Pics by Joachim D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network
Muscat, Apr 20: Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together - Paul Ryan
On Friday April 17 evening, amidst an august community gathering at Sts Peter and Paul Church parish hall, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco, an ardent Mangalurean, was conferred the coveted title ‘Konkan Rai Saheb’ by the Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish (MCCP). The evening was primarily marked for Easter celebrations, to enjoy the resurrection of Jesus Christ and live the fragrance of love and faith, though two weeks have passed after the Easter.
The stage and venue was all set for commemorating Easter. The grand entry of the delegates and guests into the venue, prepped up the mood and arena. MCCP Kalakar, headed by Walter Mendonca kick-started the evening progamme with an Easter message enacting the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The troupe very beautifully portrayed the scripture narrated by St John and was well applauded by the audience. The cast of MCCP Kalakars consisted of Walter Mendonca, Meera Saldanha, Shyla Machado as narrators; Lynel Lobo as Jesus; Jacintha Mendonca as Mary Magdaline; Auraltina Rodrigues, Calida Machado as Angels; Trecilla Menezes as Mother Mary; Valentina Rodrigues woman follower; and Wilfred Castelino, Canute Machado, Vikas Fernandes, Rony Picardo, Sharon Alva, Peter Fernandes, Praveen Serra, Joseph D’souza, Wilson Fernandes, Ajith D’Costa as disciples of Jesus.
The music was Jason Cardoz (DJ), props were arranged by Savio Carvalho, script and direction were by Walter Mendonca, and the performance was conceptualised Prescilla Menezes, with Edward Mendonca as the main co-ordinator.
Thereafter, spiritual director Fr Wilson Rumao and parish priest Fr Raul Ramos led the prayer and blessed the gathering, respectively. Their gracious presence added befitting essence to the evening celebration. Upon the brisk welcome address by president Prescilla Menezes, the guests were honoured with bouquets and the beautiful Easter cake was cut, complimenting a meaningful merriment of the occasion that was premeditated for the evening. The dignitary of the evening Ronald Colaco, the guest of honour Walter Nandalike of daijiworld, parish priest Fr Raul Ramos, spiritual director Fr Wilson Rumao along with Team 23 shared the dais for this part of the programme to mark the Easter celebration.
The second part of the evening programme was slated for the felicitation of Ronald Colaco. The anchor of the evening Dilip Correa handed over the podium to master of ceremony and core team member Clarence Pinto to manage the proceedings.
The felicitation of Ronald Colaco was well presented by Clarence Pinto detailing every step. He explained the meaning of the items presented that depicted the royal status connected with tradition and culture of the country. The ‘Bisht’ a sign of royal status – presented by Donald Pinto, ‘Mussar’ a sign of authority – presented by Henry Martis, ‘Sword’ a sign of strength and courage – presented by Stanley Fernandes, ‘Man Patr’ a confirmation of the title ‘Konkan Rai Saheb’ – presented by Clarence Pinto himself along with guest of honour Walter Nandalike and president Prescilla Menezes, the ‘Hospitality Treasure’ consisting of dry fruits, Incense, etc was presented by Suraj Rebello. The entire felicitation epistle was embedded in a meaningful manner befitting the royal title conferred on Ronald Colaco for all his works for the society and the community in particular.
Ronald Colaco expressed his feelings by thanking the Mangalurean community in Oman for recognizing his contribution to the society and honoring him in such a grand manner. He also called for more active participation of the community members to bring much needed harmony in the society. He emphasized the necessity of contribution to the social causes and help to the needy and thus this world may be a better place to live to every one.
The evening was well balanced with electrified entertainment as well. The talents of MCCP enthralled the audience with thorough entertainment. 'MCCPchim Mogrim' a young group consisting of Megan D’Souza, Shaina D’Souza and Shaina Rebello presented a Bollywood number that was applauded by the audience. The item presented was attractively choreographed by Brian Monis, yet another talented youth. This was co-ordinated by Sonia D’souza.
A humourous skit ‘Ishta-Ghath’ was a rib-tickling presentation by MCCP Kalakars – Peter Pittu, Jacintha Mendonca and Walter Mendonca. The audience enjoyed it with roaring laughter.
The icing on the cake was the Medley Fusion presented by MCCPchim Fhulaam, yet another rendition by the MCCP youngsters Rebecca, Rochelle, Richelle, Eldrica and Priyanka Mendonca. The item presented was beautifully choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca. This was co-ordinated by Philomena Mendonca.
The vote of thanks, a courtesy extended to all who were a reason for programme, was proposed by vice-president Mariete Fernandes.
The two-hour programme came to an end as the audience were treated with tasty dinner packs catered by Arsalan Restaurant, and the kids were happily greeted with delicious Easter eggs. Yet another event well executed and managed by the entire team of Year 23, was applauded by all.