Media Release

Doha, Sep 1: If there is one thing that is very much common among all the Mangaloreans spread across the globe, then it should be Monthi Fest. The birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary which is celebrated with the blessing of the new corn and family meal is one of the hallmarks of Mangalorean Catholic community. Monthi Fest is the celebration of family bonds, filial relationships and a feast which makes us aware that we are very much part of the nature around us bringing us closer to Mother Nature.

Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), the premier forum that unites Mangaloreans living in the oil-rich country of Qatar has also been in the forefront of preserving and nourishing culture. It is with this motto and with the intention of enhancing fraternal bonds among the Mangaloreans, MCC has been celebrating feast of Nativity every year with the sharing of new corns, the first fruits of the nature through annual Novem Jevann. But what makes this Novem Jevann special is that MCC members and well-wishers come together and prepare food for over 700 people. MCC’s Novem Jevann is today very much part and parcel of annual calendar of every Mangalorean in Qatar.

As has been the custom in the past, MCC will be celebrating the feast of nativity at 5.00 pm in the Al Ghazal Club here on Friday September 12. The highlight of the evening will be the sharing of the blessed corn and partaking in the home-cooked meal, as a family. There will also be cultural programmes showcasing the exceptional talents of MCC members and promoting the culture and traditions of native land and Mother tongue Konkani.

Young entrepreneur, philanthropist and inspirational speaker Eric Correa will be the chief guest of the evening while Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of Qatar Konkani speaking community will be the guest of honour on the occasion.

About Eric Correa

Eric Alfred Correa, a humble, down-to-earth-person, philanthropist and above all a wonderful human being, is the pride of Mangalorean Catholic Community. Coming up in a hard way, he started his career as an office boy and ventured into the generator hire and machinery leasing business. By sheer stint of his hard work and dedication he climbed the ladder of success and became a successful entrepreneur.

The undivided district of Dakshina Kannada was always known for peace and co-existence. But of recent communal harmony and peaceful co-existence are gradually disappearing and the younger generation is being deliberately misguided by people in power and position. But here is a man who has made all the difference and has shone like a bright star over Mangalore horizon. Eric Correa has become a role model for all those who have the will to help others and make this world a beautiful place to live in.

A little inspiration from others and incidents of his own life prompted him to do something to help those in need of a roof over their heads. Having decided to pay back to the society from the little earnings of his business he has set an example for others to follow. He has been contributing 75% of his savings from his generator business to the betterment of society without considering any barriers of community, religion, language caste or creed. Souharda Nagar, a two-phased dream colony is the brainchild of Eric and is today sheltering people from different religions, castes and languages.

His main projects through the Souharda Foundation are:
Phase I--32 houses at Mavinakatte, Paladka, Moodbidri in 2013

Phase II--30 houses at Mavinakatte, Paladka, Moodbidri in 2014.

Souharda Nagar III that plans to provide 150 houses at 7-acre land at Murkoth Palke, Belvai, Moodbidri is in the promotion stage

MCC will also be felicitating Mangalorean personalities for their selfless service and outstanding contribution to the society. Those who have excelled in academics and sports brining laurels to the Mangalorean community too will be honoured on the occasion. MCC intends to make this evening a memorable one to all by organizing a lot many fun games and cultural programmes.
MCC President and executive members have made a special request with the people to be on time so that programmes begins and ends as per the schedule.