Report by Jovita Pereira D’Souza
Pictures by Rupert Lobo

Doha, Sep 15 : Mangalore Cultural Association - Qatar celebrated Monti Fest with great pomp and glory on September 12, 2013 at the Indian Cultural Centre Doha. This is the sixth year of this pompous celebration.

The chief guest of the program was Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino Spiritual director of Konkani Speaking Community of the Church of the Holy Rosary Qatar.

The program began with MCA's theme song followed by a prayer lead by Mrs. Hema Fernandes. The blessed corn (Noven) was served to all present. The chief guest and the Advisory Members, Mr. Felix Lobo and Mr. Wilfred Fernandes were escorted to the stage by President, Arthur Pais and Vice President Jason Quadros for a short stage program.
Arthur Pais welcomed the gathering. He updated on the Associations service rendered to the poorest of the poor back home and also the planned programs for this year. He said that MCA was born for purpose of assisting the needy back home and for keeping live our mother tongue and our Culture in this part of the world. MCA has been successful in both these objectives of theirs. Further he announced that on the occasion of completing 5 glorious years an award has been instituted through which prominent Konkani artists will be honored in Qatar. The details of this award will be released soon to the media.

The Annual event will be the Konkani Play “Ami Nathllya Vellar” performed by the daiji Rangmandir artisites from Dubai on 25th October 2013 at the Regency Halls Qatar. A Voice workshop for Singers will be conducted in November.

Felix Lobo gave a brief on the Monti Fest and how it was started in Mangalore. He also spoke about the Associations work and assured the people that each Riyal that was contributed towards the Associations projects will not be wasted and will be used only for the good cause of assisting the poorest of the poor in their Education, Medical Aid and other basic needs. In these 5 years already an amount of Indian Rupees 36 Lakhs has been sent to the needy for all the above purposes. This is MCA’s first priority.

Students from MCA family who have excelled in the board exam conducted for the academic year 2012-2013 were honored along with their parents by Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino.

Ms.  ALITA SHAALAN LOBO ; D/O PRECILLA LEENA LOBO & JOHN HERALD LOBO; Student of MES School – 96% in STD X.

Mr. DYLAN ALASTER D’SOUZA; S/O IDA D’SOUZA & ARTHER DUGLAS D’SOUZA; Student of IDEAL INDIAN SCHOOL – 90% in STD X.

Mr. BRESLY SANTHAN DANTHY; S/O GRACY SANTAN DANTHY and SANTAN LIGORY DANTHY; Student of IDEAL INDIAN SCHOOL- 86% in  STD X

Ms. HAZEL HENRY TELLIS; D/O ZITA HENRY TELLIS & HENRY SYLVESTER TELLIS; Student of Birla Public School -86% in  STD X.

Mr. VIOLA ANGELA PEREIRA; D/O  MARIA CARMELEETA PEREIRA & RICHARD PEREIRA; Student of MES School – 78% in STD X11, SCIENCE Stream.

Speaking on this occasion Rev. Fr. Anand, praised MCA for their good work in supporting the poorest of the poor . He mentioned the difference between the poor and the poorest of the poor and how important it is to help those people. He also spoke about the importance of Monti Fest and Mother Mary in our life and also narrated some of the incidents oh his childhood days during the Monti fest Novenas

A few cultural programs were put up by the members. A group song, "Novens Jeevan" was sung by Jovita Pereira-D'Souza, Nina Fernandes, Alphonse D'Silva, Vincent Fernandes & Rupert Lobo. Arvin Pais sang another beautiful number named 'Ye Pati tun lanponna'. One of Qatar's talented copule, Navin and Preema Pinto sang a peppy number, 'Mujhe Kaliz tuka, Tuje kaliz maka'. 'Ek sali, theg chale', was beautifully sung and enacted by Nina Fernandes, Rupert Lobo,Alphonse D'Silva and Vincent Fernandes,. Three comedy skits were put up by Anil Cutinha, Aloysius D'Souza, Walter Pinto, Sandeep Noronha, Wilson Mendonca and Marlyn D'Souza and all of them had the audience in tickles and giggles.

All the songs were composed by Late Wilfy Rebimbus and the tracks for the songs were sent by Mr. Joswin Pinto from Mangalore. Mr. Kirthan Rodrigues played the background music for the skits. Several Spot games were conducted and prizes were distributed by Mr. Wilfred Fernandes.

Clement Saldanha, placed the vote of thanks and Sandeep Noronha recited the grace before meals. The overall program was compared by Mr. Sandeep Noronha and Jovita Pereira-D'Souza.

The sumptuous and delicious traditional food was enjoyed by all.

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