Report : Oscar Rego
Pics : Deepak Paladka / Rithesh Pinto
Dubai, Feb 9: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners, known as one of the most vibrant associations among the parishes of Udupi diocese with widespread presence across the UAE, celebrated the parish feast of Our Lady of Health (Saude Mai) by staging a grand 'Vodlem Festh 2016' on Friday February 5, under the leadership of USWAS president Maxim Ferrao.
The event filled with glamour and fun was held at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira Dubai in the presence of parishioners and guests. 'Shirva Festh 2016' provided a day of variety entertainment with lots of music, songs, skit, fun, games and spot prizes and dances by local talents.
The programme started with a hymn to patron Saude Mai (Our lady of Health) by USWAS committee members. Most experienced and well-known compere of Dubai, Dony Correa was welcomed and introduced to the audience.
USWAS president Maxim Ferraro welcomed the guests including newly ordained priest chief guest Fr Derick D'Souza and sponsors - Michael D'Souza (Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments, Dubai), Patrons Robert D'Sa, Joseph Mathias-Qatar and Bernard Saldahna. They were felicitated with bouquets. USWAS president in his presidential address thanked Fr Derick D'Souza for his presence and sponsors, well-wishers and everyone who graced the celebration. Fr Derick D'Souza was felicitated by USWAS during this occasion.
In his speech, chief guest Fr Derick D'Souza said that since he was a committee member of USWAS during his working days in Abu Dhabi, he still feels attached and connected to USWAS and Shirvaparishioners in UAE. He said that he is overwhelmed by the love & affection showed by USWAS. Heappreciated USWAS members for their service andhelping many noble and charitable causes. He praised USWAS for its dedication towards the needy and wished success for its future projects.
Robert D'Sa and Michael D'Souza congratulated USWAS and appreciated their efforts. They called to continue the same unity and continue doing similar service what they have been doing for the past 14 years. They extended their full support to USWAS.
Secretary Oscar Rego read out the annual report of USWAS and vice-president Lesly Saldanha proposed vote of thanks to the main sponsors Robert D'Sa ROMYS Restaurant and Confectionaries, Joseph Mathias Arabian Star General Trading Co, Bernard Saldanha Delmon Cleaning & Security Services, Sanu Devasia Safe Max Fire and Safety, Jaya Kumar Silvertech Engineering LLC and Michael D'Souza Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments and to all support sponsors and well wishers. They all were felicitated with mementos. Roshan Menezes conducted the stage programme.
USWAS Puraskar– 2016 – to USWAS Patron Joseph Mathias
'USWAS Puraskar 2016', a special honor was conferred on Joseph Mathias, in grateful appreciation of the generous support and dedicated service to USWAS and to the community. The managing committee of USWAS presented the award to Joseph Mathias. Joseph Mathias is founder member and Patron of USWAS.
Joseph Mathias who currently resides in Qatar with his wife Leena Mathias was born and brought up in Pilar –Shirva. At present he is the Managing Director of IBIN AJAYAN Group of Companies in Doha Qatar. Prior to that he was the General Manager of Abu Dhabi based Al Hamid Group. During the entire tenure of the above employment, he was responsible of giving employment to several people from different parts of India, most of them from the Karnataka state and particularly from the South Kanara as well as from the native place, Shirva. Also, he has helped several other people to seek employment elsewhere in the UAE and other neighboring States as well. He is also the promoter of Arabian Star General Trading Co LLC in Dubai.
He has been an active member of several prestigious associations and clubs in the UAE and sponsored several events and supported the needy. He is married to Leena Mathias and having two children - son, Dr Calvin Mathias and daughter Dr Caroline Mathias.
Entertainment Session
During the entertainment session the rising star of Shirva in UAE Prashanth Sequeira and GOVM winner Joshal D'Souza along with Dony and Asha Correa, Shrikant Bhat and Joseph Mathias (Merit Freight Systems LLC) presented some entertaining songs. They sang some hit Konkani, Kannada and Hindi songs. The crowd appreciated and cheered the songs and singers.
During the occasion a special attraction birthday also celebrated those who are birthday on February 5.
'Boskyambegaar' team comprising Claud D'Leema, Sharan D'Souza, Manoj Menezes, Richard Pinto, Canute D'Souza, Denis Mathias, Marsha Menezes, Diana D'Souza, Denis Gomes and Sandeep presented some excellent comedy skits. 'Rock On 2' a wonderful rock song performance and 'Audition' skit were the highlights, which were appreciated and applauded by all present. Beautiful dances were performed by talented children of USWAS members Hannah and Sarah Mathias, Marsha and Litsa Menezes, Cleaon D'Sa and Hencil Mendonca and Hadlee D'Souza danced to various Bollywood numbers. Dony Correa conducted lots of interactive spot games and fun games for kids and adults and kept the audience engaged till the end. All the artistes, dancers, and singers were felicitated with mementos. A lavish buffet dinner was served.
The programme concluded with a raffle draw followed by DJ Music where young and old rocked the dance floor.