KUWAIT: GOA DAY 2012 – A Memorable Event! The Goa Day 2012, organized by the Goan Welfare Society –Kuwait, in association with other Goan Clubs/Organisations/Groups, was celebrated in grand style at the Salmiya Indian Model School, Kuwait, on 30th November, 2012. The clubs /Organisations /Groups, who came together and joined hands with the Goan Welfare Society, to celebrate Goa Day 2012 were, United Friends Club; Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha; Kala Mogui Kuwait; Merces Villagers Kuwait. In keeping with the traditions, the lighting of the ‘Divli’ marked the opening of Goa Day, wherein each President played their part to illuminate the Auditorium and set the stage for various social and cultural programmes to follow. It was a treat to watch the talented youngsters from the renowned aerobic group ‘Dance Aerobic Q8, ably led by Ms. Sophie Fernandes, performing the latest fitness ZUMBA, which was greatly appreciated by the audience. To keep the tempo high, music makers, namely; ‘De Repent’, ‘The Classix’, ‘Country Kids’ and ‘Super Styx’, provided the perfect start to the day long entertainment, coordinated by the MCs Mr. Joe FX D’Souza and Mr. Raymond Rego, in their own inimitable style All the bands that for the first time all the songs that were sung were in Konkani. On the other side, the large number of people that attended, were seen relishing the authentic delicacies of Goa, at the Food Stalls, and enjoying themselves to glory. There were yet others, who were trying their luck at the Game of Skill Stalls, in an ambience suited for a festive celebration. The Chief guest, H.E. the Ambassador of India, Shri Satish C. Mehta, in his address, commended the people of Goa for hosting such a grand event which evolved nostalgic feelings and togetherness, fostering the much desired unity in diversity among Indians in Kuwait. He also went on to invite the people, to attend the Bharatiya Pravasi Divas, which is to be held in Kerala, in the 2nd week of January 2012. Thereafter, the Prizes and Certificates for the Drawing & Collage Competitions, were distributed to the winners at the hands of H.E. the Ambassador of India. The winners of the different competitions, held as a part of Goa Day celebrations were as follows: Drawing competition; (Age Group 4-6 ) Angelina Cibi Daniel, Noel Andrews Bino, Neha Mary Bino; (Age Group 7-9 years) Esha Banerjee, Justin Ignatius Mascaranhas, Crest Cavin D’Costa; (Age Group 10-13 years) Keshatty Sreja, Shania De Souza, Nandha Krishnan M. Collage competition; (Age Group 10-13 years) Elrich Miranda, Aditya Jaypal, M. Yogesh Palaje; (Age Group 14-17 years) Christien Miranda. Konkani Songs Singing Competition winners; (Age Group 5-8 years) Aaron Alex Reveredo, Joshua Fernandes; (Age Group 9-12) Adela Morais, Hazel Melanie Fernandes. Fancy Dress Competition (Age Group 5-8years) Faith Verushka Da Costa, Shania Fernandes; (Age Group 9-12 years) Rachel Lobo. The guest of Honour, Shri Ajay Sinha, Manager Air India, Kuwait, handed over the Prizes to the winners of Fancy Dress, Konkani Songs Singing, Football Competitions, during the programme. Air ticket, Kuwait-India-Kuwait was sponsored by Air India and it was bagged by Ms. Lydia Furtado, winning the Goa Day Raffle lucky draw. The most entertaining part of the entire day was undoubtedly, the Cultural Programme, very professionally managed by the ever popular compere, Cajetan Pereira de Sanvordem, in Goa’s mother tongue, Konkani. All the participants did a fabulous job, be it in Folk Dances, Mando Goencho, Goan Masala, Free Style Modern Dancing, performed by Groups, led by, Kuwat-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha, Kala Mogui, Goan Welfare Society, Navelim Villagers, United Friends Club, Merces Villagers, respectively. To create laughter riots, the two comedians - Jr. Simla and Lucy Aranha supported by Baba Aerosmith & Baby Krisha, really did a marvelous job. No cultural programme is complete without Songs and Music, the singers were: Eldrich Miranda & Jason Miranda (Duo), Esperansa & Gasper Crasto (Duet), Agnel de Panchwadi, Anthony D’Silva, Bab Agnelo, Laurente Pereira, Michael D’Silva, Zeferino de Kerim and others. Music for the Cultural Programme was provided by Maestro Shahu Almeida. The President of the Goan Welfare Society, Mr. Sydney Furtado, expressed profound gratitude to all the heads of the participating Clubs/Organization/Groups, 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 Manager of Air India, M/S Abbott (Pedia Sure), Nisha Optics, Super Middle-East Freight & Logistic Co., Mr. Nazareth (Nazie) Azavedo, Mr Jose Alfonso, Management of Salmiya Indian Model School, all the dignitaries and guests, participants in the cultural programmes, etc. For the first time 5-aside Football Competitions were conducted in the Junior and Senior Category, with kind assistance from Mr. Nazareth (Nazie) Azavedo & Mr Jose Alfonso & Tiago. The following teams participated, in the Junior category: Don Bosco Savio, Don Bosco, Mac Gones & Ave Maria. In the seniors category: Navelim Youth Centre, United Friends Club, Rising Stars, CRC Chinchinim, Sparks, AVC & Curtorcar’s. The 5-A-Side Football, Junior Category Winners were Dominic Savio and Runners-Up were Don Bosco. In the Senior Category Winners were AVC and Runners-Up were CRC. The best decorated stall at the Goa Day was bagged by, United Friends Club. The Goan Welfare Scholarship Awards 2011-12, sponsored by patron members Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso, to top ranking Goan students were distributed during the Goa Day, at the hands of H.E. the Ambassador of India, Shri Satish C. Mehta. The awardees were: Std X, Charmaine Melrose Almeida, and Std XII, Fraser Gomes and Dwane John Almeida. GWS Service Awards were awarded to Members of the Managing Committee, for long service in the GWS Managing Committee, and the awardees were: 10 Years Service Awards: Ms. Philomena Rebelo, Ms. Sharon De Sousa, Mr. Sydney Furtado and Mr. Mario Rebello; 20 Years Service Awards: Mr. Alex Wilson Coelho, Mr. Cajetan Pereira, Mr. Rabindra Pimenta in appreciation of their dedicated services to the Goan Welfare Society. Mr. Joseph F. X. D’Souza was also presented with 20 years’ service award for his dedicated service to the Goan Welfare Society as well as for initiating the concept of Goa Day, which is one of the functions organized by the Goan Welfare Society to date. The General Secretary of the GWS, Ms. Sharon de Sousa, in her vote of thanks, expressed profound thanks to each and every one who helped in making Goa Day 2012, 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 efforts of the organizers, put together to showcase Goa in its true ethnic values, was lauded by the huge cheerful gathering. Goa Day 2012, will be long remembered!
