GCC X'MAS SNOWBALL - A DAZZLING SPECTACLE
- By Sunny Nazareth
Kuwait, December 11, 2009:
By Santa! The day dawned with glitz, glitter and glamour as the Goan Cultural
Centre
celebrated their traditional Christmas Snowball with Pai Natal, on Friday
December
11,2009 at the Carmel School. It was a breathtaking spectacle, unsurpassed, in
sheer
opulence, grandeur and excellence. The festivities started with the zestful
emcee
Alex Taylor highlighting the day's programs that comprised of fancy dress,
games,
carol singing, housie, tableau, Santa's arrival, Christmas hampers, jive, waltz
contests, spot prizes, gifts, novelty and other paraphernalia, typically allied
with
Christmas celebrations.
In his welcome address, Carmo Santos, Chairman of the Goan Cultural Centre,
enthusiastically greeted the delightful guests and expressed his profound
happiness
at the impactful presence of the Chief Guest, H.E. Ajai Malhotra, and the
Ambassador
of India. In riposte, Ambassador Malhotra, extended his heartiest Christmas
greetings to the beaming guests and lauded the amazing celebrations. Guest of
honor
and a patron of the association, Ashok Kalra were full of praise to the
beautiful
Christmas celebrations. He highlighted the social and cultural work spearheaded
by
Goan Cultural Centre.
Special guest, Sr. Maria Lytta AC, principal of the Carmel school also had a
sweet
Christmas message on the occasion. President of the Goan Cultural Centre,
Suresh
Naik expressed his thankfulness to Ambassador Malhotra and to the management of
the
Carmel school, patrons, sponsors, well wishers, donors and to the groovy
guests. The
Christmas celebrations also provided a platform to honor Indian students who
achieved outstanding academic excellence. H.E Ambassador Ajai Malhotra awarded
medals and certificates to Desiree Noela Dias, Keisha P.Pereira, Corraine
C.Santos,
Ashwell S. Correia, Melanie F.Gomes, and Christabelle C.Santos.
Goan Cultural Centre also graciously honoured Fr. Melwin D'Cunha (OCD) and
Fr.Teo
Fernandes(OCD) in appreciation of their dedicated services to the community. A
special Konkani song dedicated to Fr. Melwin D'Cunha, composed by superstar
Jose Rod
with live music by Soccoro D'Mello, was sung by Effie De Melo and chorus
singers to
a thunderous wave of applause. Both Fr.Melwyn and Fr.Teo will shortly bid adieu
to
Kuwait. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of the drawing competition and
the
organizers thanked all 360 participants, their parents, school administrators,
the
media and well-wishers for their cooperation and support. The decoration was
fantastically amazing and the guests were treated to galore of prizes and
climaxed
by sumptuous buffet catered by Amit Roy.
The popular DJ Mario rocked the celebration with electrifying music and the
emcee
Alex Taylor enlivened the show with his fabulous presentation. The main sponsor
of
the Christmas celebrations was IFFCO - the brand managers of Tiffany Products
and
co-sponsored by Air India, Mughal Mahal, Kitco, Almarai, Refreshment Trading
Co.
(Coca Cola), Sarina Saloon, Expat Properties (Mumbai), Western Systems, Tome
Gracias, Jossy & Iona and Sandra Dastani.
Musician Socorro De Melo provided scintillating music for the Christmas carols.
Every child received a gift hamper from Tiffany-IFFCO. Among the several high
value
prizes was the Air India return ticket Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait and John Borges was
the
lucky winner. The well-known Polish pianist, music composer and chairman of the
Kuwait Chamber of Philharmonia Ceasery Owerkowicz was the special invitee.
Prominent
Goans representing a wide spectrum on the social, sports, literature and
cultural
fields among the Indian community including Muriel Alphonso, Indian Women's
Association (IWA) president, Agnello AS Fernandes, Navelim Youth Centre
president,
Bosco Leitao, CRCC President, Mario Rebello, Kuwait Konknni Kendr Vice
President,
A.Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait Konknni Kendr Convenor, Jacob Fernandes, Colva
United
Centre President and their families added charm to the event with their valued
presence.
The Christmas Hampers' winners were Audwill D'Souza (LCD), Steven Rodrigues
(Piano),
Shamia Makkouk (Guitar), Menino D'Souza (Refrigerator) and other 26 consolation
prizes winners. Several Goan and Indian organizations sent messages of
congratulations wishing the event organizers throughout the day. The fancy
dress
competition, jive and waltz competition, novelty dance, a quick 5 housie and
scores
of spot prizes kept everyone cheerful throughout the event. The Goan Cultural
Centre
has enthusiastically welcomed new members and new talents among the community
and
has been rendering yeomen services in coordination with the spiritual and
social
groups. GCC Representatives has attended the recently held "Goan Convention"
held in
Muscat, Oman. For details on GCC upcoming events, watch out in the print and
internet media shortly. GCC can be contacted by email
[email protected] or visit the blog
http://goanculturalcentrekuwait.blogspot.com
Season's Greetings to all.
- By Sunny Nazareth
For photos, please click
http://picasaweb.google.com/GoanCulturalCentreKuwait/SnowBallWithPaiNatal#
