Mangalore Konkans Dubai’s Mattov celebrated unity of Karnataka communities

Media Release

Dubai, 01 Jul 2025: Mangalore Konkans Dubai hosted its much-awaited event Mattov on June 28 at Lavender Hotel, Dubai. The evening was a grand celebration of Karnataka’s spirit, unity, and cultural richness. Mangalore Konkans first ever Sadhan Puraskar is conferred to Mr. Alwyn Pinto in grandeur.

 

Over 225 guests, including presidents, office bearers of Karnataka-based associations, community leaders, and well-wishers attended the event. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, colorful performances, and joyful memories.

 

 

Stephen Menezes, President of Mangalore Konkans welcomed the guests with his opening speech. Event was inaugurated by planting of sapling by guests. Chief executive officer of Thumbay Group Mr. Vignesh S, co - founder of Design Infinity LLC Mr. Pratap Mendonca and Padmashri Dr. B R Shetty were guest of honors of inaugural program. Past president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai and managing director of Reliable Fabricators Mr. James Mendonca was present along with executive committee members during inauguration.

 

During the speech, Vignesh S emphasizes the core values of Thumbay Group and the vision of Founder president of Thumbay group Dr. Thumbay Moideen. He connected the group vision to Mangalore Konkans social service motto and said when values are derived with purpose then wonders created, it may be in business as Thumbay Group achieved or the legacy that MKD created in past years.

 

Mr. Pratap Mendonca motivated the gathering to focus on RCB, which means Respect, Confidence and Bravery. He said when we show respect to our work, confident on the path we chosen and take brave decisions when the path tests us, the success will be achieved. He wished all Mangalore Konkans team a great success ahead.

 

Dr. B R Shetty recalled his memories with Mangalore Konkans Dubai and congratulated the whole team for the growth, dedication and commitment put together to promote Konkani culture, language and supporting humanity. Dr. Shetty said he considers MKD as a part of family and always honored to be a part of the events.

 

 

The highlight of the evening was bestowing Sadhan Puraskar to Mr. Alwyn Pinto. He along with his wife Prescilla Pinto welcomed to the stage by grand procession accompanied by Mangalore Konkans Dubai members, Mangalorean brass band, Damaskachi satri (Umbrella of honor). Guests Mr. Pratap Mendonca, Mr. Vignesh S, Mr. Sarvottam Shetty, Mr. Benedict Pinto – Managing director of Al Khalidiya Group of companies Abu Dhabi, along with president of MKD Stephan Menezes conferred the Sadhan Puraskar to Alwyn Pinto which included shawl, garland, fruit basket, Urmal (crown of honor) and Sadhan Puraskar Memento. Past president of MKD Mr. James Mendonca congratulated Mrs. Prescilla Pinto with memento of MKD for her unwavering support to Mr. Alwyn Pinto and his selfless service to the community and culture. In his address, Mr. Alwyn Pinto expressed his happiness and thanked everyone who supported and joined hands with him in the journey of his service to humanity, Konkani culture, language and social works.

 

 

The event comprises of thought-provoking speeches from the dignitaries. President of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE and UAE Bunts, chairman of Fortune Group of Hotels Mr. Praveen Shetty emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and why it matters. Vice-president of Konkani Cultural Organization Abu Dhabi, managing director of Quick accounting & advisory CA Valerian Almeida reminded everyone of the simple joys and traditions of religious celebrations back home in Mangalore. He also spoke about how we can create difference by unity. President of Beary’s Welfare Forum Abu Dhabi, founder of Skiltec Ace Global HR Consultancy Mr.  Mohammed Ali Uchil spoke about how we can support the sponsors. Chief coordinator of St Mary’s Mangalorean Konkani Community Dubai, managing director of Merit Freight Systems Mr. Joseph Mathias urged that there should be more events and opportunities for people to come together. President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, managing director of Sirin Artmobiles, Mr. Sarvottam Shetty stressed the need for unity and harmony among all communities.

 

 

Mattov event witnessed the Cultural festivity by unique performances which brought the spirit of Konkani community live. The presentations included Gumta, Vovio – Verse singing, Folk dance, Maando songs and Baila dance. These glimpses of Konkani cultural heritage received applauded from the audience.

 

Family Fiesta 2025 poster is released in the occasion of Mattov and managing director of Leyton shipping LLC Lancy D’souza, managing director of Resort Supplies Trading LLC Manoj Vas and Managing director of Al Khalidiya Group of companies Benedict Pinto. President of MKD Stephan Menezes and chief coordinator of family fiesta Roshan Dsilva accompanied the guests.

 

 

At the entrance of the auditorium, guests were welcomed in a traditional Mangalorean style with jaggery, coconut scrapes, jasmine flowers and water. In a unique gesture, representatives, honored guests were gifted live plants, symbolizing growth, respect, and eco-friendliness. Mr. Lancy Madtha, managing director – Integrated Freight and logistics LLC, Mr. Shameer, Chief executive officer of Tajvi Gold & Diamonds, Mr. Rocky Rego, managing director - Arabian Falcon Construction equipment LLC, Mr. Jockim Menezes, managing director - Wavelink LLC, Mr. Ramachandra Hegde, managing director of Spraytek Coatings LLC, Mr. James Mendonca, managing director of Reliable fabricators LLC felicitated the association & community leaders with the Mangalore Konkan’s token of appreciation.

 

 

The event was hosted by Floyd and vice-president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai Rajesh Sequeira proposed vote of thanks. Secretary Goldina Dsouza, treasurer Melroy Pinto, media coordinator Ashith Pinto and all committee members of Mangalore Konkans Dubai worked for the success of Mattov event.