Media Release
Doha, Sep 21: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), with the aim of preserving the rich culture and heritage of Mangaluru, celebrated Monthi Fest by organising the first-ever inter-varado Konkani dance competition on September 13 at the DPS Monarch International School Auditorium, Al Wukair.
A total of 112 participants from seven varados took part in the competition, with United Porbus Doha bagging the first place.
The evening began with MCC ExCom general secretary and compere, Renzil D’Souza, giving an introduction to the Monthi Fest, a brief history of MCC Qatar, and addressing the gathering.
The programme commenced with a beautiful rendition of the Konkani hymn ‘Mariye Maye Naman Thuka’ in honour of Mother Mary, led by MCC advisor Alwyn D'Souza, and performed by the children. This was followed by a melodious song ‘Asha’ sung by members Eva Wilma Pinto and Seema Freeda D’Souza, and rib-tickling comedy by Amith Mathias, Avina Dmello, and Savious Crasta.
Renzil D’Souza introduced the judges for the evening - Milan Arun, Sujith Kumar, and Aparna Sharath — who were welcomed with bouquets by MCC ExCom members Vanessa Saldanha, Shameen Lewis, and Preema Frank. The emcee then briefed the audience about the competition, reading out the rules and regulations. Performances in the first part of the competition included acts by champions of Shirva, Konkan Warriors, and Kodialchi Tharan.
Following the first round of the competition, a stage programme was held. The chief guest, Fr Micheal Menezes, along with guest Fr Andrew D’Souza, visiting priests for Our Lady of Rosary Church Qatar, MCC founder member and advisor Jerald D’Mello, advisor Rocky Fernandez, and president Naveen D’Souza joined the event on stage.
In his welcome address, president Naveen D’Souza extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, other dignitaries from Karnataka-based clubs, and all MCC members. He highlighted the significance of celebrating Monthi Fest as one big MCC family, emphasising the importance of upholding the rich culture and traditions that have been passed down through generations. He also elaborated on the reason behind hosting the inter-varado Konkani dance competition, pointing out that MCC has always been a platform for its members to showcase their talents, thus promoting the Konkani mother tongue.
Naveen also briefly introduced the MCCQ Charitable Trust and Jewels Doha, explaining their efforts in supporting the education of underprivileged students in Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses, as well as helping cancer patients regardless of caste or creed. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, participants, volunteers, and the main cook, Jyothi Pereira, who prepared the traditional ‘Novem Jevann’ at the residence of founder member Jerald D’Mello.
The president also recalled past events conducted by MCC and mentioned upcoming Konkani annual events in the future months.
Dignitaries from other Karnataka-based clubs and guest priests Fr Michael Menezes and Fr Andrew D’Souza were presented with roses and bouquets by MCC committee members.
Academic achievers who scored above 85% in the class 12th and 10th CBSE and other board exams and sports achievers for the academic year 2023-24 were recognised and honoured on stage. Joint secretary Vanessa Saldanha conducted the honouring ceremony.
The achievers were:
Class 12th:
Ashwell Ben D’Souza (89.2%) – S/o Aloysius and Merlyn D’Souza
Darrel Noel Saldanha (88.2%) – S/o Daniel and Diana Saldanha
Anika Rowena Quadros (87.6%) – D/o Sebastian and Asha Quadros
Class 10th:
Shayna Lourdes Concessao (96.8%) – D/o Edward and Bertha Concessao
Vanessa Clarie Fernandes (94.4%) – D/o Vincent and Nina Fernandes
Joswin Elton Pinto (93.6%) – S/o Lovelin and Eva Pinto
Crizelle Pearl Pinto (93.4%) – D/o Clarence and Zeena Pinto
Deann Jerald Menezes (93.2%) – D/o Jerald and Melicia Menezes
Michelle Loovis (90%) – D/o Micheal and Cynthiya Loovis
Duena Grace Saldanha (89.2%) – D/o Daniel and Diana Saldanha
Vivek Deon Sequeira (88%) – S/o Vinod and Kripa Sequeira
Alister Delvin D’Souza (88%) – S/o Prakash and Delita D’Souza
Sports and extra-curricular achievers:
Delwin Alben Fernandes – U13 Athletic Award, Gold in 200m and relay, Silver in Volleyball, Bronze in High jump, Fair play award
Ciana Vijay D’Souza – Gold medal for SOF International Mathematics Olympiad
Gladwin Furtado – First place in U-15 Javelin throw at Qatar Athletics Federation, and other school sports awards.
The Gurkars (leaders) of the eight varados were honored with mementos for their hard work and dedication in preparing their teams for the competition. The Gurkars were:
Champions of Shirva - Wilfred Pinto
Coastal Warriors - Derrick Crasta
Episcopal Warriors - Arnold D'Souza
Kodialchi Tharan - Mishal Lovely Lobo
Konkan Warriors - Ryan Renjar
United Bantwal - Melwin Fernandes
United Porbus Doha - Nishan D'Souza
Amche Udupi - Avinash D’Souza
Jyothi Pereira was also honoured with a memento for her contribution in preparing the delicious ‘Novem Jevann’ as the main cook.
Advisor Rocky Fernandez gave a brief history of MCC and how Monthi Fest was celebrated in the past, followed by a speech from chief guest Fr Micheal Menezes, who praised MCC’s efforts to bring the community together and preserve its culture and traditions. He also blessed the corn and the prepared food, after which the traditional Novem Roce was distributed to the audience by volunteers.
Fr Michael Menezes then released the MCC’s annual magazine ‘Sugandh’, issue No. 26, presented by Editor Savious Crasta, who expressed his gratitude to his editorial team and all those who contributed to the newsletter’s release.
Christy Lobo, facilities secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.
During the event, the trailer for Sandeep Malani's upcoming Konkani film "Mog Tuzo Kithlo Ashelom" was played.
The second half of the competition saw performances from Coastal Warriors, United Bantwal, United Porbus Doha, and Episcopal Warriors. The entertainment continued with a duet song by Gladson Pinto and Santosh D’Cunha, and a comedy act by Anil Cutinho, Clement Fernandes, and Naveen Dsouza.
The much-anticipated results of the inter-varado competition were announced:
Winners: United Porbus Doha
1st Runners Up: Coastal Warriors
2nd Runners Up: Konkan Warriors
The trophies were awarded by advisor and founder member Jerald D’Mello, Fr Micheal Menezes, president Naveen D'Souza, and vice-president Shameen Lewis. The event was a grand success with 112 participants showcasing their talents.
Earlier in the day, MCC volunteers gathered at founder member and advisor Jerald D’Mello’s house to cook the traditional ‘Novem Jevann’ under the guidance of main cook Jyothi Pereira. Advisor Ronald Saldanha and Vivian DSouza, Excom Christy Lobo, and other team members made all the necessary arrangements for the preparation of food. Lady volunteers prepared sannas at their homes. The sumptuous meal of seven vegetarian items was enjoyed by all, reflecting the motto ‘Yeya Yek Kutaam Bandiyan’.
The MCC extended its gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making the event a success, with nearly 700 people in attendance. Pictures and videos of the event were captured by Umesh and Jerald D'Souza and will be available soon on the MCC Qatar YouTube Channel and Facebook page.