MCA’s Monti Fest celebration, a delightful display of talents

Doha: Qatar’s Ace Konkani, Mangalore Cultural Association, organization celebrated its 8th Monti Fest and traditional Noven Jeevan at the Indian Cultural center, Doha at 5:45 pm on Thursday 24th September.

MCA is well known in Qatar for its incomparable organizing skills and the same was noted here yet again.

The program began with the MCA members singing the Associations theme song, beautifully lead by Qatar’s well known talented melodies singer Jovita Pereira the Cultural Secretary of the association. It was then time for prayer when Clara D’souza the Executive committee member invoked blessings on all who attended. The blessed new corn was then distributed with roce to all. Ashlyn Almeida presented a beautiful classical dance for the prayer song “Naman Karthavn thuka Rozar Saibini”.  President Arthur Pais welcomed the gathering and in his message described the work done by MCA and the upcoming events for this year which included the much awaited “Wilfy Nite with GVOM Stars” on Oct 16th , Blood Donation camp in October, Picnic for members in November. He also urged the Konkani writers in Doha to pen down their poems for the Kavita Competition, the last day for submission being 30th September. Prizes will be awarded during the Wilfy Nite on 16th October

A small stage program was conducted to honor the MCA family’s students from standard 8th and above for scoring 75% and above – Clarissa Neolla Pinto D/O Jane and Stany Pinto, Gina Dorothy Noronha D/O Effey and Godfrey Noronha, Candida Valencia Rodrigues D/O Veera and Benedict Rodrigues, Rebecca Joanne D’Cunha D/O Rita and Roque D’cunha, Richelle Sara Andrade D/O Rita and Stephen Andrade, Brian Santan Danthy S/O Gracy and Santan Danthy

Students of Std X and XII  were awarded for Academic excellence in the Board exam

Std X awardees included Rebecca Margaret DSouza D/O Antonette and Denzil DSouza, Ashton Ian DSouza S/O Merlyn and Aloysius DSouza, Cletus Agnelo DSouza S/O Clara and David DSouza and Anna Natasha Pais D/O Veena and Arthur Pais, while Std XII students awarded were Alita Shaalan Lobo D/O Leena and Harry Lobo, Dylan Alaster DSouza S/O Ida and Arther Douglas DSouza, and Hazel Henry Tellis D/O Zita and Henry Tellis

Advisory committee members Felix Lobo, Jerry Pinto and Joachim Dsouza did the honors. Felix Lobo in his address mentioned the richness of our Mangalorean culture, Language and traditions which we have received as a boon from our ancestors.

Chief Guest for the evening was Konkani speaking community spiritual Director & assistant Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church Doha, Qatar Fr. Anand Castelino. He was welcomed by the President Arthur Pais with the flower Bouquet. In his address to the gathering he applauded the good work of MCA and blessed the efforts of the association to reach the poorest of the poor.

Carol DSouza a new comer in Qatar with an amazing voice texture beautifully rendered “Jezuchi Avoi Mori” a song from Konkan Kogul Wilfy’s composition and commenced the Cultural program of the evening. This was followed by ‘Kinkule’ group dance performed by Anvil, Anria, Andrea, Joswin, Elston, Juvena and Dionna. ‘Amka Jikoya’ a comedy skit performed by Sandeep and Joel spread the laughter among the audience. Followed by ‘Maria Pitache’ solo dance by little Vanessa Fernandes to the much applause of the audience. ‘Moinyachi Poili Tarik’ song was then sung by a well known voice of Qatar Alphonse D’Silva in his usual inimitable style.

Savious, Anil, Joel and Aloysious presented ‘Pisyanchi Aspatr’ a comedy skit. A group dance for the song ‘Neelya Gaganath’ by Ashlyn, Anushka, Calista, Delita and Jyothi was excellently performed. Wilson Mendonca well known for singing Baila songs sang ‘Ho Mariya’. Merlyn DSouza and Sandeep presented ‘Moryad kadli’ a comedy skit. V dance group children brilliantly danced for the song ‘Ye Ya Ho’. A well known Voice of Qatar Rupert Lobo superbly rendered the song ‘Veronica’. Anil, Joel and Aloysius played a comedy skit titled ‘Podlo Podli’ followed by another comedy skit titled ‘Zago Dakoitha’ by Sandeep, Joel and Anil. Prameela and Eva sang a duet ‘Mathyenth Fullolin Taran’.  After this was the Fusion dance brilliantly performed by the rocking stars of Qatar – Vanessa, Viola, Lara / Savious, Anil / Sandeep, Jyothi / Brandon, Ruth, Reevan, Joshua Viola and Melita. 3 year old Ethan along with his father Roque D’Souza’s duet dance was the highlight of this Fusion.

Rupert, Joel, Wilson and Ullas sang Baila songs to conclude the Cultural program of the day. In between were the spot games conducted and 2 excellently written poems by last year’s Kavita competition winner Gladson Almeida were recited.

Joint secretary Hema Fernandes the MC for the evening compeered the whole program in an exceptional manner displayed powerful command over the language. Geroge Furtado LIC Insurance consultant and a MCA member conducted a lucky draw for all present in the hall which was won by Merlyn D’Souza.

Vice President Aloysius D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.

The talents presented that evening were much appreciated by all who attended.

The program concluded with ‘Noven Jevan’  for the more than 250 attendees. It was a delicious vegetarian meal prepared by the MCA committee members under the able leadership of Mrs. Stephany Lobo well known figure among the Konkani Community in Doha Qatar known for her excellent cooking skills.