Dubai: Grand Vodlem Festh Celebration By Uswas Shirva

By Oscar Rego

Dubai, 08 Feb 2016: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners, known as one of the most vibrant associations among  the parishes  of  Udupi Diocese with widespread presence across the UAE, celebrated the parish feast of Our Lady of Health (Saude Mai) by staging a grand ‘Vodlem Festh 2016’ on Friday February 5, under the leadership of USWAS president Maxim Ferrao.

 

The event filled with glamour and fun was held at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira Dubai in the presence of parishioners and guests. Shirva Festh 2016 provided a day of variety entertainment with lots of music, songs, skit, fun, games and spot prizes and dances by local talents.

 

The programme started with a hymn to patron Saude Mai (Our lady of Health) by USWAS committee members. Most experienced and well-known compere of Dubai, Dony Correa was welcomed and introduced to the audience.

 

USWAS president Maxim Ferraro welcomed the guests including newly ordained priest chief guest Fr. Darick D’souza and sponsors - Mr. Michael D’souza (Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments, Dubai), Patrons Mr. Robert D’sa, Mr. Joseph Mathias-Qatar and  Mr. Bernad Saldahana. They were felicitated with bouquets. USWAS president in his presidential address thanked Fr. Derick D’souza for his presence and sponsors, well-wishers and everyone who graced the celebration. Fr. Derick D’souza was felicitated by USWAS during this occasion.

 

 

In his Speech, Chief Guest Fr. Darick D’souza said that since he was a committee member of USWAS during his working days in Abudhabi, he still feels attached and connected to USWAS and Shirva parishioners in UAE.  He said that he is overwhelmed by the love & affection showed by USWAS. He appreciated USWAS members for their service and helping many noble and charitable causes. He praised USWAS for its dedication towards the needy and wished success for its future projects.

 

Mr. Robert D’sa and Mr. Michael D’souza congratulated USWAS and appreciated their efforts. They called to continue the same unity and continue doing similar service what they have been doing for the past 14 years. They extended their full support to USWAS.

 

Secretary Oscar Rego read out the annual report of USWAS and vice-president Lesly Saldanha proposed vote of thanks to the Main Sponsors Mr.Robert D’sa ROMYS Restaurant and Confectionaries, Mr. Joseph Mathias Arabian Star General Trading Co., Mr. Bernad Saldanha Delmon Cleaning & Security Services, Mr. Sanu Devasia  Safe Max Fire and Safety, Mr. Jaya Kumar Silvertech Engineering LLC  and Mr.  Michael D’souza Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments and to all Support Sponsors & Well Wishers. They all were felicitated with mementos. Roshan Menezes conducted the stage programme.

 

USWAS Puraskar – 2016 – to USWAS Patron Joseph Mathias

’USWAS Puraskar 2016’, a special honor was conferred on Mr. Joseph Mathias, in grateful appreciation of the generous support and dedicated service to USWAS and to the community. The managing committee of USWAS presented the award to Joseph Mathias.  Mr. Joseph Mathias is founder member and Patron of USWAS.

 

Mr. Joseph Mathias who currently resides in Qatar with his wife Mrs. Leena Mathias was born and brought up in Pilar –Shirva. At present he is the Managing Director of IBIN AJAYAN Group of Companies in Doha Qatar.  Prior to that he was the General Manager of Abu Dhabi based Al Hamid Group.  During the entire tenure of the above employment, he was responsible to give employment for several people from different parts of India, most of them from the Karnataka State and particularly from the South Kanara as well as from the native place, Shirva.  Also, helped several other people to seek employment elsewhere in the UAE and other neighboring States as well.  He is also the promoter of Arabian Star General Trading Co. LLC in Dubai.

 

He was a active member of several prestigious Associations and Clubs in the UAE and sponsored several events and supported the needy.  He is married to Leena Mathias and having two children -Son, Dr. Calvin Mathias and Daughter Dr. Caroline Mathias.

 

Entertainment Session

During the entertainment session the rising star of Shirva in UAE Prashanth Sequeira and GOVM winner Joshal D’Souza along with Dony & Asha Correa, Shrikant Bhat and Joseph Mathias (Merit Freight Systems LLC) presented some entertaining songs.  They sang some hit Konkani, Kannada and Hindi songs.  The crowd appreciated and cheered the songs and singers.

 

During the occasion a special attraction birthday also celebrated those who are birthday on February 5th 2016.

 

’Boskyambegaar’ team comprising Claud D’leema, Sharan D’souza, Manoj Menezes, Richard Pinto, Canute D’souza, Denis Mathias, Marsha Menezes, Diana D’souza, Denis Gomes and Sandeep presented some excellent comedy skits.  ‘ROCK ON 2’  a wonderful  rock song performance  and ‘Audition’ skit were the highlights, which were appreciated and applauded by all present.

 

Beautiful dances were performed by talented Children of USWAS members Hannah & Sarah Mathias, Marsha & Litsa Menezes, Cleaon D’sa and Hencil Mendonca and Hadlee D’souza danced to various Bollywood numbers. Dony Correa conducted lots of interactive spot games and fun games for kids and adults and kept the audience engaged till the end. All the artistes, dancers, and singers were felicitated with mementos. A lavish buffet dinner was served.

 

The programme concluded with a raffle draw followed by DJ Music where young and old rocked the dance floor.