Dubai: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners, known as one of the most vibrant associations among the parishes of Udupi Diocese with its widespread presence across the UAE, celebrated the parish feast of Our Lady of Health (Saude Mai) by staging a grand ‘Vodlem Festh 2016’ on Friday, February 5, under the leadership of USWAS president Maxim Ferrao.
The event filled with glamour and fun was held at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira, Dubai in the presence of parishioners and guests. Shirva Festh 2016 provided a day of variety entertainment with lots of music, songs, skit, fun, games and spot prizes and also dances by local talents.
The programme started with a hymn to patron Saude Mai (Our lady of Health) by USWAS committee members. Most experienced and well-known compere of Dubai, Dony Correa welcomed the audience.
USWAS president Maxim Ferraro welcomed the guests including newly ordained priest and Chief Guest of the programme Fr. Derick D’souza and sponsors – Michael D’souza (Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments, Dubai), Patrons Robert D’sa, Joseph Mathias-Qatar and Bernad Saldanha. They were felicitated with bouquets.
In his presidential address, the USWAS president thanked Fr. Derick D’souza and all the sponsors for their presence. He also expressed his gratitude to well-wishers and everyone who graced the celebration. Fr. Derick D’souza was felicitated by USWAS on the occasion.
In his speech, Chief Guest Fr. Derick D’souza said that since he was a committee member of USWAS during his working days in Abu Dhabi, he still feels attached and connected to USWAS and Shirva parishioners in UAE. He said that he is overwhelmed by the love and affection showed by the USWAS family.
He appreciated USWAS members for their service which has been helping many noble and charitable causes for the past many years. He praised USWAS for its dedication towards the needy and wished success for its future projects.
Robert D’sa and Michael D’souza congratulated USWAS and appreciated their efforts. They called everyone to continue the same unity and society-oriented service they have been doing for the past 14 years. They extended their full support to USWAS.
Secretary Oscar Rego read out the annual report of USWAS and vice-president Leslie Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks.
He extended a special thanks to main sponsors Robert D’sa – Romy’s Restaurant and Confectionaries, Joseph Mathias- Arabian Star General Trading Co., Bernad Saldanha- Delmon Cleaning & Security Services, Sanu Devasia- Safe Max Fire and Safety, Jaya Kumar- Silvertech Engineering LLC and Michael D’souza- Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments and also to all the support sponsors and Well Wishers. They all were felicitated with mementos.
Roshan Menezes conducted the stage programme.
USWAS Puraskar– 2016 conferred on USWAS Patron Joseph Mathias
‘USWAS Puraskar 2016’, a special honor was conferred on Joseph Mathias, in grateful appreciation of the generous support and dedicated service to USWAS and to the community. The managing committee of USWAS presented the award to Joseph Mathias. He is founder member and Patron of USWAS.
Joseph Mathias who currently resides in Qatar with his wife Leena Mathias was born and brought up in Pilar –Shirva. At present, he is the Managing Director of IBIN AJAYAN Group of Companies in Doha Qatar. Prior to that he was the General Manager of Abu Dhabi based Al Hamid Group.
During his entire career, he has been responsible for providing employment to several people from different parts of India, most of them from the Karnataka State and particularly from South Kanara District and his native place, Shirva.
He has also helped several other people to seek employment elsewhere in the UAE and other neighboring States as well. He is also the promoter of Arabian Star General Trading Co. LLC in Dubai.
He was an active member of several prestigious associations and clubs in the UAE and has sponsored several events and supported the needy. He is married to Leena Mathias and has two children – Dr. Calvin Mathias and Daughter Dr. Caroline Mathias.
Gala Event
After this the cultural and entertainment section commenced. The gala evening saw some scintillating performances of rising star of Shirva in UAE Prashanth Sequeira and GOVM winner Joshal D’Souza along with Dony and Asha Correa, Shrikant Bhat and Joseph Mathias (Merit Freight Systems LLC). They sang some hit Konkani, Kannada and Hindi songs.
The crowd appreciated and cheered the songs and singers.
During the occasion, a special birthday celebration was organised for those members and guests who were born on February 5th.
‘Boskyambegaar’ team comprising of Claud D’leema, Sharan D’souza, Manoj Menezes, Richard Pinto, Canute D’souza, Denis Mathias, Marsha Menezes, Diana D’souza, Denis Gomes and Sandeep presented some excellent comedy skits.
‘ROCK ON 2’ a wonderful rock song performance and ‘Audition’ skit were the highlights, which were appreciated and applauded by all present.
Beautiful dances were performed by the talented Children of USWAS members. Hannah and Sarah Mathias, Marsha & Litsa Menezes, Cleaon D’sa and Hencil Mendonca and Hadlee D’souza mesmerized the audience with various Bollywood numbers.
Dony Correa conducted lots of interactive spot games and fun games for kids and adults and kept the audience engaged till the end. All the artistes, dancers, and singers were felicitated with mementos. A lavish buffet dinner was served.
The programme concluded with a raffle draw followed by DJ Music where the young and old rocked the dance floor. Everyone left with wonderful memories of a fun-filled evening.
