Media Release
Doha, Oct 9: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Doha, conducted its 29th Annual General Meeting on Friday, September 30 at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Mumbai Hall at 5.30 PM.
Melissa Tauro, emcee of the program, opened the evening with an introduction & welcomed the gathering. Shaila Menezes, Joint Cultural Secretary, invoked God’s blessings on the program and all members with an opening prayer. The founder of MCC - Jerry D’Mello along with the Executive Committee of 2021-22 led by president Naveen D’Souza were invited to the dais.
Kavita Tauro, general secretary was invited to present the Annual Report of the club to the members for the term 2021- 22. The detailed general report on the club’s activities was read out. The Treasurer, Anup D’Souza presented the financial report which was appreciated by all as the club is in good standing.
President Naveen D’Souza then addressed the gathering. In his address, he appreciated the Advisors, Executive Committee, members and sponsors for all the support extended in staging many successful programs in the past year. Though it was a Covid pandemic period when he took reigns of the club yet were able to stage many different events some online and some physical programs not just locally but also globally organizing international events for the Konkani community spread all over the world. He was happy to announce the successful launch of MCC YouTube channel which broadcasts all MCC programs and has nearly 3000 subscribers.
He considered himself fortunate to lead the club in its 30 th year of its existence and celebrating the milestone year staging two mega international events that is ‘Global Konkani Comedy Challenge’ which was broadcasted on the MCC Qatar YouTube Channel in January 2022 and the upcoming “Global Baila Dance Competition’ which will be telecasted from 21 st October 2022 on Daijiworld TV 24x7 and MCC Qatar.
He was happy to announce that the Club has donated 7.5 lakhs through Mangalore Cricket Club Qatar (MCCQ) Charitable Trust since the launch of MCCQ in 2018 supporting education sponsorships to the deserving students of Mangalore and Udupi diocese.
He appreciated the efforts of membership secretary Meena Mascarenhas for strengthening the club adding 25 new members in the past year. He requested members to introduce new members to the club so many fellow Mangaloreans could enjoy the benefits, give them a platform to showcase their talents and enrich Mangalorean culture building strong MCC family. He announced about the forthcoming activities of the club namely Christmas Party for children, Mangalorean Day etc. and would confirm dates depending on the local restrictions due to FIFA 2022 event.
A small question answer session time was allotted for members to ask any queries or make any suggestions. Advisor Henry D’Souza proposed the approval of the report and advisor Riana Pinto seconded the proposal.
MCC took this opportunity to bid farewell to Fr Anand Castelino, OFM, spiritual director of Konkani Community and assistant parish priest, at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar who will be transferred soon to hometown Mangaluru after serving Qatar Parishioners for long 13 years. Fr Anand, people friendly priest was honored for his Spiritual guidance and for his service to the Konkani speaking community for the past 13 years. Advisor Prakash Noronha read out the Mann Patr and president Naveen presented it to Fr Anand. Jerry D’Mello along with all the advisors honored him with a shawl and vice president Fredrick D’Souza presented a fruits basket. Fr Anand then thanked all community members and MCC for all the love and support extended throughout his tenure in Qatar and for the friendship which helped him to serve the parishioners during his long stay in Qatar. MC Melissa on behalf of President and club members wished him well and assured prayers for his future missionary work.
The official program was then followed by some interesting spot games and Cultural Secretary Amith Mathias gave a standup comedy and charmed the audience with his humor.
Edvin Pinto, public relations officer proposed a vote of thanks. The Annual General Meeting ended on joyful note with the members’ group photograph and some delicious snacks.
MCC executive committee takes this opportunity to thank all members who attended the 29th Annual General meeting and for their participation.