Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada
Mississauga, Apr 19: Canada's premier Konkani Association 'Mangalorean Association of Canada' (MAC) will present the most spectacular evening of the year - 'MAC Social - 2017' on April 29 at The Payal Banquet and Convention Centre, Mississauga from 6.30 pm, a night of entertainment filled with lovely music, innovative games, lots of exciting prizes and Cha-Cha competition. Undoubtedly, MAC Social 2017 extravaganza under the dynamic leadership of the incumbent president Manohar Pais will be a thrilling and most memorable event with the presence of most popular live band, 'Memory Lane' and renowned emcee Jude Menezes.
Although MAC is only 18 years old, it is Canada's premier Mangalorean Konkani Association and in the current year 2017 completes 16 glorious years of venturing into the much acclaimed family social event 'MAC Social'. The sole objective of this super event is to bring various families together under one roof in the spirit of oneness under the banner of love, joy and peace.
The MAC, with members originating from different parts of coastal Karnataka, has formed as one family in this distant land of Canada. Their motto is "Together we can make a difference" and by organizing various spiritual, cultural, social and sports events attract every Mangalurean to this wonderful organization. Its unequivocal commitment in preserving the rich Konkani language, culture and tradition and strengthening the relationship with Mangalureans in Canada is praiseworthy.
The MAC working group consists of the executive committee and functional committees comprising of MAC members whose skills and talents encompass a wide spectrum of jobs and activities. The EC is the top executive and administrative body of MAC. The EC and various functional committees are jointly accountable to ensure the smooth working of the organization. Each member takes immense pride in fulfilling the responsibility assigned. The association also has the unflinching support and spiritual guidance of Fr Edwin D'Souza, former parish priest of Sts Martha and Mary parish, Mississauga. It is due to the dedicated and untiring efforts of Life, former EC members, current EC members and departed members that MAC has triumphed over challenges and accomplished great things.
The growth of MAC during the past one-and-a-half decade is phenomenal. Everyone who is close to the association can boldly assert that the selfless dedication of the past and current executive committee members is the key to the success of this great institution. As a recognition for its superb achievements, MAC has been recognized by Mandd Sobhann (Mangaluru-based Konkani organization that is striving to promote Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide), as one of the best 25 Konkani associations in the world and honoured by the President of India in 2010 in Mangaluru, India. Truly it’s a tremendous accomplishment and this fact is a matter of great pride for every Mangalurean residing in Canada. MAC is also a member of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, Bengaluru, India.
The recently-concluded month-long Lenten programme in Konkani organized by MAC under the able leadership of the incumbent president Manohar Pais, the executive committee and in particular the spiritual secretary Nina Crasta, is a true example of MAC's dedication in assisting the spiritual needs of the Konkani community here in Canada.
Without any prejudice, with its accomplishments of yesterday, its successes of today and its triumphs of tomorrow, MAC will remain as a beacon of hope for every Mangalorean residing in Canada and especially for the younger generation.