Pictures by Noel Cutinho
Report by Priya Saldanha
Daijiworld News Network Kuwait
Kuwait Dec 9: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association one of the largest associations in Kuwait held the Christmas tree celebration for the Children on 8th December 2006 at the Carmel School Kuwait.
The grand celebrations commenced with the inauguration of the “SANTH” with the famous Mangalorean brass band of Konkan Sangeeth Shree Harry D`souza at 3.00 pm. Many food and games stalls were placed. Typical Mangalorean delicacies were available at a nominal charge. The children as well as the adults thoroughly enjoyed each and every stall trying to find out how lucky they were at games and tasting all the Mangalorean food.
The program began with Steven Machado – President of KCWA along with the committee members seeking blessings of their patron Mother Mary with a hymn sung in Konkani. Allan Pinto, Jossy D`cunha, Rudy D`souza, Lancy Rodrigues and Baby Melina gave wonderful numbers to the tune of the live band.
Thereafter Steven Machado welcomed the gathering with a warm welcome speech. The real meaning of the program came to light with the X`mas theme dance performed by the kids from Jovas XLNC which raised the spirits. The President and the Management Committee members along with the children who received first Holy Communion this year came in a procession along with the band to the main stage.
Vally D`sa on behalf of KCWA honored Sr. Carmine Mary and Sr. Bernita with Momentous for their record service to the Lord in Kuwait. Christine Pinto conducted the felicitation for Children who received the First Holy Communion this year, were felicitated during this event by Charles D`sa.
The children of KCWA members who had excelled with highest percentage marks in 10th and 12th standard were honored with scholarship awards sponsored by Sam Alphonso and Lawrence D`souza . The children who have excelled in extra curricular activities were also awarded by Spinney`s. This year KCWA recognized the profession of Teachers and felicitated them for their service in Kuwait. David D`souza a well known personality in Kuwait who has been supporting KCWA with wonderful stage settings and entertaining the audience with his hilarious jokes and excellent performances in dramas was also honored by Felix Lobo of Rathath Est. with letter of appreciation, shawl and memento.
Main attraction of the day being the brass band of Harryaab kept the audience on their toes all through the afternoon with their hit numbers along with the DJ Scorpions. Spot prizes and games were organized for the kids depending on the age categories. Xmas tableau directed by Lancy Rodrigues was enacted by the management Committee members was displayed to the audience with a unique dance and song sessions. The songs were sung by Jovita, Celine, Veena, Rudy, Lancy and Allan. Music was rendered by Kiran Gonsalves for the songs written by Edwin and Rudy.
Harry D`souza of Silver Band and his troupe who had flown all the way from Mangalore for this event were honored. Harryaab was bestowed with the Title “Konkan Kullavar Turbent Raay ” during this occasion and honored with shawl, Memento and letter of appreciation by Fr. Melwyn. Christmas carols were sung by the Salmiya Choir group and then the grand finale the most awaited event for the kids the entry of Santa along with the Nathalacho Naach made the kids raise from their seats and run at the back of Santa to collect their goodies. The program came to an end with Members draw, Hamper draw and with a vote of thanks proposed by Lancy.
Grace before meals was lead by Fr. Theo and a delicious festive dinner was served by Ceasers group of Restaurants. Brass band and the DJ Scorpions entertained the crowd till the end with their live band. The well-entertained and organized program came to an end at 9.30 pm which was witnessed by more than 1000 people. The program was ably compered by Mahesh Prabhu. Excellent stage setting was done by David D`souza along with superb sound and lighting provided by Anand D`souza.
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