By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD)

Mumbai, Jul 24: Maharashtra Konkan Association ® organized an annual get-together at St Jude parish hall, Jerimeri, Kurla (West), on Sunday July 22.

High Court lawyer Pius Vas presided over the programme on Sunday evening. St Jude parish priest Fr Nelson Saldanha was the chief guest on the occasion. 

Vas’s lawyer wife Genevieve was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Saldanha said that despite Christians being a minority in India, their contributions to education and healthcare spheres are noteworthy.  “It’s significant that Christians are leading disciplined lives by shunning bad habits, promoting Christian values and patriotism.  Get-togethers are helpful in creating a peaceful and harmonious society,” added Fr Saldanha.

Vaz said that the successful people will not feel the crunch of time as they can manage their time efficiently.  “Christians are a hardworking community with simplicity in living and higher thoughts.  The brotherhood of Christians is the essence of Maharashtra Konkan Association in fostering social service,” added Vaz
 
Konkani illustrated weekly ‘Divvo’ editor and publisher Lawrence Coelho, entrepreneur John Rebello, dramatist Lawrence D’Souza Kamani, Model Bank chief executive officer Francis Vaz, the Association director Benedicta B Rebello, vice-president Stany Dias, treasurer Gratian D’Souza, western zone president Cyril Castelino, chief secretary Gregory Monis, east zone president Walter D’Souza Kalmady, and chief secretary Vincent Casteliono were present on the dais.  

Konkani’s renowned singer Victor Concesso, veteran comedian and poet Harry Boy, Divvo publisher Suzanne L Coelho, and social activist Peter D’Souza Mulund were felicitated on the same occasion.

Prameela D’Souza, Kirti Saldanha, John G Mendonca, and Metilda Rodrigues introduced the dignitaries.

Cyril Castelino presided over the Konkani poetry session while Irene Taccode, Rita Albuquerque, Leo Fernandes, Mary B Pinto, Jeriboy, John Mascarenhas, John G Mendonca, Helen Gudinho, and Levin Fernandes recited their poems. 

Association founder president Leo Fernandes compered the programme.  Vincent Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.