Media Release
Doha, May 25: Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Doha Qatar, will confer its Kala Puraskar on noted Konkani writer Catherine Rodrigues, Katpadi this year. The Award, consisting of Rs 1,00,000, a shawl, citation and a memento will be presented during the Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM) season 4 semi-finals on September 26 at the DPS-MIS auditorium in Qatar.
This was announced at MCA's 6th annual general body meeting at Doha’s Concorde Hotel recently. The meet started with the MCA theme song followed by the brief introduction by the MC for the evening Wilson Mendonca. Soon after, the MCA advisory members Jerry Pinto, Felix Lobo and Wilfred Fernandes were escorted to the dais by president Arthur Pais and vice-president Jason Quadros along with Sandeep Noronha, secretary and Clement Saldanha, treasurer of MCA. The advisory members were welcomed with flowers by Arthur Pais.
In his opening address and welcome speech president Arthur Pais spoke about all the achievements of the Association for the past 6 years. He said MCA has never compromised with the quality of the programme which has been staged under their banner. He also spoke about the GVOM-3 grand finale the success of which is still spoken around in the gulf region. MCA has been successful in helping the under privileged, poorest of the poor in and around the Mangalore and Udupi diocese for their education, medicine and some of their basic needs. The total amount given out for this purpose in the past 6 years placed in record is Rs. 35,36,000.
He urged the members to more actively involve with the working committee in order to help and assist more and more needy back home and also uplift the local talents residing in Qatar. The president also urged the members to spread the news about GVOM-4 and briefly announced the importance of this platform for any upcoming singer. To sing in front of a vast audience on this type of stage with a live music and so much of media publicity is a dream come true for any singer. There will also be training – voice workshop organized after the audition by a renowned Music Master and Vocal trainer Roshan Martis from Mangalore.
Pais announced that this year the MCA Kala Puraskar will be awarded to noted Konkani writer Catherine Rodrigues, Katpadi. The Award consists of Rs 1,00,000, a shawl, citation and a memento which will be given during the GVOM-4 Semifinals on September 26 this year at the DPS-MIS auditorium in Qatar.
The general secretary of the association Sandeep Noronha briefly read the annual report for the year 2013 -2014. Treasurer Clement Saldanha placed on record the financial report of MCA for the year 2013 -2014. After both the reports were accepted by the members, the advisory members addressed the gathering. Jerry Pinto said that he was very happy by the way this association has been able to assist thousand of needy back home and said that Mother Theresa’s blessings have always been there with us.
Wilfred Fernandes spoke about the growth of the funds and said that in the coming years may this association be capable to assist many more of our needy brethren.
Felix Lobo emphasized the need to work together and build a strong MCA family. He said even though we are small in number our achievements are higher and the purpose is also greater, with the blessings of Mother Theresa we can reach out to more and more poorest of poor.
Vote of thanks was proposed by the vice-president Jason Quadros. Following this stage programme a small cultural programme was put up with tiny tots – Rishon and Revon, Anstun and Alton, Ashwel and Waylon dancing to the tune of “Manke” From Album Kinnkulle by Melwyn Peris, choreographed by Wilma D’Souza and Susan Rodrigues. Wilson Mendonca the MC for the evening put up some innovative spot games and prizes were given on the spot. Aloysius D’Souza the cultural secretary and Shalini Mendonca, web coordinator conducted the housie housie. Dinner was served for a total of 106 members present on this occasion.
MCA programmes for the year 2014
GVOM Audition – June 13 ICC’s Ashoka Hall-(Last date of registration – June 6).
Vocal Voice Workshop by Roshan Martis – June 20
Monti Fest Celebration – September 19 at ICC’s Ashoka Hall
GVOM Semifinals - September 26 at DPS MIS auditorium
MCA family picnic – During Eid Holidays