Kuwait: The Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) celebrated Nathalanchi Saanz 2017, under the leadership of its President Hilary Stevan Rego, on Friday December 22, in the Indian Community School Auditorium, Khaitan, Kuwait. Fr. Noel D’Almeida was the chief guest of the programme which began with the introduction by comperes Ashley D’Silva and Reema D’Souza, followed by a welcome speech by President Hilary Stevan Rego. KCWA’s 30 years celebration logo was launched by Fr. Noel on the occasion.
The sponsors of the event were felicitated by Fr. Noel. Merit scholarships and mementos were distributed to the members’ children, who excelled in the academic year 2016-17. Alwyn Noronha led the proceedings of the merit scholarship awards, following which, Fr. Noel delivered his Christmas message to the gathering.
Melodious Christmas Carols were sung by the winners of the KCWA Talent Competition. Winners of the KCWA Dancing Star, performed their dances. The Jhankar Dance Academy also entertained the gathering. The Jive competition’s first round was held during the event which was judged by Jasper Ratos and Suzan D’Souza. A live band performance by Soul Stirrers rocked the stage and brought the crowd on their feet. The Indo Grooves dance group mesmerized the gathering with a brilliant dance performace. Gumtan by Maxi and group, took the gathering back to their roots. Lucy Aranha, Rajesh Fernandes and Lionel Ajekar sailed the gathering through a world of laughter and giggles, with their skit.
Children were excited as Santa made his entry. Goodies were distributed to the kids and the Jive competition’s final round was held and the winners were awarded with trophies by Jasper and Suzan. A Hamper draw was conducted by Anil Fernandes, Naveen Mascarenhas, Jinella Rodrigues and Michael Pinto with fabulous prizes during the event. The highest hamper sellers were honoured with gift vouchers by Fr. Noel and President Hilary Stevan Rego. Members’ Affairs Coordinator Sunitha D’Silva briefed the gathering about KCWA membership and the benefits to members, and requested her fellow mangaloreans to be a part of the organization. Sunitha also conducted the members’ draw for 3 categories that comprised of 2018 renewed members present at the venue, 2018 renewed members present or not at the venue and for Honorary, Patron and Life members.
A painting was auctioned to the audience by Manohar Prabhu and Anil Fernandes. Ivan Mendes & family won the painting auction. The master piece was created by Trevor Pacheco. Lots of spot prizes were awarded during the event.
Walter Santhumayor proposed the vote of thanks and Fr. Noel recited the grace before meals. A sumptuous dinner was served by Caesars Group of restaurants. Prem Crasto, Joy Roshan D’Silva and Avil Fernandes captured the whole event with their photography. The backdrop and Santa Photo Booth was done by Godwin Veigas which created a festive ambience. Anand D’Souza of Waves Events & Engineering provided Lights & Sounds and foot tapping music was arranged by Hywel Pinto. The programme was well compered by Ashley D’Silva and Reema D’Souza. The programme was coordinated by Hywel Pinto, Sunitha D’Silva, Walter Santhumayor and supported by KCWA Managing and Support Committee Members.
