Lavina Monteiro
Pics By Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai
Dubai, May 20: Newly established Vamanjooreans Association celebrated their first anniversary ‘Tunes in Dunes’ on Friday May 18 at Dubai Sheraton Hotel in the presence of a large number of guests.
Guests of honour Monsignor Edwin Pinto, chaplain to Pope Benedict XVI, founder Helpers of Mount Rosary and the founder of Vamanjoor Parish, Sr Maria Goretti who recently won the ‘Rachana Award’ for her contribution to society along with Rohan Monteiro, proprietor, Property Infratech India Pvt. Ltd and was recently awarded with ‘Aryabhata Award’ for his outstanding talent and noted achievement, were specially flown from Mangalore for this event.
The programme began with a procession welcoming of the guests by the committee members. Soon after, president of Vamanjooreans UAE Jerald Lobo welcomed the gathering in a traditional manner and the chief guests were called on to the stage and the show was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp.
Chief guests Monsignor Pinto, Sr Goretti, and Rohan Monteiro were honoured with gratitude for their contribution to Vamanjoor parish with a shawl, garland, fruits, and memento. Monsignor Pinto, in his speech, thanked the Vamanjooreans and he recalled the days he spent at Vamanjoor.
Soon after the stage programme the cultural programme began with melodies songs by shining stars of the Konkani music world like ‘Voice of Konkani’ Rony D’Cunha from Kuwait, ‘Queen of Konkani Singing’ Preema D’Souza, ‘Dubai’s Goan Sensation’ Maria, ‘Mandd Sobhan Star’ Joy Fernandes, ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ first runner-up Warren D’Souza and Donald Correa along with Asha Correa brightened the stage with their foot tapping music.
As a special attraction Avin Mascarenhas, the youngest music director from Vamanjoor directed the show. The ‘Feet Beat Group’ added glamour to the show with their dance. Young playwright, director, and comedy actor Nellu Permannur along with co-stars showed great professionalism in their acting and succeeded in creating a laughter riot among the audience.
The programme was compered by internationally-famed Ronald Olivera in his unique style keeping the audience busy with spot games. Lucky dip draw was held and the winners are:
1. SRL# 1994
2.SRL# 4810
3.SRL# 3258
4.SRL# 3293
5.SRL# 1754
An extravagant lunch buffet was served to all attendees. The sponsors of the event were felicitated by the organizers and all the artists were honoured. The programme concluded with a non-stop ‘Baila’ with people descending on the dance floor and enjoying every bit of it.