Dubai: Emirates Pangalites Launches Rs 10 Lac Welfare Fund on 7th Anniversary
By Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)
Dubai, Jan 22: Emirates Pangalites, an association of Pangla-Shankarpura parishioners residing in the UAE, marked its 7th anniversary on Friday January 22, at the Internation Seafarers Centre, Bur Dubai, by launching a Rs 10 lac Social Welfare Fund to help the poor, for education, and emergency medical relief back home.
The Fund was jointly inaugurated by Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld, and Joeph Mathias, MD of Merit Freight, who was also the main sponsor of the event.
Speaking on the occasion Walter Nandalike said that associations spread around the UAE are doing commendable charity work, but Emirates Panglaites have shown the way by launching a corpus fund which will help the less fortunate people back home.
He added that the fund will enable the association to help the needy every year by earning interest on the amount.
Founder president of Pangalites, Micky Castelino, briefed about the fund and its importance. He said that this has happened due to generous support from the event sponsors in the last seven years as well as donors.
The anniversary bash started around noon with live music from ‘Pearl of Mangalore’, the musical troupe from Abu Dhabi.
Joel Quadros and Agnel D’Souza took charge of the event as comperes and did a splendid job by hosting the event throughout the day.
The songs, dances by kids and adults, skits, spot prizes, and other entertainment were the highlight of the event as every artiste contributed to its success.
During a brief stage programme, Emirates Pangalites traditionally honoured Richard Castelino, a senior member from Abu Dhabi, for his contribution to the association and to society in particular.
He was felicitated by Fr Freddy D’Souza of St Mary's Church, chief guest Francis Fernandes Cascia, and main sponsor Joseph Mathias.
Association president Jovin D’Souza welcomed the gathering while secretary Merlin Castelino read out the annual report and Alphonse Mendonca introduced Richard Castelino to the audience.
Fr Freddy appreciated the achievements of Emirates Pangalites and wished the association great success in future. Francis Fernandes and Joseph Mathias also congratulated the president and members of the association for their contribution to society, especially hometown Pangala.
Pearl of Mangalore team members Loreen Machado, Paul Pereira, Donald Pinto, Wilfred Fernandes, Ronald Lobo, Sharon Rego, Lancy Noronha Lolita, and Asma rendered some memorable numbers.
Joseph Mathias and Lancy Madtha were the guest singers. Maria Lourdes, who is known as ‘Lorna of UAE’, rendered some punching Lorna numbers and had the audience dancing to her tunes. Aruna Carlo and his team provided the music.
‘Festa Saanth’ was the main theme of the event as the peculiar ‘Saath’ (fair) which is seen in the annual fest at back home was also seen in the event with members of Pangalites taking charge of various traditional stalls.
Little artistes Damitra, Dean, Aswin, Sweeny, Dallan, Kennis, and others pariticipated in dances, songs, and skits.
Also artistes Santosh D’Souza, Dolphy D’Mello, Clevin D’Souza, Lavina Fernandes and others entertained the audience with their skits.
The event concluded at 6.00 pm with Baila. A stupendous lunch was also served.