Report and pics by Ancy Paladka
for Daijiworld Media Network, Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 5: The Maharashatra Konkani Association Mumbai (MKA) organized "Konkani Udyami Utsav" a gathering of Konkani businessmen, in a unique way by honouring 50 industrialists and businessmen at Jarimari here on Sunday February 4.
Fr Michael inaugurated the programme along with Archadia managing director Antony Sequeira, Konkani Bhasha Mandal president P N Shanbaug, Jerimari parish priest Fr Hubert, MKA past president Walter D'Souza and MKA founder president Leo Fernandes. Fr Hubert in his key note address stressed the need of nurturing mother tongue Konkani and invited people to play a vital role in organizing such programmes. President of the stage programme Antony Sequiera stressed the need of forming the apex body of all Konkani organisations and providing proper guidance and finance to the new generation to venture in to business.
Entrepreneurs Albert W D'Souza of Printannia Offset, Vincent Mathias of VelVin Packaging, banker John D'Silva and Francis Rasquinha of Francis shipping were recongnized in a special manner for their yeoman service to the society and were honoured with a citation, certificate and memento.
Fifty businessmen were escorted in a procession of brass band and were honoured on the stage. They are advocate Pius Vas, Albert W D'Souza, Alwyn Saldanha, Ancy Paladka, Anil Moraes, Antony Sequiera, Charles D'Souza, Christopher Solomon, Clara D'Souza, Colin Sequiera, Cypri Sampige, D M Lewis, Denis Lobo, Dolphy D'Souza, Donald Louis, Dr Francis Colaco, Everest Pais, Francis Almeida, Francis Rasquinha, Freddy Mendonca, Garry Carvallo, Harry Castelino, Harry Rebello, Henry D'Souza, Henry Lobo, J B Sequiera, James Menezes, John D'Silva, John Oswald Cordeiro, John Rebello, Kold Corner, Lancy D'Souza, Lawrence Coelho, Lawrence D'Souza Jarimari, Mathias J Lobo, P N Shabaug, Peter Rebeiro, R J Rodrigues, Reginald Carvalo, Reginald Carvalo, Richard Monteiro, Robert Noronha, Rons Bantwal, Rudolf Rebello, Stanislaus Saldanha, Stany Fernandes, Thomas Castelino, Victor Pereira, Vincent Mathias and William D'Souza.
Prizes were given to the winners of talent show held on November 12, 2006 . Kenny and Jerry's group presented a grand cultural show. Hilarious mimicry was presented by Kundapur Club members of Chakala. Vakolacho Tallo, Kundapur Club Members, Lancy, Blanny, Judy Pereira, Caren Sanctis, Mellissa Saldanha, Baby Valencia D'Souza, Lewin Fernandes too entertained the crowd through their songs and dances.
Speaking on behalf of the entrepreneurial community, Albert W D'Souza appreciated the efforts of the Maharashtra Konkan Association members, in their noble cause of recognising the businessmen. Founder Leo Fernandes welcomed the gathering. Secretary Vincent Castelino, Ron Michael compered the programme. President Benedicta Rebello gave the vote of thanks.