Doha : Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Completes Glorious 20 Years


Gladson D’Almeida / Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, May 16: Mangaloreans are a rare breed indeed. Today Mangaloreans do not only refer to those who are born and brought up in Mangalore and around. The people living across the length and breadth of undivided Dakshina Kannada are broadly termed Mangaloreans. There might be various geographical, cultural and linguistic reasons for this. But what unites people from Byndoor to Kasargod under one umbrella is their quality to bloom where they are planted.

For years together migration in search of greener pastures has been part and parcel of Mangaloreans irrespective of their religion and language. While initially it was erstwhile Bombay (more Mangaloreans migrated to Bombay than Mumbai perhaps) that beckoned us, the lure of big wallet steadily but surely paved way for us to land abroad. But be it GCC and Middle-East, US, Europe or even Australia, New Zealand, we have not only acclimatised ourselves to the local customs and culture but have also made efforts to preserve and nourish our own roots. While ‘Be a Roman while in Rome’ has been our mantra for survival, the love, affection, and bond with our native culture, traditions and language have hardly been sidelined.



MCC Doha President - Richard Dsouza




This is the reason perhaps why we have numerous associations founded and run by Mangaloreans wherever they are. These associations not only are identity of us Mangaloreans but are also cause and reason behind our unity.

One such association which has not only become identity of Mangaloreans but has also played its role in preserving, promoting and enhancing the culture, language and traditions of Mangaloreans in the State of Qatar, the jewel of the Arab world is the Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC). The MCC which was the dream baby of a few like-minded people, who were working and living in Qatar, has completed glorious 20 years of existence in Qatar.

Founded in 1992 by a few bachelors Mangalore Cricket Club today has grown up into a big family. The MCC is the first club from Karnataka to get the affiliation from the Indian Embassy in Qatar. Inspired by the work, activities and exuberance of MCC, today many more associations have come up in Qatar.

Initially it was decided to name the club as ‘Mangalore Catholic Association, Qatar’. But as was the situation then in Qatar, the laws of the country prevented them from doing so.   But this hindrance right at the beginning did not dither the committed youngsters. They did not want to lose their identity of being Mangaloreans and at the same time did not either want to do something against the law of the land. Finally they arrived at the conclusion to register the association as a sports club and thus Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) came into existence legally.












While the beginning was humble, the journey thereafter has been nothing short of being termed spectacular. Over the years MCC has grown from strength to strength, from a handful of good-hearted people to the current registered membership of around 400 (both families and individuals). Today, MCC takes pride in itself for being one of the oldest and most dynamic socio-cultural clubs not only in Qatar but also in the entire Gulf region and is very popular throughout the world for its many activities.

The MCC founders and their pals did not want to stop their work by just registering MCC. They made it a point to meet at 11 am on every Friday in a small rented room occupied by this group of bachelors. Talented, organized and dedicated Lawrence Vas soon chosen to be the first president of MCC and he led the just-born association admirably well for two years.  

A game of cricket followed by lunch perhaps was the agenda for initial MCC gatherings. But one could experience the camaraderie and Mangalorean hospitality during these week-ends.  It was a matter of great satisfaction as every member made it a point to attend the weekly meetings despite various hardships. Later as MCC grew more and more people joined, the activities of MCC too widened with ample occasions and events to celebrate Monti fest, Easter and Christmas. One such celebration which was the brainchild of some of the senior members of MCC and which is very much part of MCC’s identity today is the celebration of the Feast of Nativity (Monti Fest with NovemJevann).  Today MCC’s Novem Jevann wherein members come together and cook delicious Mangalorean food for the entire gathering is one of the eagerly-awaited annual celebrations in Qatar.

Today MCC’s gamut of service and events has widened considerably. While the Club has been conducting the annual Talents competitions such as singing, dancing, fancy dress, drawing, public speaking, it is also playing vital role in the activities of Konkani Speaking Community of Qatar. But right from the beginning one particular aspect of MCC has not changed even a bit. Yes! It is its mission of reaching out and helping the needy both in Qatar and back in the native. While financial help to various causes has been the hallmark, the Club has also been in the forefront of various activities such as blood donation camps, participation in Qatar government’s drive ‘Keep Qatar Clean’ etc.
The success story of MCC over the years can be attributed to the fine leadership of its successive presidents and the various committees. 

Much credit for the success goes to Felix Lobo, a disciplinarian; It was his tenure which laid a foundation for MCC. Vivian D’Souza followed suit and during his tenure of nearly one and a half years managed to bring many a persons under the MCC umbrella and took it to a higher level.  The presidents who followed through democratic elections with terms of two years were Richard D’Souza, a famed Toast-Master known for his leadership and mentoring qualities and innovative ideas. He brought about more transparency and professionalism to the Club.  Norbert Corda who took over the reins later gave a new dimension to the sharing and caring aspect of the MCC.  Alwyn D’Souza who was at the helm after Norbert brought in the human touch, with the induction of 35 member ‘Jumbo Committee’ and reaching out to all Mangaloreans in Qatar to unite under the MCC banner of ‘Yeya Ek Kutam Bandiam’. At present Richard D’Souza is serving his second stint as the president and as before has not only seen that all good works of the past presidents and executive committees are carried on but has made his tenure eventful by initiating various new aspects of leadership and organization.






















