Mangalore: 'Navidad' at St Agnes College Sets the Pace for Christmas Spirit

by Richie Lasrado
Pics by Ganesh S Perla

Mangalore, Dec 21 (11-45 pm): If any evidence was needed regarding what wonders exposure and opportunities can do to budding youngsters, then 'Navidad', a musical show organized by St Agnes College in the city in preparation for Christmas, was the right thing.

On the other hand, Christmas is not just something about greeting cards, carols, cakes, Santa Claus, gifts and what have you. It is the spirit of sharing and caring, as the old cliche, much recycled though, goes.

Many find it paradoxical that so much money is being spent and such pomp goes about in the name of a feast commemorating the birth of an epoch-making personality in a humble ambience of a manger, on a chilling wintry night in an arid, sandy spot, while his parents were on a fugitive, runaway mission.

The commercialization of the festival has ruled over the original theme of Christmas, as the present-day happenings bear witness to. But the 'Navidad' show which was presented in St Agnes College Auditorium on Friday, December 21 evening, went much beyond the set pattern, by proving that the spirit of caring for the less privileged is still very much alive.

Thomas D'Souza, more familiarly known as 'Peter' or 'Uncle Peter' to the Agnesians of the past four decades - why Agnesians alone, ask even their fans who made it their agenda to hover around the territory in the morning hours or college-leaving time - is still a much-revered man. The military-kind of strict vigil he has kept at the entrance of St Agnes campus on all working days is something legends are made of.

The St Agnes group of institutions, at the initiative of the present principal Dr Sr Prem D'Souza, thought that he deserved something worthwhile. Had he served a government facility, it would have been a different ball-game altogether. Perks, pension and the works. That would have been one hell of a lot of fortune to fall back on.

But, on the contrary, it was a private educational institution, one run by nuns at that.

So this show was aimed at helping Thomas, alias Peter, to have a roof of his own over his head.

The proceedings began with a prayer 'When a child is born'. Prof Matilda Pinto of the English department of the college, broke the ice with an informative introduction to Christmas, how it is celebrated in Japan, Turkey, Romania, Russia and other countries, in spite of their being non-Christian.

Dr Derek Lobo, who was the chief guest, dwelt upon the concept of sharing and caring at Christmastime. He rued the fact that carols, visits to old age homes and such other acts of kindness are being restricted as a one-day happening. He gave a call to everyone to ensure that the tokenism of a day be avoided and feeling for the lesser privileged be sustained all through the year.

Dr Lobo exhorted the parents to make their children realize that it was not the commercial aspects like gifts and goodies that made up the spirit of Christmas. He also called upon the students to be indebted for the gift of education and facilities that they were blessed with.

Perhaps Dr Lobo couldn't have hit the nail at a better place by putting forth a suggestion to the college management that besides the noble mission of reaching out to an old, loyal employee that they could also embark upon two projects. Perhaps keeping in mind it was a women's college, Dr Lobo, in a clinical analysis of the social trends, said the first mission was to fight against the female infanticide which was going on rampantly in the country.

Secondly, he said, there was, like different types of Clubs in colleges, a need for a Peace club. The thrust was on fighting terrorism, and he mooted the idea of setting up a peace force with a minimum of a hundred members drawn from different faiths like Hindu, Muslim and Christian.

Then followed a symbolic mixing of Christmas cake ingredients - cashew, raisins, candyfloss and all that goes with it, just ready for lecturer and cake connoisseur Dr Geralyn Pinto's deft hands to turn into a fine cake the next day.

At two intermissions, Prof Ronald Mascarenhas conducted a few spot games with good prizes at stake, just the keep the spirit going.

A ballet on the birth of Jesus, presented by the students of the Sandesha College of Fine Arts and choreographed by its principal Vani Rajagopal added a different dimension with Kannada lyrics and music. The fine blend of classical and folk dance was a feast to the eyes and ears.

A cheque of Rs 100,000 (Rupees one lac) by way of proceeds of the show was handed over to Thomas by principal Dr Sr Prem D'Souza. A play depicting the theme of Christmas was enacted by the students. It was directed by Dr Geralyn Pinto, assisted by Sr Jeswina.

In every performance, the young students seemed to enjoy singing and performing as much as the audience was enjoying as they watched and listened to. At some points, the humming and vocal rendition blended so well to send the audience into rapturous silence and trance.

Trishma Pinto, Amanda Sequeira, Sonia Fernandes and Melody Lasrado took turns as comperes.

Principal Dr Sr Prem D'Souza, Sr Maria Kripa, student president Manjusha Hebbar and others were present.

On the whole, it was a marvellous teamwork.