by Jovin Dsouza - Pangla
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)
Dubai, Oct 1: In a meaningful ceremony organized on the first anniversary of Little Flower Mukamar, the Dubai ‘Mangalorean Domestic Caretaker’ award was presented to 60-year-old Juliana Sequeira for her long stint with the Mangalorean Catholic family of Rony and Aboline D’Cunha.
The event was held at the party hall of the Al Zamouradah, Karama, and started around 11.30 am on Friday September 30.
Dony and Asha Correa, one of the most talented couples in UAE, took charge of the event with their multi-faceted personality. They compered, sang, made spontaneous jokes, gave away spot prizes, and conducted games to keep the audience engrossed throughout the event.
The event started with the theme song of Little Flower Mukamar and was followed by the first anniversary cake-cutting ceremony by committee members of Little Flowers.
Dayan D’Souza, mentor of the organization, took charge of the event and explained to the audience the need for the ‘Domestic Caretaker Award’ and with his mesmerizing vocabulary, narrated the life and struggle of all three award winners.
Francis Fernandes Cascia, Walter Nandalike, and James Mendonca were the guests for the first part of the programme.
After the introduction of Juliana Sequiera by Dayan D’Souza, the award was presented. Francis Cascia presented the memento, Walter Nandalike presented the gift, and cash prize was presented by James Mendonca.
Juliana thanked God, her family members, and the D’Cunha family for looking after her so well. Aboline D’Cunha said that Juliana has always been a family member and not the domestic help. She added that Juliana has the option of living with them as long as she wishes, and they do not have the heart to send her back.
Walter Nandalike, in his address, appreciated Mukamar association for doing something different and recognizing the weaker section of the society. He said that Little Flower Mukamar’s popularity within the short span of a year was because of its innovative ideas. He hailed the leadership capacity of Dayan D’Souza under whose direction the association is marching towards the right goal.
Francis Cascia too appreciated the association for recognizing three women who have been in the UAE for years.
The special appreciation award was presented to Benny Pinto and Alice Lobo.
Joseph Mathias and Rony Sabi D’Souza were the guests for the award presentation for Benny Pinto, her caretaker family Leela and Kenneth along with their daughter were also present. It was another emotional presentation for the family as well as Benny. Joseph Mathias presented the memento and Ronald Saby presented the gift.
For Alice Lobo’s presentation, Herman Lewis and Frank Fernandes were the guests. Alice, who has been working with Siraj and Hamida Zenol Bhai for over 20 years in Dubai, was presented the memento by Herman Lewis and the gift was presented by Frank Fernandes.
The event was a fun-filled one with dance by children and young women, spot prizes, games, and auctions.
Newly married couples from Mukamar parish were felicitated. Earlier in the programme, president of the association Godwin Corda welcomed the gathering while advisor Lancy D’Souza presented a brief report of the association.