Novem Jevann is not the only annual celebration that MCC can boast off. The annual ThrowballThrow ball Championship for women introduced in 2001 is easily one of the most popular sports events among the Indian expatriates in Qatar. The presence of hundreds of people during these matches is proof of its popularity. Along with this a volleyball championship for men too  was introduced  in 2009. On the cultural front MCC is being conducting various competitions through its annual Talents competitions wherein Mangalorean children and elders are given ample opportunities to bring out and exhibit their talents and are given chances for various programs like nativity, Mangalorean day and for Annual Meeting get-together. The annual cultural, sports and food festival Mangalorean Day is another feather in MCC’s glittering feather. Along with this the annual mega shows wherein professional and well-known artists are flown in from Mangalore, Mumbai and other places perform and give a home-feel to the Mangaloreans spread across Qatar.

To promote unity and familiarity among the members annual picnics during Eid holidays are held. Mangaloreans who have carved out stupendous achievements have been invited and honoured and local academic and sports achievers are also honoured every year  andyear and takes the pride in honouring all Mangaloreans serving the community in the form of catechists. ushers, social service, etc.  It has successfully conducted Drama workshop for the benefit of members, organized Medical talks, celebrated Women’s day and organized children’s Christmas party.

MCC also gives opportunity to its budding artists and writers to share their works in their annual release of newsletter “Sugandh” and has its own website. But as said before the important aspect of MCC is it helping hand which has reached out to numerous needy individuals, old age home, orphanages in Mangalore while help has been extended to Qatar Red Crescent activities, Bihar flood relief fund etc.

As MCC is completing 20 fruitful and successful of its existence, it would not be an exaggeration to state that MCC has been Mangaloreans’ identity in Qatar. It is in and through MCC that Mangalorean expats in Qatar have discovered their own identity, spotted their talents, exhibited them for the good of the community. MCC is a perfect ‘home away from home’ wherein everyone is duly reached out, taken care and made feel at home.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Anil Pinto, mlore / Qatar

    Sat, May 19 2012

    Hi Manoj since when you are in Qatar.But I am here since 23 years we never met each other.I think you are hiding some corner of Qatar and ALL of sudden you out Congrats.We will meet on 25

    DisAgree [7] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manoj, Mangalore,Qatar

    Sat, May 19 2012

    Congratulations to MCC on completing Glorious 20 years of service in Doha, Qatar. The credit for the success definitely goes to Mr. Felix Lobo, a disciplinarian, visionary, born leader, lover of Konkani language and culture who led the team almost 11 to 12 years out of 20 years. In his tenure the activities like Monthi Fest, Throw ball are introduced to the public. Later all the successive presidents followed and brought the MCC to a new height. We wish all the best to MCC for the future endeavors.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • CGS, Mangalore

    Fri, May 18 2012

    Congratulations and Best wishes to
    MCC Qatar on completing 20 glorious
    and fruitful years in the service of Canara Konkani Catholic Community in Doha,Qatar.Mr.Felix Lobo,a man of vision and mission
    was responsible for MCC's strong base and presence among other communities in Doha.His family stood behind him in taking care of MCC in every respect.Mr.Felix Lobo is not only a leader but also an ardent lover of Konkani language and culture.And he was instrumental in introducing many Konkani artistes,singers and musicians in Doha. Later, leaders like Mr. Vivian D'Souza,Mr. Norbert Corda, Mr.Richard D'Souza, and their teams have played a major role in all round development of MCC. Once
    again Cheers and Good Luck to MCC Family!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Michael Rodrigues, Doha, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2012

    Yes indeed a great achievement for MCC, most of us need to remember that without the genuine generosity and immense contribution of Mr. Felix Lobo and his family this would not have happened. Mr and Mrs Felix Lobo were the backbone of MCC for several years, they have proved it in words, deeds and actions. They deserved to be honored on this occasion.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rocky Cutinha, Mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2012

    Congratulations Mangalore cricket club for completing 20 years. on this occassion I would like to give credit to one person and the most deserved person among all is Mr. Felix Lobo due to his dedication, commitment towards our culture and society has built this family in Qatar. The second person is Mr. Jerry Demello he has been with this family during its low or high time. wishing you all good. keep it up

    DisAgree [2] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • chida, doha, Qatar

    Thu, May 17 2012

    Well done but pls dont forget MR.Felex Lobo.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • samuel, mangalore

    Thu, May 17 2012

    Nice to see Arthur Pais with veena remimbus

    DisAgree [14] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Della Rego, Mangalore, Qatar

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Congratulations to MCC for completing and celebrating its 20th Birthday! At this time wishing each and everyone who is associated with MCC best of luck. My wish is that the club may celebrate many many more years with the unconditional good works to the community and society be it is humanitarian act, helping the needy, sports, entertainment, competitions, organizing mega events and giving opportunity to the guest for honors etc etc as all other good and recognized things are in the report. May Almighty Lord shower his blessings on this club, members/family and the people who are working to make this club stronger and stronger. Good luck for final Soad-3. Excellent report and pics from Gladson and Alexis. As usual their work is superb and the time they spent for media coverage is worth praising. Keep it up !!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Photo 9
    The 'KIDDOS' song must have been a 'smash hit' of the programme..it usually is the case!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • VINOD WILFRED TAURO, MADANTHYAR,DUBAI

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Congratulations MCC on completing glorius 20years.Richard you have taken a lead,time,dedication for MCC as a service to the society and culture. I wish you good luck to MCC in the coming years.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Apolinaris D'Souza, Valencia/Muscat

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Congratulations MCC Doha - Qatar - Richie & his entire team - for accomplishing 20 glorius years. All the very best in coming years & ofcourse All the very best for the forthcoming SOAD-3 International Finals.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric Mendonca, Kuwait

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Congrats Mangalore Cricket Club on completing 20 glorious years

    DisAgree [11] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith Dsouza, Mangalore

    Wed, May 16 2012

    Congrats MCC, president Richard and all members. All the best to your upcoming mega event Soad

    DisAgree [14] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse


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