News: MUKA team members

Nottingham (UK), Apr 21: The festivity of Easter was celebrated by Mangalorean United Konkani Association - MUKA on April 5, 2015 at the Bramcote Hall, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

This gave an opportunity for MUKA to gather more than 200 Konkani Catholics in the United Kingdom to assemble in Nottingham and celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ together with the help of the associations, KCAUK- Manchester, KKL, UK Konkans, and London Prayer Group - London.

The day commenced with the Holy Eucharist in Konkani celebrated by Fr Vijay D’Souza SJ supported by the melodious choir team from Nottingham who doubled the joy of festivity of the mass in the hearts of the assemblage. The offertory collection that was made during the mass has been donated to White Doves Charity in Mangalore, India.

The day started with the hilarious, enthusiastic and vibrant coordinator of the events, Vincent D'souza who led the role of master of ceremonies for the day. John Peter Fernandes, the president, of the association- MUKA, welcomed the guests who came across UK. He said, “MUKA is celebrating this event for the 9th consecutive year in the UK and his whole team is happy to see the presence of the Konkani families in Nottingham to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Vice president of MUKA, Nympha Alvares, presented flowers to Fr Vijay D’souza SJ.

KKL distributed the Easter eggs for children. Cakes and soft drinks were given to the guests by MUKA team.

The cultural activities thrilled the audience with a prayer dance by Swathi D'souza, followed by a group song `Paskanchi Raath’ sung by MUKA group leader Pius Rasquinha. Hailey, Jesvita, Jennifer and Averil danced to this song. Soon after this, Jaylene, Jennifer, Alrica, and Erica danced to the Konkani song `Kinkule’. The dances were choreographed and trained by Jessica Aranha and Anitha Sequeira.

Bollywood dances were performed by Melvia D'souza to the song of ‘Chitiya kaliya ve’. Jessica Aranha, Jesvita Menezes, Hailey Fernandes, Earlyn Lewis, Averil Alvares danced to the tune of Bollywood fusion song. Apart from the dances and skits, the guests were entertained by melodious songs sung by Ancita D'souza from Hull, Elita from Bristol, Melisa from KCAUK - Manchester, Fiona from Birmingham sang an English number whilst playing Guitar. Ronald Lobo, Vinod Barboza and Stany Rodrigues enacted a small skit in Konkani on behalf of KCA-UK association. Averil Alvares from Nottingham played violin for the song `Mog Tuzo Kithlo Ashelo’.

A delicious lunch was prepared by MUKA members: Conrad Aranha, Anitha Alvares, Anitha Menezes, Roopa D’Souza, Anitha Sequeira, Flossy Fernandes, Cynthia Noronha, Sunitha D’Souza and Nympha Alvares. Fr Vijay D’Souza blessed the lunch. Whilst the lunch was served Stany Mendonca, Charlie D'souza, Melvin Rodrigues of KKL Association, Gratian D'Silva of UK Konkans, London entertained the audiences with their melodious songs.

KKL continued to entertain the guest with their hilarious skit enacted by Charlie D'souza, Melvin Rodrigues, Violet D'souza and Stella D’Sa soon after the lunch. This was followed by a group song by Helen Augustine and team members. Sonal, Sinol and Shanelle Mendonca concluded the activities from KKL with a Bollywood dance.

Raj Francis Pereira, the president of KKL association London, made an announcement about the `Wilfy’s Shraddanjali Nite’ to commemorate the fifth death anniversary of Late Mr Wilfy Rebimbus. He requested the support of Konkani speaking families to pay tribute to late Wilfy Rebimbus by collectively and actively taking part in organizing this event. He said the details will follow on their website www.kklondon.org.uk and in facebook eventually.

John Fernandes, Pius Rasquinha and Stany Sequeira presented another hilarious skit to the guests. A couple dance by Deepak Alvares and Anitha Sequeira enthralled the audience with the song `Yego Mary’. Housie, housie was conducted by Jeevan Menezes and Pius Rasquinha. Vice President of MUKA Nympha Alvares thanked everyone who made this event a successful one. The entire day's activity concluded with a hymn ‘Somyak Deenvasiam’ followed by a ‘Baila Dance’. The day’s cultural activities were well co-ordinated by Jeevan Menezes.

All those who were present felt that the way the whole day was well organized, showed unity and availability of the members in spite of having families and work stress. A myriad of volunteers generously donated their time and energy, working tirelessly to ensure the day was a memorable one. 

MUKA will always be indebted to all the volunteers, committee members and sponsors especially Valerian Alva and others who guaranteed the astounding success of the Easter Events annually.