GOA DAY ’09 – A GRAND SUCCESS. The Goa Day ’09, organized by the Goan Welfare Society – Kuwait , in association with other Goan Clubs/Organisations, was celebrated in a grand style at the Carmel School , Kheitan , Kuwait , on 20th November, 2009. The gala gathering regaled to a variety entertainment programme which was so lively and entertaining. The vibrant music from the bands ‘Desert Strings’ the ‘Hidden Talents’ and AGGY D, set the moods for the thrilling moments to follow on stage, in the later part of the day. Julio Cardozo, coordinated the event, in his own inimitable style. With the colourful Food stalls in the background, Goans were seen relishing the authentic delicacies, and enjoying what they are missing while away from home. The Game stalls depict the festive fun fare during village feast celebrations back home. ‘Kepemchim Kirnnam’ – the Internationally renowned Folklore Troupe from Goa, enthralled the capacity audience, with memorable performances, that will be long remembered by the Goans and special invitees who were captivated, by their graceful dances and lilting music, which flowed naturally, bringing alive the rich cultural traditions of Goa. Cajetan de Sanvordem and Janet Fernandes, compered the entire cultural programme with grace. Elvis Goes - ‘The Prince of Mando’, who is the leader of ‘Kepenchim Kirnnam’ thrilled the audience with a rendition of his very own compositions, proving yet again, here, that he truly deserves the title conferred on him by the State of Goa. The Chief guest, H.E. the Ambassador of India, Shri Ajai Malhotra, in his address lauded the contributions of the Goan community in Kuwait towards the socio-Economic progress and development of India and appreciated picturesque land of Goa . He recalled his experiences during his recent visit to Goa on a holiday with his family, and complimented the very hospitable Goan people and praised the sandy beaches, lush green fields and lifestyle of Goa . The Prizes and Certificates for the Drawing & Collage Competitions, distributed to the winners at the hands of H.E. the Ambassador of India, Shri Ajai Malhotra. The winners of the different competitions held as a part of Goa Day celebration were as follows – Drawing competition were Esha Banerjee, Jaison Miranda (age group 4-6 ) Samruddhi Shrivastava, Vignesh Sivakumar(Age Group: 7-9), Collage competition winners were Immanuel Adriana Rakshana, Juliana Jinson (age 10-13 years) Vishala Darshani, Mohd. Saif Shaikh (age group 14-17), Konkani Singing Competition winners were Adela Moraies , Jasson nMirada (Age group 5-8years) & Alrich Miranda, Caris D'Costa (age group 9-12 years) Goan Welfare society honoured “Elivs Goes” leader of the Cultural Troupe “KEPEMCHIM KIRNNAM” in appreciation of his talents in promoting the rich Goan cultural heritage and keeping alive the traditional folklore of Goa . Elivs Goes is also Recipient of the first ever ‘Youth Achievers Award’ called ‘The Yuva Srujan Puraskar 2008 for folk song’ instituted by the Directorate of Art & Culture Govt. of Goa. Elvis Goes has taken Kepemchem Kirnnan into the Guinness book of World records which was created by Mr. Eric Ozario’s MANDD SOBHANN. Another senior citizen Mr. Assumption D’Sa was honored in recognition of his yeomen services to the Goan community during his long span of 52 years in Kuwait . Clubs / organizations that joined hands with Goan Welfare Society were Curtorcares United, CRC Chinchinim, Goan Overseas Association, Kala Mogui Kuwait , Kuwait Goan Association, Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha, Navelim Youth Centre, Santos Football Club, United Friends Club and United Goans Centre. The winner of the best food stall was Kuwait Goan Association. The President of the Goan Welfare Society , Mr. Alex Wilson Coelho, thanked all the heads of the participating Clubs/Organisations, members of GWS, volunteers and all those who helped in the organization of this mega event. He deeply appreciated the cooperation and support of H.E. the Ambassador of India, the Managers of Air India, Jet Airways, Combined Group Co., Arab Center for commerce & Real Estate, National Aviation Company of India Limited (Indian Airlines & Air India), Shuwaikh Electricals, Mr Cosme Coelho & Laurie Pinto, Management of Carmel School, all the dignitaries and guests, participants in the cultural programmes, etc. Mr. Coelho, showered huge praises on the Internationally renowned Troupe from Goa ‘Kepenchim Kirnnam’ and said he was at a loss to find appropriate words to sing praises to them for the excellent performances. He wished them all the very best in all their endeavour and urged them to keep the rich traditions and culture of Goa alive through their talented efforts. The excellent reception and personal attention, accorded to the Troupe on arrival at Kuwait airport, by Jet Airways Airport Manager, Mr. Robert Joseph, is something to be sincerely appreciated, Mr. Coelho stated. The efforts of the organizers, put together to showcase Goa in its true ethnic values, was lauded by the huge cheerful gathering. The Goan Welfare Scholarship Awards 2009, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso, to top ranking Goan students were distributed during the Goa Day ’09, at the hands of our Patron Members, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso. The awardees for Std X were Candice Karen Miranda, Rachel Joan Dias, and Std XII were Ashwell Savio Correia, Keisha Preciosa Pereira The General Secretary of the GWS, Ms. Sharon de Sousa, in her vote of thanks, expressed profound thanks to each and everyone who helped in making Goa Day ’09, a memorable event. The Goan Welfare Society – Kuwait , has done it again! Looks like it has become a habit with the organizers to dish out the best and keep the flag of Goa fluttering high, even though away from home. The beautiful Goan authentic traditional costumes, dance performances, songs, plays, were indeed a treat to watch. Full marks to Goa Day ’09, a complete entertainer!
