News: Vijai Dcunha (G-kere)
Pics: Joachim D’Souza
Muscat, May 15: In a splendid celebration of faith, culture, and unity, the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), in association with the Mangalorean Konkani Wing (MKW) — a linguistic wing under the Indian Social Club Oman — held its grand Inaugural Day ‘Prarambh Sambhram’ at the parish hall of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, on Friday, 9th May 2025.
This event marked a historic moment as both associations came together under a unified leadership for the first time. The newly formed nine-member executive committee, led by Lancy Lobo (president of MCCP and convener of MKW), showcased a collective vision rooted in cultural heritage and community service. With the resounding theme ‘Heritage Unites, Service Inspires’ (Daaiz Ekvataitha, Sevek Preran Ditha), the event beautifully captured the essence of Mangalurean identity in the Sultanate of Oman.
A Sacred Start: High Mass in Konkani
The day commenced with a High Mass in Konkani, solemnly invoking divine blessings for the committee’s upcoming two-year term. Presided over by Fr Baptist Rohan Miranda, the Eucharistic celebration set the spiritual tone, with an inspiring homily emphasizing ‘reconciliation and forgiveness’ that encouraged the executive team to lead with humility and carry forward the rich legacy of Mangalurean Catholic traditions.
Curtain Rises: Formal Ceremony Begins
Following light refreshments, the program began with the soul-stirring MCCP anthem ‘Parameshwara’, sung by a talented ensemble: Apolinaris D’Souza, Cyril Danthi, Peter D’Souza, Anitha Danthi, Janet Mathias, Flavia Castelino, Renita D’Souza, Reshma D’Costa, Shaila Pinto, and Laveena Fernandes.
Dynamic emcees Sherwin D’Silva and Lenita Lobo then graced the stage, captivating the audience with their fluent and passionate delivery in Konkani. A powerful theatrical skit, ‘Bharvashanso Yatrik’, was presented by the Konkani Kalakaar Ruwi team, portraying the deep-rooted values of Mangalurean life. The cast included: Longinus Fernandes, Ashish Martis, Aster Martis, Daran Fernandes, Cyril Danthi, Shyla Machado, Don Fernandes, Ransan Joy Mathias, Prakash D’Souza, Walter Mendonca, Reshma D’Costa, and Wilfred Castelino.
Energy Unleashed: Flash Mob & Committee Introduction
An unexpected and electrifying flash mob, choreographed by Vivette Shirly Lasrado, took the audience by surprise, energizing the entire hall. The performers included: Reshma D’Costa, Anisha D’Costa, Steffi Noronha, Melanie D’Cruz, Viyanni D’Cunha, Preneta Monteiro, Shawn Monteiro, Adam Suhaan Monteiro, Shailesh Cutinho, Jason Cardoza, Joel Lobo, and Lauret Rego.
Following this, the executive committee members made their grand entrance and were formally introduced by president Lancy Lobo, who delivered a compelling welcome address. He emphasized the vision of unity, cultural preservation, and service. The committee includes:
• Lancy Lobo – President
• Adolf D’Souza – Vice President (Cultural, Spiritual & CS)
• Ajith D’Costa – Vice President (Sports & Finance)
• Srikanth Covelho – Internal Auditor
• Silvia Dias – General Secretary
• Peter Fernandes – Cultural Secretary
• Preneta Monteiro – Sports Secretary
• Vivette Lasrado – Community Services Secretary
• Elizabeth Noronha – Spiritual Secretary
The distinguished chief guests, Dilip Correa and Randolph Mendonca, were warmly welcomed with floral bouquets and graciously invited to participate in the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. In a heartfelt tribute to age-old values and wisdom, the eldest gentleman, Valerian nee vallyab and lady, Santhan Bai from the audience were also invited to join the ritual, alongside the entire executive committee, symbolizing unity, respect, and tradition.
Theme & Logo Unveiling
The much-anticipated unveiling of the official theme and logo for 2025–2026, designed by Vijai D’Cunha, followed. The logo’s symbolism and insight of the theme was explained in detail by Vijai Dcunha in Konkani, tying deeply into the committee’s objectives of unity, cultural heritage, and service. Vijai D’Cunha was then honoured by president Lancy Lobo.
Special Honours & Messages
The event also honoured newly elected Indian Social Club Oman representatives Reshma D’Costa and Praveen Pinto for their dedicated service.
Although unable to attend in person, Fr Stephen Lewis, the parish priest and spiritual director of MCCP, sent a heartfelt pre-recorded video message. He encouraged the community to actively participate in Konkani liturgical celebrations and emphasized compassion towards the underprivileged.
