Doha: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Celebrates 'Mangalorean Day'
Media Release
Doha, Oct 11: Enthused by its hugely successful maiden ‘Mangalorean Day’ celebrated in October last year, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar, organized the 2nd ‘Mangalorean Day’ on Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Ideal Indian School grounds. It was a family day of games, music, dance, food and fun galore.
The day began with sports events for all age groups. While the children and youth had events such as ‘Pick-up the pieces’, hopping races, sprints and the sack race, the ‘young at heart’ participated in walking, sack, lemon and spoon races and bowling at the wicket. A family relay was also held. Vinay Alvares in his witty style conducted the sports events.
Homemade Mangalorean and non-Mangalorean delicacies such as Goli Baje, Samosa, Vada sambhar, Sheera, Sausage rolls, Fish Cutlets, Pothrade, Kombiechi Kodi, Kori Sukka, Chicken Manchurian, Chicken Chilli, Biryani, Chicken Bar-B-Q, Chicken Lollypop, Shawarma , Mutton Stew, Beef Sukka, Sannam, Appam, Panpale , Vorn, Kulfi, Badam Milk and much more, which were specially prepared by generous Mangalorean community members, were available throughout the evening and were thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd.
The cultural program began with the welcome music by the young trio followed by a prayer song by the children’s Konkani choir.
Alwyn D’Souza, the President, welcomed the audience and assured that, as MCC is not for its members alone but for all the Konkani Speaking Mangaloreans in Qatar, it will do all that is possible to bring to the fore the talents of the Mangalorean community in Qatar and hence, requested the community members to come forward and wholeheartedly take part in MCC’s activities.
K.M Varghese, President of the ‘Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Doha, the Indian Embassy’s umbrella organization for all Indian socio-cultural organizations in Qatar, was the chief guest of the evening and felicitated the Mangalorean achievers in Academics, Sports and Extra-curricular activities during the year 2008-2009.
The sheer number of high quality stage programs like feet tapping dances and melodious songs was a testimony to the overwhelming participation of the members who numbered 101, to be exact. The highlight of the cultural show was the rib-tickling ‘Dhon Ghadiyo Hasson Kadiyam’, a super hit Konkani comedy drama of yester years written by Ramanand Surya. The drama was directed by Eddie Sequeira, Konkani activist and artist, who also essayed the role of the main character. The other actors were Della Rego, Alfred Cyril Crasta and Prakash Noronha.
The special attractions of the evening were the ‘Healthy baby – boy/girl’ and the ‘Little Prince/Princess ‘contest for the tiny tots in the age groups of 2 – 4 and 4+ – 6 respectively. It was a delight for those present to watch the smally’s parade on stage in their colourful costumes who stole their hearts away. The winners of the contests were:
Healthy Baby Boy: Aaron D’Souza
Healthy Baby Girl: Gail Rodrigues
Little Prince: Ronson Fernandez
Little Princess: Ashel Candid D’Souza
The judges for these contests were Annette Venkat, Prakash Noronha, Edward Noronha and Celia D’Souza. This segment of the evening was compeered by youngsters Merwick D’Souza and Sana Britto.
Winners of the various sports events were also felicitated and Amitha D’Souza conducted the prize distribution ceremony along with the sports team.
Harry Correa and Sony Rodrigues did a wonderful job as the hosts of the evening .
Sound and Lights were provided by Glylon Rodrigues. A raffle draw and a game of Bingo, with attractive prizes, were also conducted. Cultural Secretary Reena Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.
Mangalore Cricket Club wishes to thank all the volunteers, the generous community members, the sponsors Dandy, Air India, Hotel Sheraton, Move n’ Pick Hotel, Hotel Ramada, Hotel Doha Marriot, DHL, Rayyan Water and all those who have contributed towards the run-away success of the 2nd MCC ‘Mangalorean Day’ which brought together more than 500 Mangaloreans as one BIG FAMILY.