Report by Ida Pinto
Photographs : J. P. Mascarenhas
Daijiworld News Network - Muscat
Muscat, Aug 25: It was, as majority of the audience delightfully commented, one of the best Konkani programs presented by the Mangalorean community in Muscat in recent times. From the start to the end, as everybody attended felt, the program was carefully planned and diligently presented. Mangalorean mother tongue, Konkani, was highly exalted in a perfect exhibition of talents and new concepts of stage show under the leadership of Clarence Kaikamba, well known Konkani poet and short story writer and present main coordinator Cultural Committee.
It was a grand and entertaining cultural program presented by the members of the Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish – MCCP (Under the patronage of Sts Peter and Paul Church – Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman) at the Sts Peter and Paul Church Main Hall.
As announced earlier, program commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass in Konkani. Muscat Mangaloreans gathered at 10.30 am in the Main Parish hall with gentle but glorious smiles on their faces. Hot summer climate was not hindering their enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in this joyful function. Our own Mangalorean priest Father Albert D’ Silva was the main celebrant and Father George Vadukkut was the co-celebrant. The choir offered beautiful and melodious hymns under the leadership of Herald Rasquinha, renowned musician of the Muscat.
After the mass, the Cultural program started with the traditional MCCP song ‘Bhurgim tujim Konkanachim Mangluranthlim’. The whole program was divided into two parts – one : very formal ceremony of honoring the Executive Committee and second : entertainment with variety cultural events.
After the prayers by Fr Albert D’ Silva invoking Almighty’s blessings, Suraj Rebello, the main coordinator for Sports and Finance committees welcomed the gathering. Suraj thanked all the members of the community for their support and cooperation ..
Chief guests of the program were Father Chacko Mannisseril, Fr. George Vadukkut and Fr. Albert D’ Silva. Traditional lamp – ‘Ponti” was lit by the chief guests. The wholehearted support and spiritual guidance rendered by all the beloved parish priests to the Mangalorean Community was remembered. As a token of love and appreciation, Reya Menezes, Aldin D Souza and Priyanka Mendonca presented the chief guests floral bouquets.
Fr Albert’s birthday has been a very special occasion for Mangaloreans in Muscat. Special birthday song in Konkani was composed by renowned Konkani musician and composer Apolinaris Souza. It was joyfully presented by Noel, Larissa, Claudia, Brantin, Dean, Gieselle, Martina, Vrinali, Dale, Alston and Saurav. Meval Dantis supported with beautiful music. Monica Dantis, Hilda Rasquinha and Shalet Noronha had trained the children.
Brief ceremony was held to express appreciation to the previous executive committee.
“ Do Re Me Fa – Vollke Granth” written by Gerry D Mello, well known poet and Konkani activist was released by the chief guests. On this occasion, one of the sponsors of the book, Raphael D Souza was also present on the stage with his family.
The new Executive Committee was introduced to the audience. Chief guest of the event, Fr. Chacko Mannisseril spoke and highlighted the Mangalorean spirit in the parish. Clarence Kaikamba anchored the program.
Then, the MCCP meritorious students of Std X and XII, Commerce, Humanities and Science streams of the last academic year were honored. Haristh Aaron D’ Mello outstanding student of Standard X of last academic year with above 94% marks and Sharon Tauro won in XII standard category. Both of them were given a scholarship amount, appreciation certificates and gifts.
Cultural and Entertainment program was filled with lots of surprises, highlighting the theme of this year – Amchim Bhurgim Amchim Bhas.
Huttu Kuruda - Beautiful heart rending skit replicating Jesus miracle of giving sight to the blind man was a marvelous presentation. It was a concept created and planned by Monica Dantis and presented by Harold Rasquinha, A L Monis, Shalet Noronha, John Lobo and Denis Mascarenhas. This skit was directed by A. L. Monis and Shalet Noronha and supported by Hilda Rasquinha.
Highlights of the program was a dance, Kon Gai, choreographed by Amanda Pinto, one of the youngest choreographer of the community. She was supported in the dance by Steffi Suvares, Amanda Lobo and Beverley Quadros. Shantanam dance directed by Nirmala Goveas and Moly Pinto was also greatly appreciated by the audience. It was presented by Melissa, Glanet, Ruwina, Roshini, Freya, Tanya, Linyl Castelino and Glanston Castelino
Amchea Bapa dance was presented by Austin Barboza, Stephen Serrao, Lancy Goveas And Ronald Menezes. Concept and support for this item was given by Dilip Correa
Walter Pinto, Walter Mendonca and A L Monis, Anil D Souza, Edward and Salvadore presented rib tickling comedy skits entertaining the whole crowd. Young and talented musician of our community Meval Dantis had supported them with music.
Noel, Bertil, Tanya, Melissa, Larissa, Dean, Royston, Rellista, Johna, Josyal, Denzil, Brantin, Caroline, Ashwini were the anchors for cultural program.
Stage was artistically decorated by Michael Lobo and stage management was controlled by Stany Soares. Hall management was controlled by Ajay Barboza and Flavia D Souza. Sound management was done by Stanley Fernandes.
Cultural Program Coordinator, Dilip Correa presented programs forthcoming year and Nirmala Goveas proposed vote of thanks.
Program concluded with sumptuous lunch prepared by Mother’s Kitchen.
It was a program of multi-talents gathered at one stage exhibiting one theme – Amchim Bhurgim ani Amchi Bhas. A great appreciation should go to all the members of the communities worked hard to bring this scintillating event to the stage.
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