Report and pics: Wilson & Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network

Kuwait, Oct 4: ‘United Mangloreans Kuwait (UMK),’ a group of talented artistes under the leadership of Agnel Saldanha with the motto ‘Our talent - Help for the unprivileged' organized its most awaited charity show on Friday October 3, at American International School, from 4.30 pm onwards.

The show comprised of melodious songs, foot tapping dances and a hilarious Konkani comedy drama – ‘Sagle Dinvchen Thane’ in aid of Manasa, Rehabilitation and Training Center for the differently abled situated at Pamboor, Udupi district and De Mercede Orphanage, Destitute Children's Home, which provides shelter and education with love and care for the underprivileged children, situated at Panir, Deralakatte run by Usuline Franciscan Congregation in Mangalore Province.

In 2009, they staged a Tulu play ‘Mange Malpodchi’ in presence of a crowd of about 500 crowd and generated Rs 4,14,000 which was donated to ‘Sneha Sadan,’ the help and care center for HIV affected located at Gurpur. Inspired with the huge response to their maiden show, they showcased another Konkani comedy drama 'Kasale Grachar Saiba' in 2010 to a crowd of 1000 and generated Rs 9,11,605 which was donated to Navachetana Special School, Venur. In 2011 by staging Konkani drama ‘Sangon Mugdana’ they supported White Doves, Mangalore with a whopping Rs 14,47,652. Again in 2012 with another Konkani drama ‘Ootre Uzvadlem,’ Little Sisters of the Poor – Home for the Aged- Bajjodi, Nanthoor, received an aid of Rs 16,08,108.

The programme began with anchors of the day Mario Wilson Cornelio, Reena Rego and Shawn Pereira formally welcoming the audience. The UMK members sung the theme song which was written by Roque Lewis, composed by Austin Salins and Suneet Noronha, music by Sarah Lobo, Antony, Austin Salins and Alisha D'Souza. Foot tapping dances were presented which were choreographed by Andrea Pinto, Joel Pinto, Samantha Pinto, Shannu D'Souza, Renwick Lewis and Vrinda Lewis. Konkani and Kannada songs 'Barah Burgin,' 'Amchi Bhas Konkani' and 'Jotheyali' were sung by UMK members Ashok, Linette, Maxim, Raina, Saritha, Sharol, Shawn, steven, Vrinda, Wilfred, Flawia, Purandara, Marina, Sarah and Rilson D'Souza.

Local priests Fr Noel D'Almeida, Fr Xavier Marian D'Souza, visiting priests Fr Charles Pereira, Fr William Miranda along with sponsors and UMK Gurkar Agnel Saldanha were welcomed to the stage for lighting of the traditional lamp. Gurkar of UMK Agnel Saldanha welcomed the audience and explained the achievements of UMK through the Kuwait public towards good deeds. Agnel Saldanha informed that after deducting all the expenses they can manage to give Rs 28 lacs plus to Manasa, Rehabilitation and Training Center and De Mercede Orphanage.

The main sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementoes and bouquets. Co-sponsors, the contributors of the programme like the director of the drama, music director, choreographers along with the various media persons were also felicitated with bouquets. Chief guest Fr Noel D’Almeida spoke a few words appreciating the efforts of UMK towards a good cause. Fr Xavier D'Souza led the short prayer for the success of the programme. Representative of the main sponsor Crown Business Group Chetan John and Nirmala Machado spoke few words on their business and about UMK.

A documentary on Manasa, Rehabilitation and Training Center and De Mercede Orphanage was shown to give information to the audience.

The much awaited drama ‘Sagle Dinvchen Thane’ started with a big bang as expected. The team succeeded in tickling the ribs of the audience and bringing out the emotions to its maximum. The artists Agnel Saldanha, Austin Cardoza, Blen D'Souza, Doris Lobo, Johnson D'Almeida, Joseph D'Souza, Larissa D'Silva, Linette D'Souza, Lucy Aranha, Maclean Rodrigues, Manoj Bangera, Prashanth Ferrao, Pratiksha D'Silva, Rajesh Fernandes, Remi Cornelio, Renni Mathais, Santhosh Rodrigues, Satsh Saldanha and Vishwas Pinto gave their maximum to fill the life in the characters of drama. The drama was written by Pradeep Barboza, Paladka and direction/stage setting/music was done by Roanald D'Souza, Mulki. Background scores were provided by Suneeth Noronha, make- up was done by Ajay Gosh and lights and sounds were provided by ILLUMINATIONS (Anand D’Souza).

When most of the major associations are struggling to organize programmes due to lack of support, it is really highly appreciable that some individuals gathering together to help for a good cause with a mind blowing programme to the entire satisfaction of the jam packed audience. Eventhough it was holiday season and most of the people travelled, the hall was jam packed disappointing many who decided to witness the show at the last moment due to lack of space.

Director Ronald D'Souza has done a tremendous job by directing the drama professionally and presenting it with highest standards using local amateur artists which should be recognized and highly appreciated.

More pictures... Click Here