anniversary with 'Dashamanotsav' at their native parish Pangala on Christmas evening.
The event started at around 6 pm with a brief introduction from Joel Quadros and a welcome dance by students. Uttam Menezes, leading compere from UAE took charge of the event amidst a huge applause from audience. His usual witty and humourous style of compering entertained the crowd.
Executive committee members of Emirates Pangalites led by founder president Michael Castelino, current president Clevin D'Souza and other office-bearers joined in cutting the decennial cake.
As part of entertainment programme, Anita, Anil D'Sa, Ranjan Das, Nayana Rajgopal, Robin Sequeira and others regaled the audience with hit Konkani, Tulu and Hindi numbers. Music was provided by Rajgopal.
During the formal programme, Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, newly-appointed vicar general Mnsgr Baptist Menezes, Jeppu Seminary rector Fr Joseph Martis, Pangla parish priest Fr Leslie D'Souza and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike were present as guests.
Merlyn Castelino, joint secretary of Emirates Pangalites read the 10-year-achievement report of the association.
President Clevin Dsouza, welcomed the guests and gathering.
Walter Nandalike called upon the youth of Pangala to arise, take up administrative exams like IAS, IPS, KAS etc, and show more interest in politics and in media too. Adding that Catholics have been lagging behind in these fields, he said, "Under the dynamic leadership of the Bishop of Udupi, youth must take up responsibility, and the parish priest and Emirates Pangalites must support them financially as well as morally."
Mnsgr Baptist Menezes echoed the thoughts expressed by Walter and declared that Udupi diocese is already planning the development of youth.
The Bishop in his address congratulated Emirates Panglalites and lauded the association for helping needy people beyond Shankarpura and Udupi diocese. He hailed the leadership of Michael Castelino, the founder president of Emirates Pangalites. The Bishop too urged the Pangala youth to come forward in administration, politics and media. "This year, four youth have written administrative exams, and I hope that they will be successful," he added.
Emirates Pangalites conferred the 'Outstanding Pangalite' award on Albert D'Souza for his all-round achievement in the field of entrepreneurship, education and social service. Guests on the dais did the honours on Albert and his wife.
"Honour from the native church stands tallest among all my other honours," said Albert in his acknowledgement speech. He remembered his school days in Pangala and journey towards success.
Mickey Castelino read out the citation.
Clevin D'Souza, president of Emirates Pangalites and Veena Alva, secretary, were also present on the dais.
Jerry-Duje duo entertained the crowd with their superb comedy acts.
A large crowd gathered at St John's School ground to witness the four-hour entertainment extravaganza.
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