Report by Clarence Pinto Kaikamba
Pics: Dilip Correa
for Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat (GA)

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Muscant, Aug 9: It was simply a grand function with lot of colours, innovations, exhibition of talents and above all performance of more than 110 artistes. As many of the viewers commented, MCCP’s inaugural function on Friday August 8 was one of the best in the recent times.

As announced by the officials of MCCP, the programme commenced at 10.30 am in the main parish hall of Sts Peter & Paul with Holy Mass in Konkani in the presence of record number of faithful of the Konkani origin.  Mangalorean priest of the parish, Fr Albert D’Silva, OFM Cap was the main celebrant.  Konkani choir under the leadership of Apolinaris D’Souza gave a scintillating performance. The choir members were Dolphy Vaz, Ronald Lobo, Ivan Moras, Lancy Sequeira, Valerian Peres, Jacintha Serrao, Flavia D Souza, Anitha Lobo, Jessy Castelino, Jovita Sequeira, Lanisha Sequeira and Severine.  Meval Dantis young musician of the community provided the music to the choir.

The cultural programme commenced at 12.00 am with a warm and hearty welcome by Nirmala Goveas, main coordinator for cultural, spiritual and community services committee and Samuel D’Silva, main coordinator for sports and finance committee. Both of them anchored the formal part of the programme. Fr Albert D’Silva, the chief guest of the programme, offered prayers invoking blessings on the programme and also, on the audience.
 
President of MCCP Clarence Pinto, Kaikamba, officially welcomed the audience, remembered the unselfish service contribution rendered by the past presidents and members. He also explained the programme planned for the year and requested the support from the community.

There was a beautiful “Welcome 2008 – 2009” presentation by MCCP members’ children in form of lotus incorporating the lighting of the traditional lamp ceremony which was carried out by Fr Albert D Silva, Clarence Pinto, Samuel D’Silva and Nirmala Goveas.  Enchanting singing group of MCCP singers sang “Parameshwara” song which was composed by renowned Konkani poet and composer Oswald D’ Souza, Valencia.

 Fr Albert D Silva was presented with a bouquet by Megan D’Souza and there was an introduction ceremony of the new Executive committee members which was done by Clarence Pinto. As announced in this website earlier, the new committee members are :

President: Clarence Donald Pinto
Main Coordinator for Sports and Finance Committee: Samuel D’ Silva
Main Coordinator for Cultural, Spiritual & CS Committee:        Nirmala Goveas
General Secretary: Victoria Soares
Honorary Treasurer: Arun D Souza
Internal Auditor: Alex Aranha
Sports Secretary – 1: Donald Fernandes
Sports Secretary – 2: Dolly Sequeira
Cultural Secretary – 1: Hazel Dias
Cultural Secretary – 2: Sunil Prakash Mascarenhas
Spiritual Secretary: Hilda Fernandes
Community Services Secretary: Hubert D’ Souza

For the first time in the history of MCCP, “MCCP Hall of Fame” was introduced to honour and recognize two distinguished Mangaloreans of the community. One for the service rendered to the community and parish at large; and second to a Mangalorean who has achieved great success in his professional career. This recognition will be an annual feature from this year.

Stanley T H Fernandes, known as “Dattu” (Big Brother) and Vincent Machado were the first Mangaloreans to receive this honor in Muscat. The ceremony was presented in a traditional style with presentation of a shawl, fruit tray and memento. Anchor of this part was Victoria Soares.

MCCP’s website team members, Daniel Pinto, Melanie Tauro, Dilip Correa, Samuel D’Silva, Joachim D Souza and Clarence Pinto, were then called on the stage and website was officially launched by Fr Albert. The new website is www.mccpoman.com will be available to world of Konkani speaking people.

Fr Albert D’ Silva’s birthday which falls on August 12 was celebrated with a birthday song dedicated to him.  The song was presented by Lancy and Jovita Sequeira, Ivan and Philomena Moras and children of the community.

As guest of honour of the function, Fr. Albert D’Silva expressed his joy of seeing Mangaloreans’ unity in Muscat and wished every success to the new committee.

Recognizing the achievements of the community children in the X and XII grade final examinations, MCCP honours the top scorers. This year the top scorer award of XII grade went to Harshith Aron D’ Mello, son of Ligoury and Margaret D Mello and  X Grade to Darryl Kevin Tauro son of Cletus and Melanie Tauro.

Then the cultural programme commenced with Lionel Castelino and Tanya Pinto, the young and talented youngsters of the community, anchoring the show. They spoke with fluent Konkani mesmerizing the audience

Lhan Lhan Bhurgim – a spiritual presentation enthralled the crowd. Youth dance choreographed by Deepak D Souza and presented by Reena, Melanie, Steffie, Ruben, Josna, Melwyn and Deepak was filled with thrills. Comedy kings of Muscat, Walter and Walter presented a Konkani skit entertaining the audience very well. A traditional presentation of Roce concluded the programme.

Sumptuous lunch was served catered by Gracy and Henry Castelino of Barka.

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