NewsKarnataka-U.A.E
Dubai:“Celebrations 25” the silver jubilee fete of Mangalore Konkans, an affiate of Indian Wefare Committee in Dubai, concluded at a glittering function held at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Dubai in the presence of several dignitaries.Mangalore Konkans had organised a variety of programmes including charity events and seminars throughout the year to mark its silver jubilee.
The organization which was founded in 1988 has since then has been a ray of hope for many throughout the UAE and India who have benefitted from its programmes.
The event was presided over by Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo while M K Lokesh – Ambassador to the UAE who will be leaving the UAE shortly was the guest of honour.
The programme began with a special song dedicated to the occasion apart from an audio visual presentation on Mangalore Konkans. Chanel D’Sa presented a mesmerizing ballet dance symbolising the Silver jubilee.
Chief guests and dignitaries including J R Lobo, M K Lokesh, Padmashree B R Shetty, Ronald Colaco, James Mendonca, President of Mangalore Konkans and Aboline D’Cunha, Vice President of Mangalore Konkans lit the lamp followed by cutting of the cake to mark the momentous occasion.
The programmes were organised under the leadership of Co-ordinator Tracy Rodrigues and James Mendonca – the dynamic president of Mangalore Konkans.
Speaking after raising the silver jubilee toast, MLA J R Lobo commended the service initiatives of Mangalore Konkans and said that he was previleged to be part of the event. He also urged the Mangaloreans based in the UAE to involve themselves in the development of Mangalore city making it into to tourist hub of the south.
Stalwarts of Mangalorean community who have rendered yeoman services were honoured on the occasion. Noted Philonthrophist, NRI businessman & Entrepreneur Ronald Colaco was conferred with a special award ‘Konkan Ratn’ in recognition of his enormous contribution to the Christian community and Society at large.
In his address, Ronald Colaco while thanking Mangalore Konkans, was highly appreciative of the organisation’s charitable and humanitarian works since 25 years.
Others felicitated on the occasion included Lawrence Mendonca,a pioneering entrepreneur in UAE,Padmashree B. R.Shetty, an outstanding community leader,entrepreneur,philanthropist and Vincent Fernandes who has contributed immensely to Konkani language, culture and music were also honoured.
Dr B R Shetty spoke on behalf of the awardees.
To commemorate their Silver Jubilee, Mangalore Konkans initiative to create a new fund, an unique concept to pledge support for their new venture was initiated during the occasion, where by possible sponsors and donors were asked to pledge their support by filling a form, reserve their name on the leaves of a tree drawn on board towards their humanitarian and social cause towards the aged, socially deprived people of undivided Dakshina Kannada The novel idea garnered lot of enthusiasm and support from the audience.
A variety of entertainment programmes were also organised. Singers Lorna,Rony D’Cunha, Munita Veigas, Melwyn D’Souza won applause for their renditions. Foot tapping music by Romiro added splendor to the event.
The past and recent Presidents along with the members of Mangalore Konkans were honoured for their wonderful services.
The fabulous evening concluded with the Baila session with the audience dancing to their contentment followed by the traditional “Lovdate.”
Errol Goveas and Roshan D’Siva were the Masters of Ceremony.
