Mumbai: Vasai Diocese celebrates 15th anniversery with ’Cultural Fest’

By Ancy D’Souza Paladka
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 17 August 2013 : On the occasion of th 15th Anniversary (Crystal Jubilee) of the Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Vasai, the 66th Independence Day of India and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary the diocesan Commission for Promotion of Culture had organised a "CULTURE FEST" on 15th August 5pm at Fr. Bernard Bhandari Meomorial Hall, Devtalav, Vasai. Th objectives of the programme were to celebrate 15th anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese of Vasai, To promote culture within the ethnic / cultural group (intra-cultural) and To foster cultures between different ethnic / cultural groups (inter-cultural)

 

Mr. Munaf Hakim, the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission was the chief guest of the programme. Mrs. Janet D’Souza the newly appointed Vice Chair person of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission was the Guest of honour. Mrs. Bhoir the Asst. Commissioner of Vasai Virar Muncipal Corporation, Mr. Dolphy D’Souza, the known activist Convener of Police Watch Forum and Mr. Lawrence D’Souza the Vice President of Bombay Catholic Sabha were the guest of the programme.

Most Rev Dr. Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado presided over the function. Fr. Ozy Gonsalves the Convener of the commission gave welcome address. Fr. Joel D’Cunha the member of the commission gave vote of thanks. Other members of the commission Mr. Ancy D’Souza Paladka, Fr. Aji, Sr. Shreeja, Fr. Prashant and Sr. Pulcheria were present at the occasion.

 

On this His Grace Archbishop Machado honoured the minority commission chairman Mr. Munaf Hakim and the Vice Chairperson Mrs. Janet D’Souza with shawl and the shrifal (traditional coconut). Mr. Hakim in his address said that "the Christian community is at the fore front in educational, medical services. They are also a great support to the downtrodden and neglected citizens. They honoured me with flower and coconut. By doing this they reminded me my greater responsibilities. As the flowers come with thorns and the coconut is hard and may be used to hit on ones head I may now have to act with much alertness, care and greater responsibilities to serve the minority community".

The newly apponited Vice Chairperson Mrs. Janet D’Souza, receiving after the honours said that ’She believes that she is given this responsibility predominantly to serve the Christian community. Hence she said she will be there whatever, whenever and wherever the Christians face any problems and will give utmost attention to solve them". Mrs D’Souza is also the Director of Maulana Azad Minorities Development Financial Corporation (Govt. of Maharashra)..

Konkani, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Warli groups performed during this occasion. Welcome dance was performed by the students of Thomas Baptista College.

Warli Group presented "Kadimod and Tarpa Dance". Malayalam group presented "Thiruvathira" dance. Tamil group presented "Bharat Natyam Dance". Hindi group presented harvest festival dance. Marathi Group presented "Koli Dance".

Konkani group lead by Vasai Konkani Welfare Association presented dances showing the importance of Konkani, Vovyo, Vers, Vhor and other Cultural celbrations during Roce, Wedding ceremonies, Baila, Dekhni, Dulpod, Mando and othe cultural dances. The programme was produced by Mr. Ancy D’Souza Paladka and directed by Dr. Vincent D’Mello. Mrs. Hilda D’Souza and Miss Roylee Santhmayer choreographed the programme.

Archbishop Felix in his presidential addressed said that it is very nice to see the various cultural groups mingling each outer in my diocese. Such cultural programmes that help strengthening the inter-culural bonds, need to be held often to build the community spirit. It acts like adding sugar in the milk.