Media Release

Kuwait, May 17: The Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait recently held its traditional Annual Summer Queen Ball 2007 at the Ramada Hotel Riggai, Kuwait. The full-house event was a tremendous success and acclaimed enormous value. The function was well-attended by a large number of guests including Manmohan Singh, head consular,  Embassy of India, Kuwait, diplomats, film star Aman Verma, VIPs, sponsors and host of other dignitaries from India, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and Kuwait. 

 The Summer Queen 2007 event with Goa’s premiere music band “Forefront” and Mumbai’s dynamic music group “SHYlite” with Sharmila Diaz, Steve and Stephen enthralled the audience with their foot tapping music. True to the Goan spirit and hospitality, the organizers, Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait, left no stone unturned to make it a memorable event.
It is for the first time that all musicians as well as the compere Sonia Shirsat to be flown in directly from India.

The event’s sponsor Mughal Mahal and co-sponsors Payal Gold & Diamonds, with the event’s official carrier and co-sponsor Air India, Sri Lankan Airlines, Kempinski Julia’a Hotel and Resort, Future Communications (Nokia), Indian Airlines, Emirates Spring Resorts, MTC-Vodafone, UAE Exchange Centre, Royal Goan Beach Club (Goa), Radisson SAS Hotel, Oasis Hotel, Oriental Restaurant, Ramada Hotel among other business houses and trading enterprises showered prizes galore. The contestants from 8 different nationalities participated with Indians taking the first three spots in a show of wit, talent and poise.

The judges had a hard time to decide the winner as one after another round showed the contestant’s ability to display their best attributes.  Conchita Cardozo, ably assisting the host Sonia Shirsat, took the crowd to glorious heights.   Kuwait’s musicians took keen interest to attend and listen to the visiting bands including Aggie (Stepping Stones), Roney (Deep Impact), Elias (Soul Shakers) and Merwyn Pereira (compere).  The sound system was excellently coordinated by Salvador Rebello of the ‘Scorpians’ fame together with Brian, Arvil and William. The reception control was ably handled by Zelito Cardoz, Agostinho Leitao, Ravi Chodankar and Jose Marcus Rodrigues.   The competition rounds were professionally coordinated upto the minute details.

Ruth Fernandes was crowned the Summer Queen 2007 by Qatar-based Goan Welfare Association president, Simon D’Silva, who was among the host of invited guests and patrons specially flown in for the event. The first runners-up spot was claimed by Fiona Noronha. The second runners-up position went to Joyce Fernandes of NBK. Sandra Dastani, Sharmila Diaz, Agnello Fernandes, and Muriel Alphonso were the judges of the day.

Guest of honour of the day Manmohan Singh, head of consular section, Embassy of India-Kuwait, specially deputed by the Ambassador, enjoyed the evening with his spouse. A memento to honor the visiting troupes at the hand of the chief guest was bestowed on Sharmila Diaz (SHYlite), compere Sonia Shirsat, and Seby Pinto (Forefront). 

Earlier the executive president of Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait welcomed the guests. Alexander Fernandes (Colva), Agnello Fernandes (NYC), Victor Fernandes (TEC), Luis Cardoz (KHK), Lawry Pinto (YRC), Muriel Alphonso (IWL) were some of the top senior representatives among the Goan/Mangalorean community who patronized the event. The release of ‘Domnic’s Goa’ – a book by the Goan author Domnic PF Fernandes was done at the hands of Carmo Santos in the presence of the chief guest.

Earlier, Simon D’Silva inaugurated the colourful Souvenir which was distributed to the guests. Goa’s chief minister, minister for industries and education and minister of arts and culture congratulated the organizers, Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait, for their efforts to promote Goan culture and heritage and encouraging the Goan musicians and artistes to perform in Kuwait.  “You are a prime example of the saying that you can take a Goan out of Goa but you cannot take Goa out of the Goan”, a message from minister Luizinho Faleiro, sums the event.

Bollywood celebrity and well-known established TV actor and anchor Aman Verma   (co-host of Indian Idol on Sony Entertainment Television and host of Zee TV’s Zee Cinestars) graced the occasion by his presence together with visitors from Mumbai.

Three attractive prizes went to the Novelty session.   Forefront and SHYlite kept the crowd glued to their seats until the wee hours of the morning.  A sumptuous dinner by the chefs of Hotel Ramada was enjoyed by all to the heart’s content. A special prize for the ‘Best Smile’ went to Abh Daliya as well as prizes for ‘Best Costume’, etc.  Sonia Shirsat’s compereing was excellent, lively and it was her first time performance in Kuwait. As a ‘fado’ singer (Portuguese medleys) Sonia, a law graduate hailing from Ponda, is among the best in Goa.   A word of thanks goes to the English dailies for the excellent coverage provided for the event.

The Goan Cultural Centre was established in 1990 with the motto “Goenkaranchem Diaz, Goenchi Promporik Sonskruttai” in order to cherish and promote Goan cultural arts, heritage and artistes and enjoys a wide membership.   Last year, Goan Cultural Centre presented the Goan Cultural and Food Festival which was patronized by Goa Government’s Department of Arts and Culture.   The Minister of Education & Industries, Luizinho Faleiro was specially flown as the guest of honour with Goa’s premiere state cultural troupe “Keppemchim Kirnnam”, Konkani singers Oswi Viegas, King of Mimicry Sheikh Amir and comperes Richard Sucorro Rodrigues, Dominic Araujo, Conchita Cardozo and Melanie Trindade. Children’s cheoreography and dance-song groups, Konkani stage artistes and singers enacting a skit, were promoted and encouraged who gave superlative performances.  A culinary taste of Goa was the highlight of the event, interestingly served in clay pots and pans, to relish the flavour reminding of the traditional and days of yore.   Actively involved in the community affairs, Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait stands out with pride and commands wide membership. GCC can be contacted at goanculturalcentrekuwait@gmail.com. 

Mark the dates on your calendar and be part of the up-coming events by the Goan Cultural Centre in Kuwait. 

KIFF NITE - 31st May 2007 at Faker Eldeen Palace, Kuwait City
Contact 7162672 for further details
 
Menino de Bandar presents
"HO UZO PALLOIEAT" (Konkani Drama)   
On 1st June 2007, 
At Hawalli AC Auditorium, Kuwait
8th June 2007 in Dubai
14th June 2007 in Adeliya - Bahrain
Contact 9047401 for further details