Kuwait: The parishioners of Kanajar celebrated their 15th Anniversary of KWAK at the American International School here on February 13. The aim of the celebration was to help those who are in need. Hence after deducting the minimal expenses, the complete proceedings of this programme will be donated to “Snehalaya – Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre”, Talapady, Mangaluru and a fixed amount is to be donated to “Manasa – Rehabilitation Center”, Pamboor, Udupi.
The programme began with an invocation. Members of KWAK Edward D’souza and Melwin Mascarenhas presented a brief introduction about KWAK. Deepak Andrade and Lavina D’Souza formally welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Lawrence Saldhana, General Manager – Arabian Darb General Trading and Contracting Co. along with Fr Alexander Lewis-Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kanajar, visiting priest Fr Vijay Bhat- Catholic Ashram Purulia, West Bengal who was ordained at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Kanajar, Antony Miranda-President of KWAK, Committee Secretary-Rinitha Mascarenhas, Joint Secretary-Reshma Britto and stage play Director-Edward D’Souza.
A prayer dance filled with devotion was performed by “Kanajar Kids” (Ashlin, Caroline, Cleona, Raizal, Mariet, Sancia, Viyanka). Well known singers sang Konkani songs, “Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2014” winner Morvine Quadras sang “Suzanna”, “Kenna Kenna Mhojea Kalzant” by the “Golden Voice of Konkani” Rony D’Cunha, Konkani Duet Song “Kallzantlo Uzo” by Rony D’Cunha with his soul mate Jasmine D’Cunha and “Nenti Balam” sung by budding child singer Sarah Lobo. The singers who mesmerized the audience got a thunderous applaud. The foot tapping Goan “Mando” dance was presented by “Dancing Angels” [Dafny, Joyce, Juliet, Lavina, Pramila, Roshan and Vinitha] and Hindi fusion dance was performed by “Desi Strikers” [Apeksha, Ashley, Jaspreet, Kendrick, Kenisha, Preeti, Suman, Susan] also left the audience in awe by their spectacular performances.
President Antony Miranda welcomed the gathering. All the Ex-Presidents of KWAK, Lawrence Saldanha, Lawrence D’Souza, Melwin Mascarenhas, Antony Miranda, Henry Britto and Edward D’Souza were honoured with bouquet of flowers by Fr Vijay Bhat and a memento from Fr Alexander Lewis. Lawrence D’Souza and Aloysius D’souza, Kanajarians from Dubai and Qatar respectively were flown to Kuwait to attend this glorious celebration and were honoured with a bouquet of flowers by KWAK President Antony Miranda.
Fr Alexander expressed his feelings for the KWAK family. Lawrence Saldanha expressed his views on KWAK.
Inspite of their busy schedules there were many had who joined hands and given their best to make this evening a grand success.
A video presentation prepared by Reyan Lobo and Vinod Lewis on “Snehalaya – Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre” Talapady, Mangaluru and “Manasa – Rehabilitation Center” Pamboor, Udupi was displayed on the screen for the audience to know more on the two charitable organizations supported by KWAK. The audience generously contributed for the development of these centres.
Rinitha Mascarenhas delivered the Vote of Thanks. The much-awaited stage play “MAKA NANGI…?” written by well-known comedy writer Pradeep Barboza, Paladka and directed by Edward D’Souza, Kanajar was well appreciated by the audience. The title song was sung by “Herald Tauro-Alangar”. The team kept up the tempo of laughter emanating from the audience throughout, whilst bringing out various shades of emotions. The artistes Anil Britto-Kanajar, Antony Miranda-Kanajar, Austin Cardoza-Bola, Edward D’souza-Kanajar, Jane Norman D’Souza-Shirthady, Johnson Dalmeida-Belman, Lucy Aranha-Gurpur, Rajesh Fernandes – Udyavar, Sathish Saldanha-Kateel, and Wilson D’Souza-Mulky gave their maximum to bring their characters to life enacted in the play. The play was also supported with hilarious comedy by Avil Fernandes-Nakre, Clifford Aranha-Bejai, Lional Mascarenhas-Ajekar, Manoj Poojary-Parangipete, and Prashant Ferrao-Omanjoor.
