UAE: St Anne’s Kutam Thottam (Sakat) Formed
by Sujay Bendur - Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Feb 24: After a long wait, finally the much-awaited day in the lives of the parishioners of St Anne’s Church Thottam, currently residing in the UAE, dawned on February 23, 2007.
All prominent persons from the Thottam parish residing in different parts of the UAE came together with a common goal to form the "St. Anne’s Kutam Thottam “ to help the Thottam parishioners residing in the UAE and the parish back home.
Members of this newly formed association gathered in Winny’s Restaurant Karama to elect the office-bearers for their first committee. Clarence Fernandes, popularly known as Nanu Marol Thottam, welcomed the gathering. Melwyn D'Souza led a prayer.
After the prayer, senior members of "St Anne’s Kutam Thottam", hereafter referred to as “ SAKATH “, Alfred D Souza, Clifford D Souza and Frank Fernandes shared the dais.
Kelwyn D Souza read a brief report about the activities of “ Sakat”. He briefed the gathering about the first meeting held on December 8 and thanked Clifford D Souza who was instrumental to forming “ SAKATH” .
Nanu Marol in his speech explained why it was necessary to form “ SAKATH” and how it was possible for this brainchild of Clifford D Souza and other like-minded people to become a reality. He further stressed while coming to the Middle East to earn more money, the identity and the sense of belonging back home was being forgotten. He also mentioned about the various central and state government examination which the community's children should take up instead of going out of the country without attaining full education.
Senior member of “ SAKATH “ and a familiar figure in UAE’s Konkani community, Frank Fernandes, addressed the audience .He emphasized the importance of hard work. Further he informed about the new projects which were coming up in Mangalore and the amount of large investment done the Mangalorean community.He igave a call to the youth to make good use of these opportunities.
After the brief stage programme, election for the new committee was held and the following office-bearers were unanimously elected :
President - Kelvin D'Souza.
Vice President - Terrance Furtado
Secretary - Precilla D'Souza
Joint Secretary - Sunil D'Souza
Treasury - Frank Fernandes
Joint Treasury - Charishma D'Souza
Sports Coordinator - Melwin D'Souza and Wilma D'Souza
Events Coordinators - Clarence Fernandes and Glen Vaz
PRO - Alfred D'Souza
Patrons of “SAKATH”, Melwin D'Souza, Sunil D'Souza, Alfred D'Souza, Ashwin D'Souza, Kelvin D'Souza, William Fernandes, William Rodrigues, Clifford D'Souza, Frank Fernandes, Clarence Fernandes, Ronald Almeida, Rollin D'Souza and Precilla D'Souza were called on stage and honoured with bouquets.
Lunch was Served by Winny’s Restaurant and the entire event was sponsored by Franck Fernandes. Fr Louis D’Sa, parish priest of St Anne’s Church, Thottam, spoke over telephone from back home and conveyed his and all parishioners best wishes and also blessed “ SAKATH”.
Nanu Marol proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked specially Walter Nandalike for his revolutionary work to the community and the support extended by him and his team to SAKATH which was applauded by each member present.
The programme was compered by Nanu Marol Thottam.