Udupi: USWAS-UAE Completes a Decade with Sparkling Event
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NM)
Udupi, Dec 31: An exhilarating and fun-filled decennial celebrations of USWAS (UAE’s St Mary’s Welfare Assocation, Shirva) rocked the spectators at the open ground of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva here on Sunday, December 30. Renowned artistes and personalities cast their magic with dance, music and comedy amidst special guests, dignitaries and a huge gathering.
Addressing the gathering during the stage programme, Bishop of newly-formed Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "It is a historic day for the people of Shirva. USWAS has done what it set out to do, thereby living according to its motto, ‘Lend a hand not for self but for each other’. The organization has brought together a thousand people of Shirva together in UAE on various occasions of Feast of Nativity, Christmas, and parish feast and by organizing programmes such as picnic, games and talent shows."
Lauding the social endeavour of USWAS, the Bishop said, “The team has been keeping apart a part of their hard earned income in a distant land for the welfare of needy people back here. The association has been recognizing personalities for their contributions and talents by honoring them."
Urging the young generation to take up administrative jobs, he said, "Our people have achieved success in the fields of medicine, business, law and others, but we do not have anyone taking interest in central and state administration. Nothing is impossible. Let this start from the diocese of Udupi."
Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated L Mendonca, retired principal of St Mary's Junior College, Shirva and Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, with shawls for their distinct achievement in the fields of education and media. The Bishop said L Mendonca has formed people and personalities while Walter Nandalike has brought together not only the Konkani community together but people of all religions through daijiworld.
Chief guest Walter Nandalike said, "Shirva church is close to my heart. I have been associated with this place closely as I did my graduation at St Mary's College. USWAS has brought people together not only here but also abroad."
Leslie Saldanha, USWAS secretary presented the report of USWAS and said that in USWASis a group of dedicated members in UAE, born in or belonging to the parish of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva. "The Association came into existence on December 20, 2002 under the leadership of Frankie D'Souza and has consistently rendered selfless service to society in various fields during the past 10 years.
"USWAS for the past 10 years has been contributing to the education, medical, promotion of Konkani language and various other needs of the community of Shirva and surroundings efficiently, through the generous help of its sponsors and well-wishers. Sponsorship to formation of young priests/nuns from the parish, support for the marriage of financially backward women from the parish, sports event at Shirva have been undertaken during the decennial year by USWAS. Since its inception USWAS has spent about Rs 50 lac for the welfare of the needy," he said.
Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest of Shirva, patrons of USWAS Joseph Mathias-Qatar and Robert D’Sa-Dubai, managing partner, Caesars Group also spoke on the occasion.
A souvenir 'Shivor' to mark the decennial year of USWAS was released by the dignitaries on the dais.
Fr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Frankie D'Souza, Dubai, founder president and managing director of Frank Catering LLC, Bernard Saldanha Dubai, NRI entrepreneur and managing director of Delmon Group, Dubai, Fr Richard Coehlo, administrator of Father Muller Hospital were among others present on the occasion. Maxim Pereira proposed the vote of thanks.
USWAS Decennial Puroskar for Louis Mendonca
The USWAS Decennial Puroskar was conferred on Louis Mendonca, retired principal of St Mary’s Junior College, Shirva during the event.
Acknowledging the honour, 86-year-old Mendonca in an interesting and witty speech said that USWAS for its decennial award had chosen a person who was approaching centenary in terms of age.
"My students are my biggest assets. Four of them including Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo have become bishops and are in different parts of the world," he added.
He lauded USWAS for its selfless service for the welfare of the needy and said that though he was not well, he attended the event as the association had literally given him 'USWAS' (breath).
L Mendonca joined St Mary’s High School in 1949 as its headmaster, and served the institution for 32 years. During these years he saw the school develop into a college and retired as its principal. He has worked for the eradication of leprosy in Shirva and after retirement he started a school in Belur. He has served as the president of Medical Relief Association of Shirva, president, Lions Club, Udupi, Lions Zonal president and president of Headmasters Association of South Kanara. He has established 500 self-help groups for women empowerment. Among the awards he has won are the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and the best teacher award from the Karnataka government.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event was made even more special with class performances by some of the renowned names in Konkani music, chiefly Mumbai-based veteran Konkani singer and composer, “Sangeet Samrat”, “Kala Ratna” Henry D'Souza. His evergreen songs like 'Ye Ye Katrina', 'Ami Dhogi Sezara' and other songs were the star attractions at the event.
The sizzling chemistry between Cornel and Sonali of Dance India Dance and 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa' fame set the stage on fire.
Kenneth Zuzarte, popularly known as 'Kenny' regaled the audience with his hallmark masala mix songs in the female costume, that had the audience roaring with laughter.
'Strings' group of Mangalore under the leadership of well-known guitar maestro Rajgopal along with 10 other musicians provided live music. Shirva’s well-known comedians, 'Boscyambegaar' added more humour, while artiste Jayashri Raj, better known as 'Junior Vishnuvardhan' and the famous Kalladka puppets added special colour to the event. Uttam Menezes hosted the show with wit and humour, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Konkani Music Album Released
On the occasion, new Konkani romantic music album ‘Tumch Moga’ composed by Prashanth Sequeira and Nelson Mathias was released by Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest of Barkur Church along with Hilda Sequeira, mother of Prashanth Sequeira and lyricist Wilfred R Pangala.
‘Tumch Moga’ consists of 12 romantic Konkani numbers. The first music album of the duo ‘Yo Moga’ was a super hit.
‘USWAS Nachpa Spordo’ - Konkani Group Dance Competition
Team Shirva bagged the first place in the Konkani Group Dance Competition held as part of the decennial celebrations, while Udupi and Kundapur team won the second and third prizes respectively. The Udupi Diocese-level Konkani group dance competition was held between the three finalists who were chosen from the competition held on December 16 in Shirva. Bollywood choreographer Cornel, Arun Lobo and Caroline Mathias were part of the jury.
Winners were awarded USWAS trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15,000. Runners-up received USWAS trophy and a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Second runners-up were awarded with USWAS trophy and a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
Patrons of USWAS Joseph Mathias and family Qatar, Robert D’Sa Dubai, managing partner, Caesars Group, Franky D'Souza, Frank Catering LLC, Bernard Saldanha and Family, Delmon Group, Dubai and many other Shirva parishioners were the sponsors of the event. Daijiworld.com was the media partner. The sponsors were felicitated on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, a thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo, followed by liturgy choir. A house built by USWAS for a poor family as part of the decennial year was also inaugurated.
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