Media Release
Doha, Sep 22: Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) - Qatar celebrated Monti Fest with great splendor and grandeur on September 8 at the Ashoka Hall, ICC Doha. The programme began with MCA anthem. The evening began with introduction and welcoming the gathering by emcee Nelvita Noronha. It was the first time in the history of MCA Qatar the Monthi Fest was celebrated on the same day of the feast.
A Konkani hymn in honor of Mother Mary, sung by MCA Rachel Helma Fernandes, Reuben Harsh Fernandes, Sanuel Jayden Dsouza, Raynel Aaron D’Souza, Ciara Meghan Fernandes, Jeston Sandeep Noronha, Aldon Cutinha, Sweedal, Seon, Raizel Lasrado, Keith Fernandes and Karen Fernandes, marked an apt opening to the evening programme.
Fr Michael Menezes, visiting priest to Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Qatar was chief guest of the evening. He blessed the Novem which was thereafter distributed in the gathering. Fr Michale Menezes and MCA advisory member Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto and past president Aloysius D’Souza were escorted to the stage by president Gladson Almeida and vice president Jovita Pereira D’Souza for a short stage programme.
President, Gladson Almeida welcomed the gathering and delivered the keynote address. Thereafter MCA honored academic excellence achievers in the year 2023-24 with plaque and certificates as an encouragement and appreciation to them along with their parents.
Advisory member, Felix Lobo addressed the gathering and gave his wishes to the members of MCA. Fr Michael Menezes addressed the gathering and appreciated MCA’s efforts in organizing Monthi fest in a distant land with so much exuberance. As a token of appreciation, all the participants of the cultural programmes were presented with mementoes by the dignitaries on the stage.
After the stage programme was over, president Gladson Almeida announced the much-anticipated managing committee for the term 2024-2026 in his own unique style. Following is the MCA executive committee for the year 2024-26:
President – Gladson Almeida
Vice President – Jovita Pereira-DSouza
General Secretary – Carol DSouza
Joint Gen Sec – Melita Lobo
Treasurer – Shalini Mendonca
Cultural Secretary – Wilson Mendonca
Joint Cultural Secretary- Agnel Ullas DSouza
Public Relations Officer – Sandeep Noronha
Dep Public Relations Officer – Anna Pais
Sports Secretary - Dorothy Quadros
Membership Coordinators – Hema Fernandes and Merlyn DSouza
Facilities and Volunteers Coordinator – George Menezes
CSR / ASR Coordinator – Della Rego
Committee Member – Veronica Baretto
Committee Member – Nelvita Noronha
Committee Member – Derrick Crasta
Committee Member – Freeda Lobo
Committee Member – Anil Fernandes
Carol D’Souza, general secretary proposed a vote of thanks. A short cultural programme was held to entertain the audience. The cultural event included Konkani medley song by children Rachel Helma Fernandes, Reuben Harsh Fernandes, Sanuel Jayden D’Souza, Raynel Aaron D’Souza, Ciara Meghan Fernandes, Jeston Sandeep Noronha, Aldon Cutinha and Raizel Lasrado, a duet dance by Chloe D’Souza and Vania Vas, a Konkani duet by Santhosh D’Cunha and Wilson Mendonca and a rib-tickling skit by Amit Mathais and Anil Fernandes.
Some rapid spot games were conducted to the audience and winners were awarded with gifts.
Nelvita Noronha compered the entire programme in her inimitable style and won the hearts of many.
The evening came to an end with the traditional delicious “Novem Jevann”. Nearly 250 MCA family members partook in the festal celebration strengthening bonds of unity and MCA family.