Muscat: Invitation to the World Konkani Convention
Report : Clarence Pinto
Pics : Dilip Correa
Muscat, Oct 22: The Konkani community of Oman organised a ceremony to present the invitation to the very first ‘World Konkani Cultural Convention’ (Pailo Vishv Konkani Sanskratik Maha Mel) on 18th October 2010 at main hall of ‘Grill House Hotel’ Ruwi.
Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur, well known philanthropist and chairman of the welcome committee ‘World Konkani Cultural Convention’, Baab Eric Ozario, Gurkaar of Mandd Sobhann, an organisation constantly striving to preserve the Konkani culture, heritage and language for more than a decade in the coastal Karnataka region, Stany Alvares, well known event organiser, Master of Ceremony and coordinator of Mandd Sobhann were present on behalf of ‘World Konkani Cultural Convention’ committee.
The programme commenced with welcome address by Monica Dantis, the first lady president of MCCP. She extended hearty welcome to the visiting dignitaries and the community members. Stanley Fernandes, known as ‘Dattu’ (elder brother) led the dignitaries to the dais. Floral bouquets were presented to the dignitaries by Nancy Vaz – General Secretary of MCCP, Jacintha Serrao – Internal Auditor of MCCP and Alexander Sequeira – Sports Secretary of MCCP.
Stany Alvares anchored the programme and invited Baab Eric Ozario to present the highlights with brief profile of ‘World Konkani Cultural Convention’. He presented the importance of organizing the cultural convention of the mega scale to create awareness among the various Konkani speaking people spread all over the world.
Ronald Colaco in his address emphasized the unity of Konkani speaking people to enhance the cultural identity and thus creating unity in diversity. He also urged the members of the Konkani Community to support with a generous contribution for the success of the convention.
Stanley Fernandes had represented the Konkani Community to the Gulf Curtain Raiser recently held in Dubai and received the traditional invitation namely ‘Vovlik’ from HE Archbishop Bernard Moras. Stanley Fernandes handed over the ‘Vovlik’ in the form of ‘Paanpod’ tray to Monica Dantis, thus extending invitation to the whole Konkani community residing in Oman.
Lancy Lobo – Vice President: Cultural, Spiritual and Community service Committees of MCCP proposed the vote of thanks. Baab Eric Ozario entertained the audience with some of his scintillating and enthralling songs. Apolinaris D’souza, Oswald D’souza, Jane Ida Pinto & Monica Dantis offered their voices.
Balthazar Fernandes-Vice President of GCO, Social activist & Prominent Entrepreneur and Antony Lawrence-Cultural Secretary of GCO, were present on behalf of Goan community in Oman.
MCCP executive committee organised this event along with core team of MCCP. Sumptuous dinner was served at the end of the programme.
World Konkani Convention : Coverage