Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CLP)
Mangalore, Aug 24: A big crowd gathered at St Gerosa School hall, Jeppu here for the 10th Stan Nite, organized by Infant Mary's convent Jeppu to raise funds for St Joseph Prasahnth Nivas Ashram on Sunday August 24.
The 10th Stan Nite, by Stanlislaus Mendonca (Stan) from UK, entertained Konkani music lovers with a variety of songs and rib-tickling comedy, keeping the audience engaged throughout the evening.
The programme began with welcome dance by children of St Gerosa School.
The musical evening began with the song 'Ashavadi' by Stan, followed by the song 'Dhinta Dhintana' by his daughter Sonal, 'Catherina' by Claud D'souza. Together with Stan and Sonal, other singers like Ashvija, Elston, Joseph Mathias, Reshma, Ashwin and Melric rocked the stage with tremendous performances that evoked much appreciation from the audience. The musical nite was organized by Alfred Bennis Creations.
Live music perfectly complemented the singing. Jill Gavin D'Souza (drums), Merwin Pinto (bass), Richard Monteiro (keyboard), Joshwin D'Cunha (lead guitar), Suresh Shetty (percussion) and Arun Siri (trumpet) provided the music.
The popular Me-Mo-Ri team added a generous dose of humour to the event with their skits that evoked much appreciation from the crowd.
During the formal stage programme, former union minister B Janardhan Poojary, who was the chief guest, refused to be felicitated and said, "I have taken a pledge not to accept honours till it rains abundantly in north Karnataka and all farmers are happy."
Further elaborating his reasons to decline the felicitation, he narrated an incident where a farmer's family of seven committed suicide for not having food to eat. "The farmer had taken huge loans to dig a tube well in the farm as there was drought, but failed to get water in it. I personally felt pained by the incident and decided not to accept any honour till it rains abundantly in north Karnataka," he explained.
He also said that he has been suporting St Joseph Prasahnth Nivas Ashram from a very long time. He said when he was active in politics he used to give donations from his salary, but now as he lost the last elections he was able to give Rs 60,000 from his pension to help the sisters to continue their hard work and dedication.
MLC Ivan D'Souza also refused to accept felicitation in respect of Janardhan Poojary's pledge. He announced a sum of Rs 10 lac to St Joseph Prasahnth Nivas Ashram.
Donors were feliciated with mementos as a mark of gratitude for their generosity.
Lucky dip was conducted and winners were given prizes.
Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Fr Nelson D'Almeida, parish priest St Joseph Church, Jacintha Alfred, president of finance committee, Mangalore city corporation, Sr Matilda Monteiro, provincial superior, Sisters of Charity, Sr Florine Pais, provincial, Sr Sylvia Fernandes and others were present during the programme.
Vincent Mendonca compered the programme.