Media Release

Kuwait, Nov 28:'Mangalore Cultural Association, Kuwait', a newly formed association in the city had their grand inaugural ceremony on November 23 at Abbasiya.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome extended by the master of ceremony, Benjohn D’Souza.

The short prayer was led by Florine D'Souza. Linda D'Souza read the bible and Florine then gave the members a short reflection on the Word of God. To venerate our Mother Mary, Laveena Pais sung a beautiful hymn along with her husband Anil Pais, who played the guitar. 

This was followed by a prayer dance by Larisa, Nelisha and Tanisha on the hymn, 'Tuje Charani' and last but not the least, Melbone concluded the prayer by playing instrumental devotional hymn on the violin. 

As part of the celebration, the traditional lamp was lit by the newly elected committee members along with the founder of Mangalore Cultural Association, Kuwait, Anil Pais and Naveen Cedric D’Sa. To celebrate their joy and enhance the occasion, the committee members cut the cake and shared their sweetness among each other. 

Furthermore, Ida Lobo introduced the attendees to Mangalore Cultural Association, Kuwait (MCA) by highlighting on their activities and motto 'Hattak Hath Melovya.. Konkani Vaat zol’lovyeam'. This motto will be a weapon for the newly formed association to strive in raising the Mangalorean culture to another level by walking hand in hand with each other and spreading the light of this culture to everyone. 

During the celebration, the newly elected committee members pledged their services to the association by taking an oath to work selflessly in growing Konkani by promoting Mangalorean culture and tradition.

The Names of Elected Committee Members are as follows: 

President – Naveen Cedric D’Sa

Vice President – Sagar Castelino

General Secretary - Rajesh Fernandes

Joint Secretary - Herald Fernandes

Treasurer - Jason Misquith

Auditor - Arvin D’Souza

Cultural Secretary - Pressila Rodriguez

Asst Cultural Secretary - Deepak D’Souza.

Public Relation Officer - Margaret D’Souza.

Website Administrator - Lenon Peris 

The second part of the celebration continued with following entertainment: 

•Folk dance by Nataania, Leona and Jovisa

•A dazzling solo performance by Anjel Jane Benitto. Riyona Leola and Nataania entertained the audience with an action song on ‘Our Mother Earth’

•Solo singing by Jaison Melwyn

•Spot prizes and games for children 

While being entertained, the audience also enjoyed some snacks and coffee. The prizes for games were distributed by the founder member, Anil Pais. 

The event was successful in encouraging many in the audience to enrol themselves as members of MCA Kuwait. 

At the end, Arvin D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks to all the committee members, guests and participants for gracing the occasion. 

The wonderful moments of the event was beautifully captured on the camera by Prashanth Ferrao. 

Mangalore Cultural Association also wants to preserve Mangalorean culture and keep the konkani language alive in Kuwait, as per the founding members.