Kuwait: ‘United Mangloreans Kuwait (UMK),’ a group under the leadership of Agnel Saldanha with the motto ‘Our talent – Help for the unprivileged’ organized its most awaited charity show ‘Fun Filled Evening 2015’ on Friday November 13, at American International School, from 4:30 pm onwards.
The show comprised melodious songs, foot tapping dances and a Konkani social comedy Stage play ‘Tuje Khatir’ written and directed by Ronald D’Souza Mulky in aid of St Joseph Prashanth Nivas Ashram, an abode of peace for the destitute, aged, children, mentally and physically handicapped. The Ashram is being run by Sisters of Charity, located at Jeppu, Mangaluru, India.
In the past five years, UMK has contributed around Rs 75 lakh to Shena Sadan HIV AIDS center – Mangaluru, Navachetana Special School – Venur, White Doves –Mangaluru, Little Sisters of Poor – Mangaluru, Manasa Rehabilitation Center – Pamboor, Udupi district and De Mercede Orphanage – Deralakatte, Mangaluru.
Anchors of the day Marcus D’Almeida and Reshma Fernandes formally welcomed the audience. Gurkar Agnel Saldanha and all members of UMK proceeded to the stage along with live brass band (Austin Salins, Glen Fernandes, Ronson Saldanha, Purandar Manchi and Walter Machado). Human pyramid was formed specially for welcoming.
After the prayer song by UMK members, melodious songs and foot tapping dances were presented through skit, which was directed by Nancy Pinto. Dances were directed/choreographed by Flavy Pereira, Nicole Kalasala and Best Buddies Group.
Fr Noel D’Almeida, visiting priest Fr Ivan Rodrigues of Paladka along with sponsors Vally D’Sa, Satishchandra Shetty, Geeta D’Souza, Henry Lewis and UMK Gurkar Agnel Saldanha were welcomed to the stage for lighting of the traditional lamp.
Gurkar of UMK Agnel Saldanha welcomed the audience and explained the achievements of UMK through the Kuwait public towards good deeds.
Agnel Saldanha in his speech announced that after deducting all the unavoidable expenses they can manage to give over Rs 26 lakh to Prashanth Nivas Ashram.
The total charity raised by UMK crossed Rs 1 crore in 6 shows.
The sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementoes and flower bouquets. The contributors of the program like the director of the drama, music director, choreographers along with the various media persons were also felicitated with flower bouquets.
Chief guest Fr Noel D’Almeida and Satishchandra Shetty spoke few words appreciating the efforts of UMK towards a good cause.
A documentary video about Prashanth Nivas Ashram, prepared by Glen Wilson Fernandes was presented.
Much awaited stage play ‘Tuje Khatir’ started with a big bang as expected. The team succeeded in tickling the ribs of the audience and bringing out the emotions to its maximum. The artistes Agnel Saldanha-Miyar, Aldrine Pais-Nagori, Alexander Fernandes-Shirva, Divya Cardoza-Paladka, Johnson D’Almeida-Belman, Joseph D’Souza-Navunda, Lydia Misquith-Manipal, Mareena Veigas-Pune, Mary Saldanha-Derebail, Praveen Castelino-Nakre, Rajesh Cardoza, Paladka, Rajesh Fernandes-Udyavara, Remi Cornelio-Shankarpura, Satish Saldanha-Kateel, Shawn Pereira-Miyar, Vishwas Pinto-Ujire, Walter Brags-Omzoor gave their maximum to fill the life in the characters of the stage play.
The stage play was written and directed by Ronald D’Souza, Mulki. Script was edited by Roque Lewis. Background scores/music were provided by Suneeth Noronha-Katapady, Joe D’Souza and Purandar Manchi. Choreography by Linette D’Souza and Vrinda Lewis. Stage Setting done by Johnson D’Almeida, Austin Cardoza, Nelson D’Silva and Wilfred Menconca. Make- up was done by Ajay Gosh, Gretta D’Souza and Lidwin Bothello. Lights and sounds were provided by Waves Events and Rentals (Anand D’Souza).
The program was well compered by Marcus D’Almeida, Lavita D’Souza and Reshma Fernandes. Announcements were done by Zaneta Mirekar and Arun Maxim Noronha. Saritha Noronha delivered the vote of thanks.
UMK proves that Mangaloreans in Kuwait like to do charity if they are confirmed that it goes to proper place without any deductions. UMK has become a brand for charity and a house hold name among Indians in Kuwait, due to their hard work and contribution towards needy people back home.
