Kuwait: KCWA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Report & pics by Wilson & Priya Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait
Kuwait, Oct 14: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), the first Mangalorean Catholic association in Kuwait on the threshold of completing 20 Glorious years of its existence in 2008, celebrated the inauguration of its 20th anniversary under the presidentship of Jossy Pinto Nantoor with twin programs on 12th and 13th October at the Indian Community School (Senior) Auditorium, Salmiya. It is highly appreciable that KCWA has strived hard to achieve its basic motto of ‘Educating Poor Children’ back home, had collected Rupee 1 crore last year which crossed the mark of Rupee1.30 crore this year.
As a part of celebration, KCWA arranged a Family get-together for the members on Friday 12th October 07 at 6:30 pm. The program started with grand march fast to the dais with 20 balloons marking 20 years of its existence by KCWA committee members. The main sponsor of the event Charles D’Souza (Bassem International Trading Co) and one of the co-sponsors Felix D’Sa (Al Rathath Est) joined them on the dais. After the welcome by President Jossy Pinto Nantoor, Balloons were released with the loud applause from the audience. The well arranged program included a whole evening of non-stop entertainment, live & DJ music, dance, games for all ages conducted by Roshan, gifts galore and sumptuous dinner buffet by Oriental Restaurants & snacks. The program of the evening was well compered by Steven Machado.
The second day was celebrated with ‘Sumadhur Saanz 2007’ (melodious evening) on Saturday 13th October 07 at 6:00 pm. The program started with general welcome by Anil Fernandes & Roshan D'silva followed by Welcome Speech by President Jossy Pinto Nantoor.
A relaxing evening was well entertaining which included sensational singing performances by local singing talents Ronnie D' Cunha, Lancy Rodrigues, Allen Pinto, Lolita Rodrigues, Rita D' Souza, Godwin Lewis, Andrew, Muriel Mascarenhas, Dillon Noronha, Joyline Gonsalves, Jovita Fernandes,Godwin Lewis & Thelma D'souza. The highlight of the evening was guest artiste Maxim Pereira (Angelore / Dubai) who rendered his golden voice to the audience with superhit songs like “Manglur Shera”, “Manasa”, “Daryacha Thadir” & “”Maina”. Hilarious rib tickling jokes were performed by well known local artistes Stevan Machado, Lucy Aranha, Anil Menezes, Hadlee D'Souza, Sunny Menezes & Rudy D'Souza.
The ‘Chalthe Chalthe’ sung by Ronnie D’Cunha was sung again by the public demand and enjoyed well. This clearly indicates that even for Konkani programs, some old Hindi hits gives more charm as they are evergreen forever.
Fr. Cyril Pinto of Vamanjoor felicitated the sponsors of the event. During this show the first Johny Surathkal Memorial Arts Awards were presented to Muriel Mascarenhas, Dillon Noronha and Lolita Merline Rodrigues. Singer Maxim Pereira, Musician Salvador Lobo, Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academi award winner Carol Martis were honored for their contribution to Konkani. Valley Quadras was remembered at this time as he was not present for the function. Rudy D’Souza conducted the felicitation program.
The Event was well compered by Anil Fernandes & Roshan D'Silva. The live music was provided by Scorpions. The words of gratitude were expressed by Tressy Cutinho. The program came to an end with grand buffet dinner by Delhi Darbar a part of Spinney’s Confectionery and Cannes Pastries. The evening's proceeds were dedicated to Bidar, the Mission Station of Gulbarga Diocese (formerly adopted by Mangalore), to facilitate education for poor children.
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