Report: Sweeny D'Souza, Pangala
Dubai, Apr 10: Sunil D'Souza was unanimously elected the president of Emirates Pangalites, Dubai for the year 2016-2018 during its 12th annual general body meeting held at Sivestar Bhavan Restaurant Party Hall, Karama, Dubai.
The meeting started with a prayer by Joel Quadras followed by welcome address by outgoing president Noel D'Souza.
Sunil D'Souza
Sohan Castelino, Ashwin D'Souza
Secretary Andrea Mendonca presented the annual reports for the year 2014-2016 with details of the activities conducted during these two years. Treasurer Vinay Vaz presented the finance report for the year and said, "We have continued to support social causes as done during the past 12 years by providing books, uniforms and school fees for the poor children. We have also contributed towards mid-day meals for poor children in Shankerpura besides providing medical assistance for the needy people."
The election for the new committee was conducted by Michael Castelino, founder, president and advisor of Emirates Pangalites. He informed that the Association which was started in January 2003 with an objective of bringing all Pangalites in the UAE together under one roof and support the needy and poor with financial and medical help has been successful in reaching its objective with the help of sponsors, donors and well-wishers. He also called on the newly elected office-bearers to carry on the good work of Emirates Pangalites. He further stressed on bringing more Pangalites to the organization.
The following committee members were elected unanimously for the term 2016-2018:
President: Sunil D'Souza
Vice-president: Andrea Mendonca
Secretary: Sohan Castelino
Treasurer: Ashwin D'Souza
Joint secretary: Naina D'Souza
Cultural committee: Venil Vaz, Veena Alva, Praveen Rodrigues, Roshni Quadras and Joel Alva
Media representatives: Sweeny D'Souza and Vinitha D'Souza
Committee members: Noel D'Souza, Joel Quadras, Clevin D'Souza, Jovin D'Souza, Vinay Vaz, Veera D'Souza, Alwyn and Harry Menezes
Advisors: Michael Castelino and Paul Quadras
The newly elected office-bearers took over their responsibilities from the former office-bearers.
Outgoing president Noel D'Souza thanked the committee members for their exemplary performance and support during the two-year term and wished the new office-bearers all success.
Newly-elected president Sunil D'Souza thanked everyone and asked the members to extend their support and co-operation during his term. He also mentioned that the young Pangalites need to play an important role in getting more and more new members and thus making the association stronger.
The new committee proposed the following events:
• Continuation of charity projects - Mid-day meals, school fees, books and uniforms for the needy in native place
• Drawing competition in May
• Blood donation camp in April/May
• Monthi Feast celebration in September
• Domestic workers day out in November
• Sports event in November
• Christmas celebration in December
• Annual day celebration in January 2017
Apart from the events mentioned above, a couple of other charity events and activities are planned for the next two years as the core objective of the association is to help the needy.
The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by secretary Sohan Castelino.