Dubai: Mangalore Konkans celebrates silver Jubilee with magical musical show

By Elias DSouza
Pics by Loyan Rodrigues
Bellevision Media Network

 

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Dubai, 26 Oct 2013: A leading Konkani association of Dubai Mangalore Konkans celebrated its silver jubilee with a mega musical show amidst prominent personalities: Indian Ambassador to UAE M K Lokesh, Mangalore south MLA J R Lobo, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco and New Medical Centre Group managing director B R Shetty.

 

The event titled, ‘Celebrations 25’ was organized at Crown Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, here on Friday October 25. MLA J R Lobo was the chief guest of the mega celebrations. Indian Ambassador M K Lokesh graced the silver jubilee celebrations.

 

Mangalore Konkans Dubai president James Mendonca, other office bearers  Tressy and Abolin were present on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA J R Lobo in his address assured his commitment for the development of Mangalore and he thanked Mangalore Konkans for inviting him for the mega celebration.

 

MLA Lobo further said that we need to change ourselves to bring about drastic changes that are needed for the development of Mangalore.  His main objective would be to improve upon education and tourism and for this he needs the support of all the Mangaloreans, said MLA Lobo.

 

A well known Konkani singer Lorna began the entertainment session with her golden voice and sang ever popular songs Dhene, Cha Cha Cha and Mai maka nasownk Dista.  The music was provided by Ramero and team.

 

Ambassador M K Lokesh in his address said that he was the first Kannadiga to serve in Switzerland and wished Mangalore Konkans all success and lauded their all round achievements.

 

Ambassador Lokesh conferred ‘Konkan Ratn’ on Ronald Colaco, in recognition of his service to the community and philanthropic activities to the society.

 

 

 

On the occasion four other achievers of Mangalorean-origin based in the UAE were also honoured for their contributions in their respective fields: B R Shetty for his philanthropist activities and service to Mangaloreans, Lawrence Mendonca for being pioneer entrepreneur, Walter Nandalike, his wife Wilma received the honour in his absence, for linking Konkan region to rest of the world and Vincent Fernandes Cascia for promoting Konkani music and culture.

 

Ronald Colaco in acknowledgement to the great appreciated the efforts of Mangalore Konkans and their contributions to the society.  He further said Mangalore Konkans is the most credible and vibrand Association overseas and was happy to receive this honor from Mangalore Konkans.

 

B R Shetty spoke on behalf of other award recipients and pledged his support to Konkani community wherever, whatever way he can and he also lauded mammoth work done by Konkani institutions, church organizations in building educational institutions and charitable organizations and their service to humanity.

 

The most eagerly-awaited entertainment session began with well known singers. The fun-packed entertainment began with melodious singing by Lorna, Rony D’Cunha, Munita Veigas and Melvyn D Souza singing Konkani, Hindi, English, Tamil and Punjabi numbers wherein audience joined them in dancing.

 

A PowerPoint presentation was screened highlighting the journey of Mangalore Konkans through the twenty-five years.
Treasure of Feelings, a souvenir of Mangalore Konkans was also released on the same occasion.

 

The office bearers of Mangalore Konkans thanked the sponsors who have supported them in the past twenty-five years.
Then the special session titled, ‘Love Boat,’ started by Munita with evergreen romantic songs. Later, Roney D’Cuna added favour with hit numbers. Dubai’s own young prodigy Melwyn D’Souza rendered melodies and his songs garnered tremendous appreciation from the audience.  This new find mesmerized the crowd with energetic performance. Foot tapping music by Romiro was commendable and  had the crowd dancing all the way.

 

Mangalore Konkans unveiled ‘Fire of Benevolence,’ a project for noble cause to help the needy and sought the support from the gathering in this regard.

 

Highlights

• The programme was evenly balanced with songs, dance and DJ music.
• Another highlight of the event was the Konkan Link, whereby the members of Mangalore Konkans came to the dais dancing and holding hands to show their unity and solidarity to rhythm of the song specially composed for the occasion.
• The past and recent Presidents along with the members of Mangalore Konkans were honoured for their wonderful services.
• The spectacular evening concluded with the Baila session with the audience dancing to their contentment followed by the traditional ‘Lovdate’ at 1.30am on Saturday October 26.

 

The hard work and dedication members of the Mangalore Konkans in presenting a superb event under the leadership of programme co-ordinator - Tracy  Rodrigues and James Mendonca was indeed noteworthy.

 

Roshan D’Silva and Errol Goveas compered the programme.  James Mendonca welcomed the gathering.

 

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