Pics: Deepak Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, May 3: The much-awaited centenary celebration of St Joseph’s Club Mazgaon (Male Catholic Accommodation/Kudam in Konkani) based in Mumbai, culminated on a high note at India Club, Oud Metha Road, Dubai on Friday May 1.
A unique and historic event of its kind was executed to perfection by all the members of the executive committee, and enjoyed by one and all present at the celebration. Robert D'Souza, president of St Joseph’s Club, Fr Robert Lasrado OFM Cap, St Mary’s Church Dubai, Nelson Rodricks and Lancy D'Souza graced the occasion as special guests.
The event began on time after the welcome address by Lancy D'Souza, advisor of the executive committee.The patron saint of the Club St Joseph was honoured with a hymn. Being May 1, the event had a special significance for all the expats who have flown to Dubai to earn their livelihood as it is the feast day of St Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of all employees and the Club.
After lighting the lamp the guests and the people present at the venue offered a silent prayer for all the departed members of the association till date. While remembering the contribution of the founders and others involved towards the Club, Fr Robert Lasrado in his speech hailed the efforts of all for such a great selfless cause. "This should serve us as an example to serve others," he added.
Robert D'Souza in his turn expressed his gratitude to all the executive committee members, members of the Club and all those who were present and have contributed to the Club and the celebration. He said that the celebration had a lot of significance to him and the Club and it was the greatest milestone achieved by the Club while helping others. Lancy D'Souza gratefully remembered the efforts of the founders and all the members who have worked tirelessly for the Club and explained the significance of the Club and the impact it had made on many families of the members.
Fr Robert Lasrado released the souvenir book of the event, and Nelson Rodricks handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lac to president Robert D'Souza. The amount was collected through the raffle coupons and souvenir book by the executive committee members.
In a wonderful gesture, the family members of one of the founder member, the late Sebastian Lobo, were honored by presenting bouquet and mementos. Robert D'Souza, present president of the Club was felicitated by the members of the executive committee members with flowers, fruits, memento and a letter of appreciation for his dedicated service of 25 years.
The event had much in store for the gathering. Talented singers of Dubai, Preema D’Souza, Maria, Godwin D’Souza, Jackson D’Souza, Rony Byndoor and Ajith Peter D'Souza captured audience’ hearts with their mesmerizing performances of Konkani hit numbers along with Franklin Rodrigues, a young and talented musician. Live music and singing was a real treat to the ears of all those who were present, who appreciated it duly with loud cheers and thunderous applause.
Ajith Peter D'Souza compered the event to perfection with his unique style and charm and kept the mood of the event rolling. DJ party spinners led by Anil Cardoza and Lancy kept the dance floor on fire along with foot tapping live baila from the singers present.
Scintillating dance performance by Feet-Beat group kept the audience on their toes while sumptuous buffet served at the venue was relished by all. The artistes, well wishers and mediapersons were honored with mementos at the event. The event concluded with raffle draw and bailla dance session enjoyed by all.
The event was the fruit of the hard labour of all the executive committee of centenary celebration of St Joseph’s Club, led by coordinator Vincent Corda, assistant coordinator Sandeep D'Souza and many others who strove tirelessly from many months to make this event a great success. It has to be noted that the event was the result of the contribution of the members themselves who brought it forward without taking the financial contribution of sponsors. Needless to say the audience gathered at the event left fully satisfied having witnessed this unique and historic event crafted to perfection by all involved.