Media Release
Bengaluru, Dec 22: Kanara Entreneurs, the premium entrepreneurs’ organisation for Christians in Bengaluru had a gala Christmas celebration for its members on December 17 that aptly portrayed all the cheer and goodwill of Christmas.
In a departure from its usual practice of having knowledge sharing and networking meets for members only, the KE Christmas meet also included members’ families. Members came with families in large numbers exceeding 250. In contrast to the normally sedate KE events, where members network, mentor, and gain knowledge, the Christmas party was an event for each members family to expand on the joys of the Christmas season with fellow members and their families.
The party commenced with the president Adrian D’Souza, who in his usual cheery style welcomed all members and gave them a quick update on the events of the year. Former presidents of KE Mark D’Souza, Anil Rego, Charles Gomes and Robinson D’Souza were then felicitated for their contributions in making KE the powerhouse it is today. The president becoming solemn, then emphasised the Christmas spirit of advent in which he emphasised on:
Faith, which makes all things possible
Peace, which makes all things universal
Hope, which makes all things work, and,
Love which makes all things beautiful.
He wished all these gifts on the KE family gathered together for Christmas and the New Year.
The mentors who participated in the certificate programme for entrepreneurship at Christ University were presented with plaques and certificates honouring their contribution and selfless service.
The party after the president’s message went into high gear with the compere Jake Texeira organising carol singing starting with the board members and past KE presidents entertaining the members with their dulcet tones. A number of Christmas games followed for the members and their children with a rotund Santa Claus (Vivon Pinto) appearing much to the delight of the young ones who proceeded to ensure that Santa ran out of sweets faster than he expected. Marjorie Texeira then cajoled and coaxed the audience with her Trademark quiz questions and giveaways for the adults and kids with Christmas as its theme.
The gala celebration and thanksgiving also gave the KE board members some excellent Christmas goodwill. Members particularly liked the delicacies made for the occasion. A special mention is made of member Stevan Pinto of Mangaluru Pearl restaurant whose signature dish ‘Pork Bafat’ was the centre of attraction. Past president Anil Rego personally supervised the dinner and drinks buffet. Nigel Fernandes, director, finance recounted an incident of a guest who initially came for the Christmas programme and was so impressed that he became a member immediately, going so far as to draw money from an ATM to join. Dr Joseph Rasquinha, director, membership was pleasantly surprised to get from one member contact details of an entrepreneur who had newly come to Bengaluru and wanted to join KE while setting up her business at the same time. The entire event was meticulously planned and managed by director of events Naveen Rodrigues and Leo Sequeira. All in all, the appreciation of the gala event both from members and their families was tremendous across the board.
It was best summed up by Ajay Fernandes, director of marketing, who said, “As a not for profit organisation, events like these are not the norm for KE, but the bonding and the goodwill made it a critical element of KE’s commitment to its members and the community, not just in business but to all in general.”
The vote of thanks was very ably given by associate director of membership Roshan D’Silva.