Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Pics: Jerson Marques

Toronto, May 10: Undoubtedly, it was an evening of splendor for the Konkani Community in Toronto at the extraordinary ‘MAC Social-2022’ Dinner/Dance event presented by The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) held on May 6 at Red Rose Convention Centre in Mississauga to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

It was a resounding success with a record-breaking number of over 600 guests, special entertainment programs, an astonishing number of sponsors, amazing gifts, and a surprise dance event. It was an evening unparalleled in its celebration, ambiance, and execution. The fun-filled evening was hosted by acclaimed emcee, Melwyn D’Silva, who ensured the completion of a flawless program; the live band, Toronto’s best ‘Big Foot’, enchanted the guests with their riveting vocals and all-time classics and DJ Kaya’s pulsating music got people flocking onto the dance floor. The esteemed guests heated up the dance floor to the music from the likes of rock-n-roll, country songs, reggae, folk, and Konkani Baila for over six hours swinging, twisting, and jiving to the DJ that delivered hits after hits. The Konkani super-hit numbers played by the band completed the beautiful performance.

An incredible performance by the world-famous ‘Walking Violinist’ Dr Aneesh who exclusively flew into Canada to perform at this event was the icing on the cake. Once a prodigy on the violin, Dr Aneesh Vidyashankar is hailed as India’s most melodious infusion walking violinist. A qualified architect, he is a creative mastermind in design & new ideas. His music is strongly rooted in Indian traditions & classicism and is presented with a very contemporary, global sound. From touring 28 countries, playing for over 40,000 people in his home country, and big music festivals around the world, Aneesh has done it all. Everyone who was witnessing & listening to his unique violin tunes thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

Maxim D’Mello, the incumbent president of MAC, then addressed the audience, welcomed, and introduced his new executive committee, thanked the guests for their support and participation, recapped the association’s accomplishments of 2 decades, and highlighted the generosity of the sponsors.

The next item was honoring Ivan Lobo the honorary treasurer of the Association for his exemplary service to the community. As MAC is celebrating 2 decades of existence here in Canada, the executive committee decided to recognize his unassuming services to the Association and community at large. Ivan served as a member of the executive committee in all EC tenures for the past 20 years in the capacity of finance coordinator and as an auditor. He is a diligent financier and a strict auditor. His services are beyond comprehension. He is humble, reliable, honest, and hard-working. Everest Vijay Dante, the dynamic vice-president of the association, led the honoring ceremony. Ivan was awarded a citation and a plaque. The incumbent MAC president Maxim D’Mello and the former presidents Melwyn Menezes, Ronald Fernandes and Manohar Pais were present at the dais during the honoring ceremony of Ivan Lobo.

The next dance performance was a surprise for the audience from Sampradaya Dance Creations, based in Mississauga and led by artistic director Lata Pada, a celebrated dancer who has received the prestigious Order of Canada. They presented two talented dancers Hemantika Maheshkumar and Donya Sandhu in VIVA. This was a vivacious Flamenco dance based on music adapted from Guzarish and Zindagi Na milegi Dobaara. Both dancers have trained in classical Bharatanatyam for over fifteen years and are versatile professional dancers.

MAC's internal auditor, Reginald Fernandes outlined the renewed membership drive and emphasized the need for a strong, vibrant membership base for the growth of the organization. He encouraged the community to support MAC by becoming members in even bigger numbers. He also detailed some of the incentives in place and plans for additional incentives in the coming month. MAC’s ever-energetic general secretary Cynthia Lewis raised the vote of thanks.

One of MAC members Gerry D’Mello led the grace and he thanked God for showering his blessings. Dinner was served and it was an amazing and ample buffet of salads, vegetables, meat, and desserts that were delicious and satiated all types of tastes and palates.

Sponsors contribute to the association's development and provide them with the means to grow and fulfill their objectives and generate immense goodwill within the community. The sponsors for MAC are its pillars of strength never failing to demonstrate their abundant munificence. MAC had sponsors from across the world spreading from Ontario to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and India. The association is deeply indebted to the generous contribution to the event made by renowned philanthropist Ronald Colaco. The main elite sponsor for the event was renowned Realtor Shiv Desai and the platinum sponsor was Vijay Dante of Udupi Madras Café, the most popular and award-winning Veg Restaurant in Greater Toronto.

A noteworthy mention to Jerson Marques, the photographer, who worked tirelessly to capture moments and memories that will be treasured by all guests, and the live band in attendance was the renowned GTA group, The Big Foot. They kept the audience engaged and dancing on the floor all through the event with the able support of DJ Kaya.

An event of this magnitude requires strong shoulders, selfless support, time, and skills. Hats off to the Mangalurean community who came together as one family to make this family fiesta ‘MAC Social 2022’, an overwhelming success.

For more photos of the event, click below:

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lpd4FVkTqdtBwUdj8