News & pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 11: Vasai Konkani Welfare Association organized Nirmillem Chukana, a family drama written by Joseph D’Souza, and directed by William Mochado, recently at YMCA hall, Manikpur, Vasai East, here. The programme started at 6.30 pm with an introduction by VKWA’s secretary John D’Souza followed by singing of the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

VKWA’s president, Reginald Santhmayer welcomed the audience, Nirmillem Chukana drama group, as well as all the distinguished guests of the event. Fr Francis Fernandes blessed the programme with a short prayer, followd by a welcome dance from the young stars.

Next in follow, secretary John D’Souza called all the distinguished guests onto the stage. They were Fr Francis Fernandes SVD, Francis Fernandes Casia, Fr Nazareth Sequeira SVD, Fr Melvin Sequeira SVD, Joseph D’Souza, William Mochado, former president Stephen Fernandes and advisor for the current managing committee Ancy D’Souza, and president Reginald Santhmayer. All the guests were honored  with bouquets of flowers by the joint president Hilda D’Souza, committee member Juliet Montero and woman’s wing secretary Luiza D’Souza respectively. Writer Joseph D’Souza and director William Mochado were felicitated with bouquets of flowers, bouquets of fruits, and shawls by former presidents Stephen Fernandes and Ancy D’Souza respectively.  Fr Francis in his speech requested the audience to encourage the association by supporting them in holding such Konkani programmes and to encourage their children to speak Konkani at home to keep alive the Konkani language. He also appreciated VKWA’s hard work. Francis Cassia also mentioned his short speech that he will bring his new comedy drama Putuli Modki Shorty to Vasai.

VKWA’s vice president Richard Lewis, treasurer Albert D’Costa, joint secretary Edward Gomes, joint treasurer Vincent Fernandez, other committee members Lawrence Mendonca, Gregory Monis, Novel Alvaris, Henry Pinto, and Vincent D’Mello also joined the stage programme. Finally the stage was handed over to Nirmillem Chukana drama group.

In the interval their advisor Jossie Menezes felicitated with bouquets of flowers all the guests present at the show, who worked for Konkani Ulai, Konkani Wadai ani Konkani Urai, that is some Konkani association's main office bearers from Naigoan, Bhayander, Nallasopera, Jeri Meri, Malwani, Mira Road etc, and writers, singers from Vasai. The programme concluded with a thanksgiving speech from vice secretary Edward Gomes, followed by argan geeth from women’s wing members. Towards the end 3 prizes were distributed for lucky coupons draw.

The drama witnessed a housefull  audience, and everyone  enjoyed the drama and expressed their appreciation which they showered on the actors, vkwa committee members as well as women’s wing members.