Kuwait: KCWA Celebrates 'Korodacho Kurov'
By Wilson& Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/ Kuwait
Kuwait, Aug 26: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) held its mega event "Korodacho Kurov" on Friday, August in the Masra Hawally auditorium under the presidentship of Steven Machado.
Kuwait Canara Welfare Association, formed in 1988 by Francis Misquith, Johny Misquith, Charles Vas and Elias Saldanha with a core aim of charity has now grown into a well-established group of more than 1000 registered expatriate members in Kuwait.
KCWA has completed 18 glorious years of community service and achieved a great milestone this year of crossing over Rs one crore in generous charity to the needy children in pursuit of their education, regardless of religion, caste and creed.
KCWA has also contributed generously towards other humanitarian causes in India and Kuwait.
The programme commenced with Lancy Rodrigues and Rudy welcoming the guests, former presidents and others. While Johny Suratkal's demise was mourned, it was pointed out as sad twist of fate, it was in fact founder member Johny's idea to hold a programme of this kind on August 25. A minute's silence was observed in Johny's memory. The president and members of the executive committee wore badges with a black bow, as a mark of mourning for Johny' death.
A welcome song written specially for this event by Lancy Rodrigues marked the beginning of a string of events. President Steven Machado, in his welcome address,stressed that it was for the first time in the history of KCWA that so many distinguished guests were present and thanked all of them for their continued support and encouragement.
Secretary Rinna D`Souza briefed the audience on the activities of KCWA, detailing the donations made by KCWA from the past 18 years which have crossed a crore-rupee milestone.
Administrative Reforms Commission chairman and former Karnataka chief minister Veerappa Moily, who is on a visit to Kuwait with wife Malati, was the chief guest. They were escorted to the dais along with the Bishop of Kuwait. A souvenir was released by Moily to mark the occasion.
Rudy took over the charge of compering the event of felicitating the donors, sponsors, past presidents, managing committee members and all well-wishers for their rich contribution towards the noble cause of KCWA, which made it possible to achieve the landmark.
Former KCWA president Maxim D`Mello, who had flown all the way from Canada to be part of this event, spoke on behalf of all behalf of all former presidents and Charles D`Sa on behalf of all regular donors of KCWA events.
Felix D`Souza of Rathath Establishment, spoke on behalf of sponsors of the event and handed over a cheque of Rs 1 lac on his personal behalf in order to encourage KCWA to continue their good work, so that another 'Korodacho`s Kurov' could be achieved in another 18 months' time.
The highlight of the evening was performance by well-known composer and singer Mike Simon, who flew all the way from Mangalore for the show. Mike Simon is a popular figure in Kuwait as he was a resident of Kuwait before the invasion in 1990. His first music album had been released while he was in Kuwait.
Leading singers of Kuwait Rony D'Cunha, Joyline, Lolita, Allen, Muriel, Thelma, Cynthia, Rita D'Souza, Jossy D'Cunha along with the visiting artiste Mike Simon entertained the audience with their melodious songs. Besides lively Konkani songs, leading dance groups of Kuwait, Jovas XLNC for Dance and Ocean Kids presented various dance performances.
Local artistes Anil, Nithin, Sunny, Vally, MasterJaison, Lancy Rodrigues, David and Rudy presented hilarious skits. Lancy and Rudy did an excellent job in compering the programme.
Felix Lobo of Meta coats - Qatar, a greatsupporter of KCWA, who had arrived from Doha, Mike Simon and Fr Melwyn were honoured on the occasion.
Those who had secured largest amounts of advertisements were appreciated with bouquets. Joel D`souza, Vannette D`Silva and Walter Noronha won the prizes for the best title "Korodacho Kurov". The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks by Lancy and a short rib-ticking skit by Vally, Anil and Nithin.
Anand D'Souza did an excellent job with the lighting, sound and illuminations and Vally Sanctis with the projector slide show. The professional stage setting was executed by David D`Souza which gave a new look to the whole programme. music was provided by Melwyn Lobo and group while Kiran Gonsalves provided the sequence music.
The last song "Mhojea Mogachem Hem git" (Lavina) sung by Mike Simon and Rony D'Cunha was appreciated by all. The public demand for an encore was complied with.
The last part of the programme was a condolence prayer for Johny, led by Fr Melwyn.
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