Report and pics: Ronald Fernandes
Dammam, Dec 23: Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) celebrated its annual event 'Nathalanchi Saanz 2015' which turned out to be a grand success. The event was hosted on Friday December 11 at Azizia Compound Hall, Azizia. The hall was beautifully decorated with festive decorations.
An introduction by Alwyn Fernandes and Roshan D’Souza who were the Masters of Ceremony for the programme gave a friendly start to the event. The ceremonial lamp was lit by the SKY executive committee members. The prayer was led by Shanthi Fernandes and was followed by a welcome dance performed by Sharon and Shalom Fernandes. A tableau on Christmas theme was presented by Richard Cardin and group.
Melodious carol singing by the children was led by Ronald Anitha Sequeira, which gave an extra flavour to the event. Excitement was high when Santa Claus came on stage and gave away sweets to all the children.
SKY president Ronald Fernandes, Shirthady welcomed the guests and sponsors to the function and urged them to take complete advantage of all the entertainment lined up for the evening. He thanked the committee members and well-wishers for their wholehearted support for the event. Treasurer Anil Tauro presented the financial report of the association.
The audience was kept engrossed by series of entertainment on stage such as foot-tapping dances, melodious Konkani singing by children and adults, Guajarati Garba dance by beautiful ladies, couple dance, magic show, several skits and a Karvy dance by the children from United Goans of Saudi Arabia (UGSA). These were greeted with loud applause from the crowd. All the cultural programmes were well performed by children, youth and adults. A beautiful skit 'Save the Girl Child' well presented by the Dammam CCD children, directed by Ivy Mathias was very touching and stirred the emotions of the audience. The highlight of the event was the ‘Kuswarachi Bati’ auction.
The main sponsors of the programme, Sheikh (Expertise group of Co’s), Asif (Amaco group of Co’s), Richard Molly D'Silva (Arabian Cargo) and Joey Joann Fernandes (Al Manafa Transport Services) were honored with shawls and flowers during the function. All the other sponsors of the event were also felicitated with flowers on this occasion. The CCD teachers of Dammam and Al Khobar were honoured with shawls, flowers and mementos for their enormous efforts, sacrifices and devoted services towards the community children.
As part of the evening programme there was a raffle draw wherein many attractive prizes were given away to lucky winners. Ronald Fernandes, Shirthady conducted the award ceremony. SKY vice president Mark Tellis proposed the vote of thanks. A widespread dinner buffet was served to all the invitees with a variety of salads, main course and mix of desserts enjoyed by one and all.
Needless to say the entire programme was a grand success with the dedicated services of SKY committee members with the sole aim of selfless contribution to the community. Even though the programme went into the small hours of December 12, the enthusiastic audience stayed back and enjoyed each moment. A gathering of around 400 plus Konkani speaking people including kids enjoyed the evening filled with stunning and exciting entertainment.