Udupi: Global Kemmannu Flowers Launched at Non-Resident Parishioners' Day
Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Dec 30: Global Kemmannu Flowers, an association of Kemmannites residing around the world, was launched at Kemmunnu here on Saturday December 29 during the Non-Resident Parishioners' Day organized by Kemmannu Flowers, UAE.
Global Kemmannu Flowers hosted the much-awaited, first ever mega event by Non-Resident Kemmanities at St Theresa’s Church, Kemmannu.
The thanksgiving Mass started at 4 pm by main celebrants Fr Stany Lobo, rector of Udupi diocese and vicar var of Kallainpur varado with Fr Anil D’Silva and Fr Wilson Andrade.
This was followed by inauguration and blessing of the newly-renovated Holy Cross and the newly-built dining hall. Walter Saldanha sponsored and inaugurated the renovated Holy Cross and inauguration of the new dining hall was done by cutting the ribbon by Leo Crasta and family. Thereafter, refreshment was served to all present, prior to the beginning of the entertainment extravaganza at 6 pm.
Kemmannu Flowers members welcomed the audience of around 800 with a welcome song 'Santhos Pavthav'. Prajwal D'Sa was the MC for the entire event. Kemmannu Flowers president Sydney D’Souza welcomed the guests and all attendees.
Chief guests Frank Fernandes, Mosaco Shipping, Dubai, B M Zaffar, Thonse Health Centre, Hoode/Thonse, Sathish Venkataraman, Chilly Willy Trading Dubai, Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief Daijiworld Media, Oswald Crasto, Sahara Oilfield Suppliers and Trading Qatar, Kenneth Saldanha & fly Dubai, parish priest Fr J B D'Souza and resident priest and chairman of platinum jubilee committee Fr Stany Lobo, rector of Udupi Diocese and vicar var of Kallianpur were felicitated with bouquets. The event was inaugurated by the guests by lighting the lamp.
In his his address, chief guest Frank Fernandes recalled his childhood memories at St Philomena School and Kemmannu Church. He also gave a message to the crowd that all should work together irrespective of caste or religion to live in peace and harmony. Walter Nandalike requested all gathered to remember and pray for the soul of the victim of Delhi gang-rape and also stated that government must bring stringent laws to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. Fr Stany Lobo also addressed the crowd with his inspiring words. Global Kemmannu Flowers greeted all the sponsors and well-wishers by offering bouquets.
Platinum jubilee committee felicitated the engineer and contractor of dining all. The committee also thanked Global Kemmannu Flowers and main coordinator and Kemmannu.com editor Geroge Alex Lewis with bouquets. The Global Kemmannu Flowers handed over a cheque of Rs 2 lac to Fr Anil D’Silva as a contribution to the platinum jubilee committee towards their project.
The non-stop three-hour variety entertainment performed by the non-resident parishioners of Kemmannu followed, which included fashion show, dance performances by kids and adults, spot prizes, live band and music, ever romantic Konkani/Hindi melodies and humorous skits. Live tableau with moving star choreographed by Stany D’Cunha (Bulla) stunned the crowd.
The entertainment extravaganza came to end at 9.30 pm with the arrival of Santa Claus in a decorated cart. A delicious buffet dinner served to all present . The entire event came to an end with lots of good memories at 10.30 pm.The event was webcast live and viewed all over the world on kemmannu.com and daijiworld.com websites.