Doha, 14 Sep 2013: Mangalore Cultural Association Doha Qatar (MCA) Doha celebrated the Monti Fest on 12 th September 2013 at the Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Center.
The celebrations began with a MCA theme song sung by members followed by the prayer service conducted by Hema Fernandes. The Roce with Blessed corn was served to all gathered.SandeepandJovita gave a brief introduction on Monti Fest and Mangalore Cultural Association.
Rev Fr. Anand Castelino, Spiritual director of Konkani Speaking Community of the Church of the Holy Rosary Qatar was the Chief Guest of the evening. The Advisory Committee members Mr. Felix Lobo and Mr. Wilfred Fernandes were present on the stage along with MCA President Mr. Arthur Paisand Vice President Mr. Jason Quadros.
Arthur Paiswelcomed the gathering. He updatedon the Associations service rendered to the downtrodden back home and also on the future planned programs for this year. He said that MCA was born for purpose of assisting the needy back home and for keeping live our mother tongue and our Culture in this part of the world. MCA has been successful in both these objectives of theirs. Further he announced that on the occasion of completing 5 glorious years an award has been instituted through which prominent Konkani artists will be honored in Qatar. The details of this award will be released soon to the media. The Annual event will be the Konkani Play “Ami NathllyaVellar” performed by the DaijiRangmandirartists from Dubai on 25th October 2013 at the Regency Halls Qatar. A Voice workshop for Singers will be conducted in November.
Mr. Felix Lobo gave a brief on the Monti Fest and how it was started in Mangalore. He also spoke about the Associations work and assured the people that each Riyal that was contributed towards the Associations projects will not be wasted and will be used only for the good cause of assisting the poorest of the poor in their Education, Medical Aid and other basic needs.In these 5 years already an amount of Indian Rupees 36 Lakhs hasbeen sent to the needy for all the above purposes.
Students from MCA family who have excelled in the board exam conducted for the academic year 2012-2013 were honored along with their parents. The honoring was done by Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino.
Ms. ALITA SHAALAN LOBO ;D/O PRECILLA LEENA LOBO & JOHN HERALD LOBO; Student of MESSchool – 96% in STD X.
Mr. DYLAN ALASTER D’SOUZA; S/O IDA D’SOUZA & ARTHER DUGLAS D’SOUZA; Student ofIDEAL INDIAN SCHOOL – 90% in STD X.
Mr. BRESLY SANTHAN DANTHY; S/O GRACY SANTAN DANTHY and SANTAN LIGORY DANTHY; Student ofIDEAL INDIAN SCHOOL- 86% in STD X
Ms..HAZEL HENRY TELLIS; D/O ZITA HENRY TELLIS & HENRY SYLVESTER TELLIS; Student of Birla Public School-86% in STD X.
Mr. VIOLA ANGELA PEREIRA; D/O MARIA CARMELEETA PEREIRA & RICHARD PEREIRA; Student ofMES School – 78% in STD X11, SCIENCE Stream.
Speaking on this occasion Rev. Fr. Anand, praised MCA for their good work in supporting the downtrodden back in Mangalore. He mentioned the difference between the poor and the poorest of the poor and how important it is to help those people. He also spoke about the importance of Monti Fest and the importance of Mother Mary in our life and also narrated some of the incidents in his life during the Monti fest Novenas in his childhood days.
Later a cultural program was organized with Qatar’s leading talents participation.
Nina Fernandes,Jovita Pereira, Rupert Lobo, Vincent Fernandes and Alphonse D’Silva sang the theme song of the Day NovenchJeevanmelogiously, followed by a comedy skit enacted by Aloysius D’Souza, Anil Cutinha and Walter Pinto. This was followed by a solo song by Arvin Pais, “Ye patinthunLaanPona”. The following comedy skit was performed by Anil, Aloysius and Sandeep Noronha. Qatar’s talented singing couple Navin and Preema Pinto sang a love duet “MujenKallizthuka”. Another rib tickling comedy skit was enacted by Wilson Mendonca, Aloysius and Merlyn D’Souza. The final performance was an action song |”EkChali, TheegChale” very well performed by Nina Fernandes, Rupert Lobo, Alphonse D’Silva and Vincent Fernandes. All songs were from KonkanKogul Wilfy Rebimbus’scompostions. Music track was arranged by Mr. Joswin Pinto Mangalore. Background music for the skits was given by Mr. Kirthan Rodrigues.
In between spot games were conducted by Jovita Pereira D’Souza and Sandeep Noronha. Mr. Wilfred Fernandes gave away the prizes for the winners of the spot games.
Mr. Clement Saldanha Treasurer of MCA proposed he vote of thanks and the program concluded with the serving of the Traditional Vegetarian dinner for all. Sandeep Noronha &Jovita Pereira D’Souza -conducted the program effeciently.