KORWA ushers in Christmas Spirit with a grand programme of fun and entertainment

By Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 19 December 2011: The newly established organisation of the returnees from the Gulf countries “Konkan Overseas Returnees Welfare Association” (KORWA) ushered in the Christmas spirit by organising its maiden mega ‘Christmas Tree’ programme of fun and entertainment in St. Aloysius College Hall, Mangalore on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 5 to 9 pm. 

 

The hall was decorated in appropriate Christmas motifs such as stars and balloons. A shining white Christmas Tree rested on a table t the right of the stage. The stage too was elegantly done up with the banner of KORWA with a meaningful emblem and the names of the sponsors and donors prominently displayed on the two sides of the stage.

 

 

The programme began exactly at 5pm with Ms. Rowen Pereira as compeer taking the mike and conducting the programme in a flawless manner. Fr.  Ravi Santosh Kamat S.J. invoked the blessings on the programme along with Fr. Melwyn D’Cunha (Carmelite) who had rendered  spiritual service in Kuwait for some time.  The programme was inaugurated by the priests  along with  the office bearers of KORWA by ceremonially lighting the candles.

 

In their message, both Fr. Kamat and Fr. Melwyn congratulated KORWA for organising an association for the welfare of the overseeas returnees and wished them well in their future endeavors and extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all present in the auditorium.

 

Louis Lobo, President of KORWA in his welcome address traced the circumstances and objectives of establishing the “Konkan Overseas Returnees Welfare Association” (KORWA). He said that due to recession and political instability in some of the Gulf countries, a number of people have returned and settled down in their native places. Many of them face a number of problems. In order to have a net-work among the returnees from overseas, few people from Gulf met on January 30, 2011 and decided to set up an organisation of the overseas returnees. As a result of their efforts, on August 14, 2011 the KORWA was officially inaugurated in the Don Bosco Hall with the following office bearers:  Louis Lobo-President, Joseph Martis-Vice President, Violet Pereira-Secretary, Jessy Pinto-Joint Secretary, Patrick Pinto-Treasurer, David D’Souza-Cultural Secretary and John V. Tauro-PRO.

 

The entertainment programme was a mixture of spot prizes, dance, songs, hilarious skits, Santa Clause and finally the housie game. Brother-sister duo-Dickson and Delisha rendered solo Hindi film songs with melodious voice. Shamil and Alister, Diona, Ashline and Viona and  Anora D’Suza manifested their talents through elegant dances. The children of Prashant Niwas Convent  presented a group dance. The Beat Bouncers group of professional dancers  mesmerised the audience with their wonderful dancing skills.  Felix Saldanha and companions regaled the audience with their  witty jokes and humorous skits.

 

A large number of children donning the red ‘Santa-cap’ had a lot of fun. They actively participated in group games such as passing the parcel and bombing the cities. They vied with each other  to gather as many sweets as possible that were tossed by Santa Clause during on his way to the stage. Finally, the housie game kept every one glued to their ticket hoping that lady luck may smile on them.

 

In between the programme, the sponsors and donors were honoured by offering them shawls and flower bouquet.

 

At the end of the programme following the vote of thanks by Mrs. Jessy Pinto, dance enthusiasts tapped their feet to their hearts content to the music chosen by  DJ Wilson Pinto of Padil.  The programme ended with sumptuous dinner.

 

On the whole, the maiden mega programme of KORWA was well organised, well attended and entertaining t the children and adults as well. The team work of the KRWA Committee members was quite exemplary.