Saudi Konkan Youngsters Celebrate Annual Day
Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) Dammam conducted its 17th Annual Day programme recently at a Farm House in Dammam. The hall was beautifully decorated with festive decorations. Around 400 Konkani Christian people from all over the Eastern Province and Riyadh attended, making it the best fun-filled evening with great enthusiasm.
The event was inaugurated by the SKY President Ronald Fernandes by lighting the ceremonial lamp along with the Executive Committee Members. The programme began with a prayer conducted by Ivy Mathias giving the beautiful message of the saviour, followed by a classical welcome dance performed by Sharon and Shalom Fernandes. The programme continued with melodious carol singing by children and adults led by Ronald Anitha Sequeira which gave an extra flavour to the event. Santa Claus arrived and made the children happy by distributing chocolates.
Royston Rodrigues and Stema Tauro gave a gracious start to the event and eloquently compering the whole event. President Ronald Fernandes Shirthady welcomed the guests and dignitaries and urged them to take full advantage of all the activities lined up for the evening. Treasurer Anil Tauro presented the report which was applauded by the gathering for the financial support contributed by Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) to the deprived families and children for education back home.
The event progressed well with the variety of entertainment. Foot-tapping Konkani and filmy dances kept the floor live. Soulful singing by all singers and children, a beautiful dance to the Konkani Song ‘Whistle Mar’ by ladies from Riyadh and rib tickling comedy skits from committee members went high on the agenda and enthralled the audience. The main attraction of the event was the fashion show on “India’s Cultural Journey” which was well presented by the CCD children, directed by Ivy Mathias and Shanthi Fernandes. The highlight of the event was the ‘Cake Auction’.
During the programme, the main sponsors of the event were honoured with shawl and flowers. All other sponsors were felicitated with flowers. Nurses who served more than 10 years were honoured with shawl and flowers for their enormous contribution in the medical field. Children who achieved excellence in their studies Grade – 10th and 12th were honoured with gifts and flowers. Nelson Mathia’s 3rd Konkani Music Album CD “Mhojea Moga” and Wilson Kateel’s Konkani book “Kavithacho Punzo – Encounter” was released.
When it was time for the great raffle draw to be drawn, excitement was seen in the eyes of the audience. They were eagerly waiting for their names to be drawn. The eight raffle prizes and two entry coupon prizes were given away to the lucky winners. General Secretary Roshan D’Souza, Bajal conducted the honouring ceremony of the sponsors. Joint Secretary Shanthi Fernandes offered sincere thanks to all who worked hard and contributed to making the event possible and successful. She also thanked and expressed her gratitude to the sponsors for their generosity.
A lavish buffet Dinner was served to all the invitees. The entire programme was a grand success with the dedicated services of SKY Committee Members with the sole aim of selfless contribution to the Konkani Community. The enthusiastic audience enjoyed each moment. People congratulated the office bearers for organising yet another spectacular memorable event.
by Ronald Fernandes, Shirthady / Dammam
