Report: Vijai Dcunha (Gkere)
Pics: Preetham Fernandes
Muscat, Aug 17: The Mangalorean Konkani Wing (MKW) of the Indian Social Club (ISC) held a very vibrant, colorful, fun filled cultural mega event ‘Konkani Family Fiesta’ on August 11 at the Platinum and Gold Auditorium of Oman Avenues Mall.
It was a fun and frolic event with games, cultural show and live performances, which gave the large gathering of members and their families a day-long entertainment filled with joy and laughter, and who at the end carried away a big smile.
The event began with an opening note from the master of ceremony Peter Fernandes, who is the force behind the whole preparation of this event alongside all the executive committee members. The tunes of national anthem of Oman and India were then played while the whole gathering stood in attention. As a Mangalurean tradition and sign of welcoming guests before commencement of any event, a tray full of betel leaves and areca nuts, and a pot full of water gestured towards the gathering. This followed by a welcome note by the convener of the MKW Ajith Walder, who welcomed chief guests, dignitaries and all the members and their families of Konkani speaking community.
Mebal Pinto, general manager of Marmul Travel & Hospitality Group, and Alwyn Pinto, chief guests were then invited on stage and escorted by Ajith Walder and Loveline Rego co-convener respectively and were greeted with flower bouquets. The event was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the chief guests, Ajith Walder, the youngest and senior-most guests among the gathering and Ajith D’Costa and Adolf D’Souza from the executive committee as well.
Ajith Walder then delivered his maiden speech. He said the Indian Social Club Oman, which represents Indian art, culture and social service in Oman, has provided an opportunity to form linguistic wings, and among the other 30 wings, the Mangalorean Konkani Wing is a prominent part of the club. He also emphasized that the Konkani language is expected to give the club more strength in this regard. He also said, “Featuring and providing a platform for the new and the talented has been our purpose, while relentlessly nurturing to give new dimension to a God given talent is our fulfilling passion. We believe that the young and little have a great role to play in ensuring a bright future of our families and our community as a whole." He also reiterated, “We serve for a ‘cause’ and thus members contributing to a good ‘cause’ is compassion and humanity.” In this context, he quoted Mother Theresa who once said, “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
He highlighted on the contribution made by the MKW in the past 6 years which has brought smiles in many faces. Through the Indian mission in Oman, the MKW contributed the essential things to the earthquake affected countries like Turkey and Syria in the past. The MKW also supported the travel, food and medical assistance to many during corona pandemic. It was all about trying to bring a small light in many lives, so this year also member’s contribution will go towards the needy, health and educational purposes of the deserving.
John Gonsalves, the vibrant community leader and former president of MCCP and GMCC and Joyce Gonsalves were then invited on stage and were requested to be the judge for the group games. They also been felicitated by Zibson Lewis by wrapping a shawl around their shoulders.
The guest audiences celebrating their birthday in the month of August were invited to the stage and a mass birthday Cake cutting ceremony was held. Sponsors, well-wishers were also felicitated with flower bouquets by Ajith Walder.
A ceremony of honouring the meritorious students of standard X and XII of the academic year 2022-23 was conducted by Meera Olivia Saldanha. Mebal Pinto honoured all the toppers of grade X and XII. Students who achieved more than 90% in grade X were Ransley D’Cunha, Nihan John Noronha, Nikhil George Noronha, Ronsy D’Souza, Clarita Saldanha and Lester Sheldon Andrade. The students who achieved more than 90% in grade XII were Rayner D’Cunha, Melina Natasha Goveas, and Merric Simon Lewis.
Peter Fernandes enthralled the audience with his skillful oration. The whole gathering divided into 6 groups, with each group having a captain to lead. ‘Kurlyo Group’ – led by Praveen Serra, ‘Sanktera Group’ – led by Flavia Dsouza, ‘Dhove Manji Group’ – led by Merita D’Souza, ‘Tarle Group’ – led by Shailesh Kutinha, ‘Vagolle Group’ – led by Reshma Pereira, and ‘Kampe Group’ – led by Noel Machado. Each of the group members were identified by colour ribbons tied to their wrist, with colours like red, yellow, green, navy blue, lavender, and white.
