Dubai : 'Shirva Porob' by USWAS Blends Glamour with Cause
by Ramcy Fernandes and Jovin D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 11: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners residing in the UAE, under the leadership of Canute D'Souza, staged a grand 'Shirva Porob - 2011' to mark its annual fest in UAE at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira, Dubai, on Friday February 11.
Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva was specially flown in from Shirva to grace the event as chief guest.
Joseph Mathias, a Shirva parishioner and a strong pillar of the association was also specially flown in from Doha - Qatar.
Robert D'Sa, popular Shirva parishioner, who heads over 22 famous Caesar Restaurants & Confectionery outlets around UAE, and who is also a partner in Caesar, UAE was also a guest along with Saldanha of German Group.
The proceeds of this event will be used for a project meant to provide assistance towards upgrading post graduation facilities at St Mary’s College, Shirva. A cheque of Rs 5 lac was handed over by USWAS members to the parish priest Fr Tauro. On the occasion, Franky D'Souza of Shezan announced a fund of Rs two lac, together with Rs two lac by Joseph Mathias, Doah and Rs one lac by Robert D'SA, UAE for the same project.
A total of Rs 10 lac has been raised for the cause.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Tauro hailed the parishioners of Shirva back home as well as abroad. Their dedicated support to the various causes, be it educational or for charity has raised the standards of Shirva parish, and made Shirva a popular hub around the region, he said, and added that despite the job pressures and family comittements Shirva parishioners have risen to the occasion whenever the opportunity came.
Robert D'Sa praised the committee members of USWAS who put up a great show with much efforts and sacrifices. He assured his support in the future too.
Joseph Mathias also pledged his support to the cause of the needy undertaken by USWAS. Though he is in Doha, his love for Shirva parishioners of UAE makes him visit the place every year, he said.
Walter Nandalike, daijiworld founder, inaugurated the USWAS website. The website will be available online from later this month.
The event was ably conducted by Uttam Menezes, a well-known compere in the UAE.
'Shirva Porob – 2011' also provided an evening of entertainment with a host of fun games, spot prizes and dances from local talents.
The main attraction of the event was a short comedy play, ‘Valchibaajecho Maatov’ by Shirva’s well-known troupe of comedians, 'Boscambegar.’ The play tickled the audience with its punch lines, complimented superbly by the performances of the skilled artistes.
Multi-talented artiste, Merwyn Aranha from Shirva, who is a specialist at donning female roles, mesmerised the crowd with his rare talent of imitating the feminine dance to perfection. He also acted in the comedy play, apart from performing in dances.
His item numbers became an instant hit with the audience demanding an encore.
The 'Rising Star of Shirva,' Prashanth Sequeira, presented songs from his hit album ‘Yo Moga,’ which was released last year, much to the pleasure of the audience.
Well-known band, ‘Sweet Melodies’ of Dubai, under the leadership of Arun Carlo, along with other musicians provided live musical entertainment.
Canute Mathias, the 'Voice of Shirva' performed some sensational hit numbers along with Prashanth, the ‘Male Voice of Shirva’ finalist, Sandeep Saldanha, Loyal Pinto, Sheela Carlo and Joy Almeida.
Apart from Konkani songs, a few hit Kannada and eastern (Hindi) songs added variety to the evening.
Roshan Menezes compered the stage program, Ronald Corea proposed the vote of thanks. President Canute D'Souza welcome the gathering and Nelson Castelino read out the report.
A lavish buffet was served on the occasion.
USWAS, which came into existence towards the fag end of December 2002, and has over 200 members at present, and is driven by the motto, 'Lend a hand not for self, but for each other.' It has been providing financial assistance to the needy for various purposes like education of the financially backward children, medical aid, house construction, marriages of members belonging to poor families, and such other purposes of the community of Shirva and surrounding regions efficiently, with generous help from its sponsors and well-wishers.