by Praveen Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Feb 15: USWAS, an association of Shirva parishioners, known as one of the most vibrant associations among parishes in Udupi diocese, with widespread presence across the UAE, celebrated the parish feast of Our Lady of Health (Savud Mai), by staging a grand ‘Shirva Festh 2015 - Mogachi Saanz' on Friday February 13, under the leadership of USWAS president Herald Mathias.
The event, filled with glamour and fun, was held at the Al Masah Ball Room at Sheraton Deira, Dubai in the presence of jampacked parishioners and guests.
A minute's silence was observed and prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late Louis Mendonca, a popular teacher and retired principal of St Mary’s PU College of Shirva who left for heavenly abode on February 12.
Shirva Festh 2015 provided an evening of variety entertainment to a packed house, with lots of music, songs, skit, fun, games, spot prizes and dances by local talents.
The programme started with a hymn to patron Saud Mai (Our Lady of Health) by all USWAS committee members. A brief introduction and clip of the centenary celebrations of Our Lady of Health, Shirva was presented by Nithin Castelino. He also introduced and welcomed the compere of the evening Roshan D'Silva, one of the most experienced and well-known comperes in Mangaluru and in Dubai.
USWAS president Herald Mathias welcomed the guests including chief guest Fr Ronald Machado, Paul Saldanha, representative of Delmon Group of Companies and Irene D'Souza, representative of Dunes Hotel Apartments Dubai. Patron Joseph Mathias was remembered and mentioned by the president during his welcome speech. They were felicitated with bouquets by USWAS president. In his presidential address he thanked Fr Ronald Machado and Fr Sunil Monisfor their presence to the Shirva Festh, welcomed Walter Nandalike, chief editor of Daijiworld.com, Diana D'Souza, audience and all the sponsors and well-wishers.
In response, Fr Ronald Machado said that though he is serving outside Shirva parish, he still feels attachment to Shirva and Shirva parishioners of UAE for their many noble and charitable causes. He praised USWAS for its dedication towards the needy and wished success for its future projects. Secretary Diana D’Souza read out the annual report of USWAS and vice-president Ronald Corea proposed the vote of thanks to Robert D'Sa of MACYS Restaurant and Confectioneries, Joseph Mathias of Arabia Star Gen Trading Co, Bernard Saldanha of Delmon Group, Sanu Devasia of Safe Max Fire and Safety, Silvertech Engineering LLC and Dunes Hotel Apartments who all were the main sponsors of Shirva Festha Mogachi Saanz. Lavina Tauro read out the sponsors' list and all the sponsors and well-wishers were felicitated with mementos. Roshan Menezes conducted the stage programme.
Fr Stany Tauro voiced his video message from Shirva by wishing USWAS members and all Shirva members in UAE a happy feast and extended blessings of Saud Mai to all.
'USWAS Puraskar 2015', a special honour was conferred on MACYS' managing director Robert D'Sa, an award-winning entrepreneur in the UAE, in grateful appreciation of the generous support and dedicated service to USWAS and the community. The managing committee of USWAS presented the award to Robert D'Sa.
Acknowledging the honour, Robert D'Sa praised the committee members of USWAS for their dedicated efforts to serve for various causes, be it educational or for medical support for the needy people in Shirva, and said that USWAS has lived up to their motto ‘Lend a Hand not for Self, but for each other’. He also assured his support in future endeavours of USWAS.
During the entertainment session the rising star of Shirva in UAE Prashanth Sequeira and his members from Band Eagles comprising Prashanth, Melwyn D’Souza, Joshal D’Souza along with kids Leora D’Souza, Delisha and Lanisha Vaz presented entertaining songs. They sang some hit Konkani and Hindi songs and popular baila numbers. Couples took active part in the novelty dance and lots of prizes were picked for the dance.
'Thamashe Kalakar' comprising Pradeep Barboza, Deepak Paladka, Godwin and Alphonse presented some excellent comedy skits. Beautiful dances by Arun Lobo Feat Beat group were performed for live songs and remix bollywood numbers. Children of USWAS members and local talents Rhea, Alita, Jinelle, Lisha, Micole, Marsha, Litsa, Cleaon, Rahul, Shelwyn and Delvina danced to various Bollywood numbers, which was yet another highlight of the evening. Roshan D’Silva conducted lots of interactive spot games and fun games for kids and adults and kept the audience engaged till the end. All the artistes, dancers, and singers were felicitated with mementos. A brief homage was paide to the late L Mendonca during the programme. A lavish buffet dinner was served.
The programme concluded with a raffle draw followed by baila where young and old rocked the dance floor.