Media Release
Dubai, Nov 29: The countdown has begun and a huge and attractive two-level stage is being set up on the open grounds of St Agnes Special School, Bendore, Mangaluru. St Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai committee members are all geared up for the spectacular mega show 'Grand Konkan Showers 2015' scheduled to be held on Sunday December 6, from 5.30 pm onwards. The ever popular '264th Wilfy Nite' will be the limelight on the day. Entry is free.
The main motto of this event is to support Mangaluru diocesan projects, mainly the 'Tanzania Same Mission', and to top up 'SMKC Education Trust Fund' established at Bishop's House and 'SMKC Health Care Fund' established at Capuchin House, St Anne's Friary, Mangaluru.
About 'Grand Konkan Showers 2015' Programme
Dr Aloysius D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru will be presiding over the mega show along with other dignitaries in town. The brass band at the venue will be welcoming an expected crowd of over 6,000 from 4.30 pm onwards.
Admission is free. The organizers have requested the audience to occupy seats by 5.30 pm.
WIlfy Nite troupe will enthrall and mesmerize the crowd with vibrant hit numbers such as 'Roopa Roopa, Nav humoogele Panduranga', 'Mangaluru Komblaee Ahmee', along with other new and peppy dance songs under the direction of Pappan/Joswin with 14 singers and 16 instrumentalists.
Slow waltz numbers ('Mog tuzo kithlo ashelom') and thumping Baila medley will follow at the end of the evening show with interactive participation from the crowd under the glittering skies of the night.
An attractive stage is being set up with the latest lighting technology and a sound system of 40,000 watts.
Ocean Kid dancers, finalists of 'India's Got Talent' will brighten up the stage with their scintillating dance performances. Standup comedy by 'MeMoRi' and Dolla will add to the evening's entertainment.
Bus transport will be arranged to various city points at the end of the show around 9.30 pm.
The entire show will be compered by popular host Leslie Rego, who has travelled globally along with the Wilfy Nite troupe. A felicitation ceremony will be conducted by the humorous C G Sequeira (C G S Taccode)
Win galore of gifts: Jet Airways international air ticket between UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) and India, watches, perfumes, electronic items, and gift hampers will be up for grabs in the raffle draw at the venue. Raffle draw tickets can be obtained from St Anne's Friary, major church compound and at the venue. All you need is to jot down your name / mobile and slip the raffle ticket through the box and you will be contacted if your name is drawn up as the lucky winner. All proceeds will go towards the above projected charity missions.
SMKC Awards
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of 'SMKC Prashasti 2015' by the bishop of Mangaluru to three eminent dignitaries of the Konkan world, who have contributed amply to the Konkani culture, literature and heritage through their philanthropy, brain and brawn. Indeed, while thanking other generous contributors, saluting other successful business people and Konkan artistes, SMKC Dubai core committee has chosen three Konkan Stars (Thaarey) for the award as they have joined hands with SMKC mission in a more brighter way over the past 15 years to 'wipe a tear and bring a smile' on many forlorn faces back home and in the United Arab Emirates.
Martin J Aranha
(MBA, London / Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London - FICS)
Managing director/CEO of Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, Dubai
Martin Aranha is managing overall shipping/liner/freight forwarding/logistics business at the major hub of Arabian Gulf with staff strength of 610. Martin has been in the shipping industry for over 40 years and carries extensive knowledge and experience of the industry. Prior to establishing Globelink West Star in 1989 (formerly known as West Star Shipping), he gained knowledge and experience in various sections of shipping with Gray, Mackenzie & Co Ltd, Dubai (presently known as Inchcape Shipping) since 1974 until 1987.
Martin is indeed a well-known business magnate in the Middle East and overseas with unrivalled achievements in the shipping world. Though he is very rarely seen in public or on the center stage, he has always backed the Konkani community in a big way. Be it a Konkani programme or a cricket match, Konkani drama or any other church project, his company name and logo is always there in the background. Gentle and unassuming in character, he has made sure that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given to the downtrodden and numerous charity causes. The devout and pious man has learned to give back to the society in different ways - whether it is a young man seeking his first job in his company or financial help or backing any charity causes. In spite of his global travels throughout the year, he has found time to devote to his family and church. He is married to Philomena Aranha, and has a son, two daughters, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
Over the years, Martin has carved a niche in the business world and family circle. Martin Aranha has backed the annual programmes of St Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai throughout these 15 years in a big way.
Joseph Mathias
Managing Director of Merit Freight Systems Co. LLC &Harbour Shipping Company (LLC)
Joseph Mathias too is a magnate in the line of shipping for clearing and forwarding goods from the UAE to Mangaluru and global destinations. He is a successful entrepreneur, talented singer, avid Konkani programme supporter, kind hearted philanthropist and a great human being. Joseph has staged seven 'Lancy Nites' in Dubai and Mangaluru along with Lancy Noronha.
Joseph Mathias started his career in a most humble way and today has risen to heights with his hard work, honesty and sincere dealings. He is managing the business along with his wife Flavia, who hails from Pangla. She has been a source of inspiration to him and strength to the 28 office staff members. This lovely couple has two daughters – Tisha and Tianna. He was born on May 1 and like St Joseph, been a sincere and honestworker and an ideal family man. He has never turned away anyone seeking for help and job seekers, association or institution have never hesitated to knock his office doors at any hour of the day. His belief is that 'when God has blessed me amply; let me give back a portion to the society'.
Joseph Mathias is another pillar of SMKC Dubai Association for their projects and ventures. Since its inception in the year 2001, he has come forward to be with SMKC Dubai and supported every Konkani or outdoor programs through his generosity.
Walter Nandalike
Founder Daijiworld group of media
Walter was one of the founder members of St Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai and served as entertainment secretary in the core group from 2001 – 2003. During his tenure, the late Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus and his troupe came to Dubai in 2003 to perform during 'Grand Konkan Showers 2003'. There was a record crowd of 3,000 at Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink and more than 800 people were turned back due to space constraint. None of the Konkani associations in Dubai and the Gulf had handled such a big crowd to date. He was the anchor for this show.
Walter is a well-known Konkani writer, and has anchored many shows successfully through wit and humour. His fearless journalism has made him a leading person in the media world. His website has provided support for needy medical and social causes. He has never hesitated to stand by truth and his ethics are outstanding. He is simple and down-to-earth in nature but bears a powerful charisma. His dynamism through web pen has reached the far ends of the earth. He is indeed to be applauded for being one among the first Konkan person to venture in the web world in year 2001 when many did not even knew the dynamics of this creation. Over the years he has ventured into print media with Daijiworld Weekly, television with Daijiworld 24x7 channel, and the latest, Daijiworld Audio Visual Studio.
He is happily married to Wilma who has supported him throughout his journey. The couple is blessed with two daughters and a son.
St Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai's 15th anniversary celebrations will be a promising and magical evening for all to witness. All are cordially invited to participate along with family and friends. Doors open at 4.30 pm and entry is free. Seating will be on first-come-first-served basis.
Daijiworld.com will be webcasting the mega show globally. So tune in if you are unable to attend the spectacular show.