Report & Pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Kuwait, Jan 17: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the president ship of Alban D'Souza, organized musical extravaganza for Konkani music lovers with 'SWAK Rupyalo Sambram' on Friday, January 17, at the American International School, Kamel Al Rayes Auditorium, Maidan Hawally. The melodious event featured variety of lively enthralling melodious songs contributed by Konkani singers of the different generations Sangeeth Samrat Henry D’Souza, Yodeling King Melwyn Peris, Konkan Kalashree Claud D’Souza, Heartthrob of Konkani Prajoth D’Sa, multilingual singer Anitha Serrao D’Souza and ‘Mozo Thalo Gaithalo’ fame young talented singer Velita Lobo. They were supported by well-known comedian and public speaker Jerry Rasquinha, Rony D'Cunha, Jasmine D'Cunha, foot-tapping dances and rib-tickling comedy skits from professional actors of Konkani community.
The musical evening began with the formal introduction and welcome by Lionel D'Souza followed by prayer by Clifford D’Souza. A slide show was presented on late Fr Mahesh D'Souza after a minute's silence for his soul. President Alban D'Souza welcomed the gathering with his presidential welcome speech. Fr Noel Vinay Almeida, Fr Antony Lopez, Fr Alwyn D'Souza and Valerian Maxim D'Sa along with president and committee members lit the lamp and released the souvenir to mark the event. SWAK Silver Jubilee song was sung by Konkani’s Golden Voice Rony D'Cunha and Jasmine D'Cunha which was composed by Melwyn Peris.
The era of music by visiting artists started with song ‘Tuzo Mog Maka Zala’ and continued with mind blowing songs Kalliz Lasta, Ye Ye Cathrina, WhatsApp Facebook, Turbenth Vazta, Choli, Chandrem Udevn Ailo, Nach Mogacho, Vishwasi Mog, Sobith Choli (Chakka), Chedun Bomboichen, Soro Koincho, Udi Udi, Wilma Maria, Ami Dogi Xezara, Konkani Kalakaran. The gathered music-lovers enjoyed every moment of the program. The evening was filled with superb soul stirring music, songs, style and performances by visiting artists to the tune of music directed by A R Rahman of Konkani music Adrian Gomes and team.
The audience were treated to a laughter feast by the comedians Lionel D'Souza, Sunny Menezes, Anil Menezes, Renny Menezes, Melwyn Peris and Jerry Rasquinha adding a generous dose of humour during the intervals that kept the crowd rolling with laughter. Audience thoroughly enjoyed foot tapping dances by Jhankaar Dance Academy and Jovas XLNC.
Past presidents of SWAK Francis Menezes, Nitin Castelino, Adrian Gomes, Anil Menezes, Urban DSouza, Clifford DSouza, Alwyn D’Souza and Alban D'Souza were remembered and honoured during the event. Sponsors, SWAK representatives, musicians, artists and media personals were also honoured.
Konkani’s A R Rahman, Music Maestro Adrian Gomes was conferred with title ‘Sangeeth Kunvar’. He was honoured with citation, shawl, peta, flowers and fruits. His wife Anita, and children Alister, Alston and Alisha were present during the event. Adrian Gomes is originally from Shirva and past president of SWAK. He has given music in all south Indian languages and Hindi shows in India, Kuwait and other Gulf countries.
Shabitha Felcita D'Souza delivered vote of thanks. The musical show was well compered by Jerry Rasquinha. Soulful music was directed by Music Maestro Adrian Gomes (Keyboards / Trumpet, Music Director) along with Alston Gomes (Lead Rhythm Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Alto/Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet & Violin), Sajeeb Kumar (Dholak, Tumba & Bongo), Sony Francis (Digital Drums), Manoj Talassery (Bass Guitar). The stage, Sound and Lightings were provided by Waves Event Engineering (Anand D'Souza). The programme came to an end with Baila Song and dance by audience.
Anil Lobo Fermai, the young and dynamic chairman of MCC Bank, addressed the gathering to explain the growth and mission of the bank. He urged NRIs to support the community bank.
The program was sponsored by Lawrence D’Souza - Caesars Group of Companies, Khorafi Plastic Industries Company, Keentech Electrical Contracting Co, United Steel Factory, Avanti Palace Restaurant Co, Mandavi Real Estate Developers, MCC Bank Ltd, Mera Wealth Management Services, Exotique Ladies – Hair & Beauty Salon, The Himalaya Drug Company, Hamad Saleh Al-Homaizi Grandsons Pharma Co, Diyab Mohd. Haji Est – General Trading &Contracting, Prakash Gonsalves & Family, TEC Engineering and National Engineering for Elevators
With the motto ‘People Caring for People’ SWAK a non-profit charitable organization came into existence on 16th December 1994 with the support from some generous expats in Kuwait. Ever since its inception SWAK has generously contributed for the poor children education fund, aid for students in professional colleges, medical aid and other aid such as helping for the marriage of females from poor families, financial support towards electricity connection and construction or repair of houses for the needy, helped poor families for the funeral expenses. This event marked the completion of SWAK’s 25 years of meritorious service towards the social cause and upliftment of the deprived families. The proceeds of this event will go towards the welfare funding of SWAK’s charitable activities, especially the upbringing of poor children, in the field of education by funding school fees and uniform, providing financial help to improve the living conditions by repairing dilapidated homes and giving medical assistance by sharing their monetary burden to combat their illnesses.