The groups then led to participate in the games and encouraged to earn points. All had actively participated with sporting spirit, zeal and enthusiasm. Peter Fernandes – compere and the core entertainer of the event ensured that everyone, regardless of the age participate and enjoy themselves in various competitive games and challenges. Selwin managed the scoreboard with timely update of points earned by each group.
It was then time for a sumptuous lunch. All gathering then stood up and recited salient prayer before lunch. A delicious lunch was served by South Express organized by Lancy Lobo.
Post lunch session begin soon thereafter. Solo singers/dancers and group singers/dancers were the true entertainers and left a mark of their own amongst music/dance lovers with their memorable presentations. Musical extravaganza comprising of a mash-up and exuberant performance by the Teams enthralled the audience. The cultural programmes of the event consisted of various dance numbers by talented people of all ages as well as evergreen musical numbers. Halfway through the programmes a light-hearted humorous standup comedy was performed by Rolson Cardoza to keep the spirit going. During the programme, raffle draws and a number of fun spot prizes with exciting surprises were conducted. The ladies and children ignited the stage with their awesome attire and stunning performances.
Group dance
Renessa Walder and Kings United Muscat
Anisha and Aman D’Costa
Rachel / Silvia
Solo dance
Riyona Ronald D’Souza
Sienna Reese Kutinna
Aldrean Moras
Janis Sequeira
Solo singing
Ivan Moras
Group singing
Rony Lobo/Kiran Crasta /Wishart D’Sa
Rony lobo/ Renita / Kiran
Duet singing
Renita /Joel (Finalist of MTG)
Stand-up comedy
Rolson Cardoza
Mouth organ
William Dsa
Group dance and Baila
Sachin Lobo, Naveen Mathias and Triven Goveas
The entire event was very eloquently compered in Konkani dialect by Peter Fernandes, and assisted by Silivia Dias and Meera Olivia Saldanha. At the end, housie-housie game was conducted by Peter Fernandes and Praveen Serra. The event was meticulously planned and executed by the entire MKW executive committee which include convener Ajith Walder, co-convener Loveline Rego, treasurer Vijai D'Cunha, joint treasurer Adolf D'Souza, lady co-ordinator Silvia Dias, cultural secretary Lancy Lobo, sports secretary Ajith D'Costa, entertainment secretary Peter Fernandes and children's wing secretary Olivia Meera Saldanha.
Vijai D’Cunha in his thank you note expressed the committee’s indebted gratitude to all the sponsors, well-wishers, participating teams, volunteers, and all those who supported to host this event successfully.
The volunteers and event supporters were Zibson Lewis Bramhavar, Lawrence D’Souza, Hevin Joyal D’Souza, Mark Saldanha, Jason Cardozo, Ashok Mathias, Thomas Pinto, Andril Lobo, and Praveen D’Souza Ruzai, DJ by Loveline Rego, Power Point presentation by Robert Saldhana, and photography by Preetham Fernandes. The registration counter in-charge were: Rayner D’Cunha, Reshma D’Costa, Mamta D’Cunha, Freeda Serra, Anitha Lobo and Ashwin. The videography was handled by Rolson Cardoza. The website and media in-charge was Vijai D’Cunha.
While the gold sponsors of the year were Mrs & Mr Ligory & Margaret D' Mello (M/s Technofit Trading LLC), the support and event sponsors were M/s Ocean Ray Cargo LLC, Vijai D’Cunha, AGM (Marmul Travel & Hospitality Group), Raphael D'Souza, partner (M/s Muscat Golden Services LLC), Shaji Thomas, MD (M/s Ababeel Trading LLC), Sunil D’Souza, CEO (Travel Point LLC), Clifford Sanctis, partner (M/s Hydrotech), Dilip Correa (Sky United Logistics), M/s Swiftly, Shiv Gupta, partner, Zaharat Al Rowdha Trading, Raphael Quadros, partner. M/s Telents, Baltazar Fernandes, and M/s Oasis Water LLC, Malabar Gold. The MKA is also thankful to Philomena Mendonca and Mrs & Mr Ivan Moras. The special cake for the grand event was from Beakers Den by Reena Matahias.
The programme ended with a bang, with everybody on the dance floor moving to the latest dance hits played back-to-back by the DJ. The event was attended by large number of families from Indian diaspora in Oman. The meticulous planning, team effort, talented artistes, generous sponsors, and a very appreciative audience led to the huge success of the MKW’s first event of the year. It was indeed a memorable day and a day to cherish.