By Sunny Nazareth
(Media Release by Gasper Almeida)
Kuwait, Dec 15 : By Santa! The day dawned with glitz, glitter and glamour as the Goan Cultural Centre celebrated their traditional Christmas Snowball with Pai Natal, recently at the Carmel School. It was a breathtaking spectacle, unsurpassed, in sheer opulence, grandeur and excellence. The festivities started with the zestful emcee Alex Taylor highlighting the day’s programs that comprised of fancy dress, games, carol singing, housie, tableau, Santa’s arrival, Christmas hampers, jive, waltz contests, spot prizes, gifts, novelty and other paraphernalia, typically allied with Christmas celebrations.
In his welcome address, Carmo Santos, Chairman of the Goan Cultural Centre, enthusiastically greeted the delightful guests and expressed his profound happiness at the impactful presence of the Chief Guest, H.E. Ajai Malhotra, and the Ambassador of India. In riposte, Ambassador Malhotra, extended his heartiest Christmas greetings to the beaming guests and lauded the amazing celebrations. Guest of honor and a patron of the association, Ashok Kalra were full of praise to the beautiful Christmas celebrations. He highlighted the social and cultural work spearheaded by Goan Cultural Centre.
Special guest, Sr. Maria Lytta AC, principal of the Carmel school also had a sweet Christmas message on the occasion. President of the Goan Cultural Centre, Suresh Naik expressed his thankfulness to Ambassador Malhotra and to the management of the Carmel school, patrons, sponsors, well wishers, donors and to the groovy guests. The Christmas celebrations also provided a platform to honor Indian students who achieved outstanding academic excellence. H.E Ambassador Ajai Malhotra awarded medals and certificates to Desiree Noela Dias, Keisha P.Pereira, Corraine C.Santos, Ashwell S. Correia, Melanie F.Gomes, and Christabelle C.Santos.
Goan Cultural Centre also graciously honoured Fr. Melwin D’Cunha (OCD) and Fr.Teo Fernandes(OCD) in appreciation of their dedicated services to the community. A special Konkani song dedicated to Fr. Melwin D’Cunha, composed by superstar Jose Rod with live music by Soccoro D’Mello, was sung by Effie De Melo and chorus singers to a thunderous wave of applause. Both Fr.Melwyn and Fr.Teo will shortly bid adieu to Kuwait. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of the drawing competition and the organizers thanked all 360 participants, their parents, school administrators, the media and well-wishers for their cooperation and support. The decoration was fantastically amazing and the guests were treated to galore of prizes and climaxed by sumptuous buffet catered by Amit Roy.
The popular DJ Mario rocked the celebration with electrifying music and the emcee Alex Taylor enlivened the show with his fabulous presentation. The main sponsor of the Christmas celebrations was IFFCO - the brand managers of Tiffany Products and co-sponsored by Air India, Mughal Mahal, Kitco, Almarai, Refreshment Trading Co. (Coca Cola), Sarina Saloon, Expat Properties (Mumbai), Western Systems, Tome Gracias, Jossy & Iona and Sandra Dastani.
Musician Socorro De Melo provided scintillating music for the Christmas carols. Every child received a gift hamper from Tiffany-IFFCO. Among the several high value prizes was the Air India return ticket Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait and John Borges was the lucky winner. The well-known Polish pianist, music composer and chairman of the Kuwait Chamber of Philharmonia Ceasery Owerkowicz was the special invitee. Prominent Goans representing a wide spectrum on the social, sports, literature and cultural fields among the Indian community including Muriel Alphonso, Indian Women's Association (IWA) president, Agnello AS Fernandes, Navelim Youth Centre president, Bosco Leitao, CRCC President, Mario Rebello, Kuwait Konknni Kendr Vice President, A.Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait Konknni Kendr Convenor, Jacob Fernandes, Colva United Centre President and their families added charm to the event with their valued presence.
The Christmas Hampers' winners were Audwill D'Souza (LCD), Steven Rodrigues (Piano), Shamia Makkouk (Guitar), Menino D'Souza (Refrigerator) and other 26 consolation prizes winners. Several Goan and Indian organizations sent messages of congratulations wishing the event organizers throughout the day. The fancy dress competition, jive and waltz competition, novelty dance, a quick 5 housie and scores of spot prizes kept everyone cheerful throughout the event. The Goan Cultural Centre has enthusiastically welcomed new members and new talents among the community and has been rendering yeomen services in coordination with the spiritual and social groups. GCC Representatives has attended the recently held “Goan Convention” held in Muscat, Oman. For details on GCC upcoming events, watch out in the print and internet media shortly. GCC can be contacted by email goanculturalcentrekuwait@gmail.com or visit the blog http://goanculturalcentrekuwait.blogspot.com