Chikmagalur : The crowd was predominantly of coffee planters/estate owners and their family members, relatives and friends who had all waited so long for this weekend to have some fun-n-frolic at the “Rock-n-Roll” nite organized by the committee members of Chikmagalur Catholic Club (CCC) to mark the inauguration of the multi-purpose hall. And this party had some Mangaluru connection- the entertainment for the evening comprising of live music/dance and Dj was arranged by Sheldon Crasta, who manages his own event management firm, and the sumptuous food was catered by Loy D’Souza of M D’souza Caterers-Mangaluru. A few Mangalorean friends closely associated with the Club members traveled all the way from the Coastal city to join in the celebrations. And, of course me- I am indeed a partier, I love to party, and for that matter I enjoyed a lot at this glittering and pomp bash. Fun, food, drinks, music galore!
Prior to the kick-off of the “Rock-n-Roll” extravaganza, the blessing of the new multi-purpose hall was done by Rev Fr Agnel Fernandes-Principal of st Joseph’s Boys high school-Chikmagalur, along with Rev Fr A Shantaraj- Parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral-Chikmagalur. After a group photo with all the board members of CCC at the new hall, everyone proceeded to the open-air ground for the celebration of the year. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Henric Lobo, where he introduced the dignitaries on the dais and briefed about the Club happenings.
President of CCC, Stany D’Silva said, ” It’s a great joy for us at the CCC, to have the multi-purpose hall completed in due time. Having done the well-furnished rooms last year, along with with indoor facilities like gym, today we have fulfilled our dream of having our own multi-purpose hall which has a seating capacity of 350-400 people. Lot of hard work and dedication has gone into this project, and its a honor that Rev Fr Agnel Fernandes is with us who blessed the new hall along with Rev Fr Shantaraj. The hall will be rented out within two weeks, with bookings starting during the first week of May. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Wesley Pinto for his meticulous planning and continuous supervision on this project and getting it done in due time, and my sincere thanks to architect George John-Bengaluru for his architect design which he offered us free of cost. My thanks also to the club members, their families, friends and well-wishers for their unstinted support towards this project and other club ventures. We are confident that with the blessings of the Almighty, all our completed projects will go on smoothly and successful”.
Rev Fr Agnel Fernandes addressing the gathering said, “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible then they seem improbable and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. In order to attain the impossible one must attempt the absurd. It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. We should always dream the impossible dream. Like few years ago a small group of Catholic community wanted to have their own social house- first they thought their dream won’t be a possible one. But we should know that it is possible to dream the impossible dream and reach the unreachable star – the example of Chikmagalur Catholic Club is a living proof of that. You CAN pursue your passion and live your dream. It’s all up to you. The small team who dreamt of having their own club has materialized, which needs to be commended. No doubt CCC has grown during the years and has reached greater heights. Kudos to the energetic team behind the success story of this Club. I wish and pray that this Club will live for many years, and offer the best facilities to the members and also to the community who want to make use of the Club”.
Rev Fr Shantaraj speaking during the occasion said, ” Let’s not be under the impression that Catholic Club is only for the Catholics. This Club is for people of every faith. Let’s keep discrimination apart, and believe in humanity. Let’s create a feeling of universal brotherhood- To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color; To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science; To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity. I am confident that CCC will come up with various projects that will attract people of other religion, thereby bridging a gap between between other faith. We all can do it, if we have faith and will to do it.”
The entertainment extravaganza was blissfully and professionally handled with wit and punchlines by Mangalorean compere Hera Pinto, who made the crowd to actively take part in the fun through various spot games. The sizzling and mesmerizing dances by “Sizzling Boys” dance group from Mangaluru brought loud applauds from the audience. The live band “JDL-Music House” also from Mangaluru comprising of Joel, Lavita and Melson took the crowd into the world of music through their multi-language songs which included English, Konkani, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil- and their baila rendition did get the crowd on the dance floor. DJ Elson-Mangaluru belted out some top Bollywood and English hits to get the young and the old to get into revelry mood and swing and jump on the dance floor. It was indeed a party time well arranged by Sheldon Crasta of Mangaluru.
Winners in various spot games conducted during the occasion were awarded prizes. Dr Henric Lobo proposed the vote of thanks. It was one heckuva party that the members of CCC and their guests/friends will remember for a long time. Kudos to the organizing committee for putting up a grand show, which proved that these guys are just not “Coffee Planters” but also “Show Planners”. Long live Chikmagalur Catholic Club!
About Chikmaglur Catholic Club :
Chikmaglur Catholic club was established in the year 1994 with the help of a few like minded Catholics of Chikmagalur, with the purpose of improving and advancing social, cultural, religious and physical conditions of the community and to promote recreation to all non-community members.
Chikmagalur is a picturesque place and a most sought out holiday destination, which would certainly benefit the members, their families and to larger number of affiliated club members to utilize its services.
Chikmagalur Catholic Club owns 3.5 acres of land duly alienated for entertainment and cultural purpose, situated at a very scenic location at Undedasarahalli, 1 km from Chikmagalur bus stand.
The Club House is a spacious building which contains a Caffeine Bar, Dining Hall, Kitchen, Wide Courtyard, Lawn area with a dance Floor, Luxurious Royal Suite Rooms and Standard Double Rooms, Indoor sports area with Multi purpose Hall to cater to all functions.