Report: Clifford D’Souza

Pics: Alban D’Souza

Kuwait, Feb 8: As per the annual ritual, this year too on Friday February 5 the parishioners of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK), along with their families and friends gathered at the premises of Carmel School, here to celebrate the feast of their patron, Our Lady of Health (Saude Mai), with lot of enthusiasm and revelry. The ambience and atmosphere was worth appreciating and that gave a feeling that the entire Shirva town had converged on the venue.  

The program for the day commenced with a thanksgiving prayer recited by SWAK committee member Felix Serrao, followed by a melodious welcome song sung by SWAK members, for which lyrics were written by Lancy Rodrigues and music was provided by music maestro Adrian Gomes.
 
SWAK president, Alwyn D'Souza, wholeheartedly welcomed the chief guest Fr Noel Almeida (assistant parish priest - St Daniel Comboni parish, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Kuwait), Valerian Maxim D’Sa and his wife Luiza D’Sa, sponsors, well-wishers, Shirva parishioners, committee members and their relatives to the celebration of the feast. He called on the attendees to actively participate and enjoy the events of the day.
 
SWAK secretary, Doris Lobo, read the annual report. This report contained details of the notworthy works carried out by SWAK over the past year in aid of the poor and the needy.
 
Chief guest, parish priest and the sponsors were felicitated by SWAK president Alwyn D'Souza with floral bouquets.
 
All the office-bearers and committee members of SWAK, along with the chief guest and guest of honor, cut the festive cake, as a token of sharing the sweetness and happiness with one and all.
 
Fr Noel in his festive message congratulated all the members of the association for doing a remarkable job towards this noble cause. In his address he stressed the present situations of uncertainty of oil prices, impacting insecurity of jobs and recession. He prayed to Holy Mother to bless the association for their continuous good deeds towards the betterment of the community and sanctified to guide and protect all her faithful children from all distress.
 
Since its inception, every year during the feast, SWAK has been bringing to light the excellent achievements of members' kids by felicitating them with their parents with a token of appreciation. The education felicitation of a top outstanding student of 10th standard was sponsored by Urban and Janet D’Souza in remembrance of their angel daughter Princel Deona D’Souza and 12th standard was sponsored by Nitin Castelino in memory of his late father Thomas Castelino.
 
Vice president Urban D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked the main sponsor and SWAK honorary member Lawrence D'Souza (owner of Caesar’s Group), co-sponsor Valerian D'Sa (managing partner and vice president of Khalil Bahman and partners) and all the sponsors, office-bearers and committee members of SWAK for their all-round support in staging this event.

The president appreciated the efforts of committee member Alban D’Souza for coordinating with the sponsors and Urban D’Souza, Clevan Fernandes for the raffle sale.

A slew of entertainment programmes followed and the audience thoroughly enjoyed each of them.
 
The classical, solo and group dances were presented by artistes; Danica D’Souza (Dhol Baje), Alisha Gomes (Better when I am Dancing), Baby Daniella Lobo (Afghan Jalebi), Dancica D’Souza, Saina Mendoca and Sherwin Mendonca (Selfie Le Le), Renny Menezes and Anil Menezes entertained the audience with their rib tickling jokes.
 
Manohar Prabhu engaged the public with games and spot prizes. DJ Ralph’s music captivated the gathering till the very end.
 
Towards the end, housie housie and raffle draw conducted by auditor Anil Menezes, cultural secretary Robert Mathias and Clifford D’Souza. Prizes of the raffles were distributed thereafter for the winners by visiting priest Fr Walter D’Souza. 

Fr Noel Almeida blessed the food and gathered the children to recite grace before meals.

The sumptuous dinner buffet prepared by Caesars Restaurant was relished by everyone.

Photography and videography of the entire event was sponsored by committee member Alban D’Souza with his 'Blue Ray Digital' team. Lights and sound were provided by 'Illuminations' Anand D'Souza. Stage was decorated by Godwin and team. The proceedings of the day were compered admirably by Dr Manohar Prabhu. The celebration drew to an end at 5.00 pm with the dazzling baila masala dance.