Kuwait: Music, dance, drama mark BELWAK decennial celebration
Report & Pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Mar 1: Belman Welfare Association Kuwait (BELWAK) on completing ten successful years of its formation in Kuwait, held grand decennial celebrations on Friday February 28 at Kuwait Medical Association auditorium, Jabriya from 4:30 pm onwards.
The highlights of the programme were performances by singer-composer Roshan D’Souza (popularly known as Rosh Belman) along with his singer wife Heral Pinto, and Konkani comedy play 'Chintilya Borim Zaaynaa' by the talented artistes of United Mangaloreans of Kuwait (UMK).
The programme commenced with introduction of Deepak Andrade, MC of the day by Jessie D’Cruz, followed by lighting of lamp by president Johnson DAlmeida, vice-president Austin Cardoza, secretary Anil Nazareth, accountant Jerome D’Souza, founder president James D’Sa and guest Fr Blany Pinto. President Johnson D’Almeida officially welcomed the guests and thanked all the members for their support.
A souvenir was released by chief guest Fr Blany Pinto to mark the decennial celebrations. A prayer dance was presented to the tune of Kannada devotional song 'Sharanam Sharanam' by Jyothi, Susan and Sudarshan.
Roshan D’Souza and Heral Pinto along with the local singing talents entertained the crowd with their melodious voices. Roshan and Heral sang their hit songs 'Suzana', 'Dees Udelo Vortho', 'Sangath Tuzo Ashentha', 'Dees Raath Moga', 'Pavshilya Rathi', 'Songim', 'Sobith Hya Saunsaranth', 'Tori' and 'Aaz Kalche Chede'.
Well-known dance groups of Kuwait 'Jovas XLNC' (Santhosh Raj and Jyothi Colaco), Ballerines School of Dance (choreographer: Sudhi Fronteiro), 'Desi Strikers' (choreographer: Mabel Suvarna) and dynamic BELWAK members of 'Sizzling Dance' group (choreographer: Ashwini Pinto) performed foot-tapping dances for the live singing which was appreciated by everyone. Dance choreographers were honoured with bouquets.
Gulf Voice of Mangalore fame Orson D'Souza, Morvine Quadras and Lolita Fronteiro entertained the audience with the songs 'Tuje Vinnem', 'Nachgo Mujea Moga' and 'Ubchea Suknneanno' from Rosh’s album.
Secretary Anil Nazareth read out the annual report highlighting the achievements of BELWAK. The sponsors, former presidents, media personnel, guest artistes Roshan D’Souza, Heral Pinto, UMK Group and Agnel Saldanha (Gurkar) were honoured by Fr Noel D’Almeida, president Johnson D’Almeida and vice-president Austin Cardoza for their contribution towards BELWAK. All the committee members along with Fr Noel D’Almeida cut the cake to symbolically mark the occasion after which Fr Noel D' Almeida delivered the decennial message. After the raffle draw, vote of thanks was delivered by vice-president Austin Cardoza. Decennial committee members were introduced to the audience.
At the end, the most awaited Konkani comedy drama 'Chintilya Borim Zaaynaa' was played by United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK). The drama was written and directed by Ronald D’Souza, with dialogues by Jackson D’Souza and editing by Roque Lewis. The background scores were played by Suneeth Noronha. The cast included Satish, Lucy, Kevin, Nancy, Rajesh, Joel, Renny, Clifford, Manoj Mary, Remy, Shannu, Shawn and Sunil. The music direction and stage setting was done by Ronald D’Souza. Sound and lightings were provided by Anand D’Souza (Illuminations). The rib-tickling comedy play sent the audience on a laughter ride and filled the missing gap as UMK did not showcase their annual event in 2013.
The program was sponsored by Al-Rashid International Shipping Co, Al-Refai Group of Companies and Gulf Bank of Kuwait and ably compered by Deepak Andrade. BELWAK is a purely non-profitable and charitable organization dedicated towards the upbringing of the poor children in the field of education and a ray of hope to the aged and needy back home in Belman. UMK is well-known for its charity and selfless support towards the needy through the bundle of talents it possesses. Since its inception in February 2004 with slogan “We care for each other”, BELWAK has contributed towards many causes and needs of its parishioners. The proceeds of this show will be utilized for charity back home in Belman, Karnataka.