Doha: Alwyn D'Souza Elected President of Mangalore Cricket Club
Richard D Souza, Public Relations -MCC Qatar  

Doha,Jun 7: The Mangalore Cricket Club, Qatar, popularly known as ‘MCC Qatar’ conducted its annual General Body Meeting on Friday, 6th June 2008 at 11.00 a,m. at the Ashoka Hall of  Indian Cultural Centre, Doha and was attended by 250 members and their families.

The Day started with a thanks giving mass in Konkani at the Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Doha, concelebrated by Fr Gaspar Fernandes and the guest priest from Udupi Fr.Mathew Vaz. 

The program started with a prayer by Charlotte D’Souza, the Joint Secretary.

The detailed reports of various activities of the club during the year ending June 2008 were tabled as follows:
 ‘Cultural Report’ was read by Cultural Secretary Alwyn D’ Souza. Specially mentioned in this report were the Mega program ‘Konkan Sambhram 2008’  that brought together a galaxy of 12 legendary Konkani composers, singers, musicians and comedians from Mangalore and Mumbai on a single stage, which created history in the field of Manglaorean Konkani Cultural scene  throughout Gulf region, the annual Monti Fest Celebrations for which the members came together to cook special Mangalorean Noven Jevan for 750 people and the 4th annual Talent Search Competitions conducted on 23 and 30 May   2008.

The ‘Finance Report’ by Joint General Secretary Riana Pinto, in the absence of Treasurer Ronald Saldanha, The members were delighted to know that a good deal of  the money that was generated through various programs  has been given to charity and to the needy.

The ‘Sports Report’ was read by Sports Secretary Cyril D Souza. Of special mention was the 6th  Annual Ladies Throw Ball Tournament held in September  2007 which was a run-away success with 9 teams of various nationalities participating.

The ‘General Report’ was read by Dephny Lobo, the General Secretary.

The outgoing Vice President Sunil D Silva was nostalgic when he spoke about his being in the Executive committee of the club for the past 16 years.
 
Outgoing President Norbert Corda was upbeat on completing his tenure successfully and thanked all those who were instrumental in doing so.  The members present thanked him with unending thunderous applause for his dedicated service to the Club

Elections for the new Executive Committee of the Club, with a term of two years, were then conducted. The Indian Cultural Centre, a statutory arm of the Indian Embassy, to which Mangalore Cricket Club is affiliated, was represented by Mr. Arun Kumar Sabui, member of ICC Management Committee and head of affiliations as the election returning officer.  The following were declared unanimously as the 7 officers of the Core Committee of the Club

Alwyn D’Souza, a talented singer, Choirist, musician, organizer and the past Cultural Secretary of the Club was elected President.  Rocky Fernandes, one of the most popular Indians in Qatar, who has held top positions in various socio-cultural and charity institutions affiliated to the Indian Embassy was elected Vice President. Dynamic Oliver Pereira, a past Sports Secretary was elected the General Secretary. Riana Pinto, the untiring, never-say- no lady, who is loved not only by the MCC members but by the whole of  Mangalorean community in Qatar, retained her position as the Joint Secretary.  Multi talented Reena Castelino will serve as the Cultural Secretary.  Ever smiling ‘Karate Dad’  Cyril D Souza, a black-belt karate instructor and enthusiastic  Hockey player was elected Sports Secretary for a second term. Ronald Saldanha, the professional Accountant of a multinational firm will continue as the treasurer for a second term.

Alwyn D’Souza, the new President then got down to real business. At his request a galaxy of members volunteered to join various subcommittees. The tremendous, wholehearted and spontaneous response from the members took everyone by surprise. It only demonstrated the good work of the past committee and  the family spirit and unity among the members.  Only an eyewitness could give testimony to the oneness of the MCC that was evident, which all its members are proud of.

Actor, comedian, writer, the President of Konkan ToastMasters and Toast Master par-excellence Ronald Rodrigues compered the program in his own inimitable style. As he kept the ball rolling, he also kept the audience’s ribs tickling with his witty humor.

Fr. Vaz said the grace before meals.  After a sumptuous buffet lunch the meet concluded with  the ‘Laudate’

MCC has taken off again, with increased vigor and  momentum.

Also See:

• Doha: MCC Talent Search Gets Overwhelming Response
• Qatar : Contestants Vie with One Another for Coveted MCC Trophies
• Doha: Konkan Sambram - MCC Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Style