Cultural Highlights: Talent on Full Display
The dynamic and charismatic young emcees, Joel Lobo and Ralitsa Correa, then took center stage, captivating the audience with their fluent and spirited delivery in Konkani.
Adding a lively spark to the event, Peter Fernandes kept the crowd on their toes with a series of spontaneous spot games that challenged their minds and encouraged enthusiastic participation, keeping the energy of the event vibrant and engaging throughout.
What followed was a cultural segment that radiated with youthful energy, vibrant expressions, and deep-rooted tradition — a harmonious celebration of heritage through art and performance.
• “Kutma Tara” – A charming dance by children under 10, choreographed by Lenita Lobo and Jocelyne D’Souza. Performers: Liana Carmel D’Souza, Reeva Loraine D’Souza, Noah Austin Noronha, Neeral Mevisha Sequeira, Gian Josh Covelho, Delroy Mark Covelho, Violla Tellis, Erika & Elrika Pinto, Hensia Wina D’Souza, Leeon John Fernandes, Nathan Christon Britto, Natania Florence Britto, and Adam Suhaan Monteiro.
• “Mogache Zoden” – A hilarious and delightful Goan comedy dance by Walter and Jacintha Mendonca.
• “NaachStarz” – A high-energy youth dance choreographed by Lenita Lobo and Renessa Walder. Performers: Lenita Lobo, Ralitsa Correa, Bertyl Noronha, Reia Correa, Renessa Walder, Rochelle Correa, and Sienna Cutinha.
• “Atmeyachi Vinson” – A pure Konkani comedy skit that had the audience in stitches. Cast: Pittu Oman, Flavia D’Souza, Shailesh Kutinha, Shaun Monteiro, and Jason Cardoza.
• “Young Waves of Mangalore” – A graceful and spirited performance by older children, choreographed by Anisha Dcosta. Dancers: Rachel Rose Fernandes, Adele Reeva D’Souza, Houston Shaan Pinto, Vionna Tellis, Winola Dia D’Souza, Riyona D’Souza, Deanne Serra, and Aman D’Costa.
Closing Note
Preneta Montero delivered a warm and heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging every participant, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to the success of the event. Following a prayer before meals, guests were invited to enjoy a delicious lunch.
The afternoon brought the ever-popular Tambola game, conducted by Praveen Serra and Peter Fernandes, which kept the crowd entertained and engaged.
The entire programme was beautifully conducted in Mangalurean Konkani, preserving the richness of our mother tongue, under the guidance and wholehearted support of senior community leader Clarence Donald Pinto, whose dedication to cultural heritage was truly commendable.
The event concluded with a spirited Baila dance session, where joy, laughter, and togetherness filled the hall — a fitting finale to a truly memorable day.
Acknowledgments
A Grateful Acknowledgement to the Generous Sponsors
Jhon Masaco, Lulu Hypermarket (courtesy Philomena Mendonca)
Malabar Gold (courtesy Philomena Mendonca)
Global College of Engineering (courtesy Preneta Monteiro)
Neelesh Vaz & Family
Steevan Andrade & Fly
New City Opticals
Raj Kiran of Cham RK Beauty Garage
Mira’s Beautique Salon – Flavia D’Souza
Haffa House
South Express Restaurant, Ghala
Pintos Kitchen, Ruwi
Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading
Naseem Muscat
Talentz – Balthazar (seamless sound experience)
Masaco Trading Establishment- Gee Varghese John
Lulu Hypermarket - Oman
Heartfelt Thanks to Housie Gift Sponsors
Dolly Gomes for sponsoring the Jaldi 5 prize
Ophelia Lazarus for the Star prize
Ajith Walder for the 1st Line
Vijai Jane D’cunha for the 2nd Line
Dolphy Frank for the 3rd Line
Dilip Correa for sponsoring the coveted Full House
Robert and Meera Saldanha for the House to Follow prize
Sincere Thanks to Volunteers
Reshma Pereira, Mamta D’Cunha, Deril Kiran Pereira, Loyd Wilson D’Cunha, Ashwin Joel D’Cunha, Selvin Johnson Lewis, Shaveena Ferrao, Dencilla Pereira, Savitha Pinto, Ashok Pinto, Lawrence Francis D’Souza, Robin Loyed Lobo, Thomas D’Souza, Aslita D’Souza
Appreciation for Key Contributors
• Clarence Donald Pinto – For complete Konkani event creation and guidance
• Jessie Pereira – For coordination
• Loveline Rego – DJ
• Joachim D'Souza - Photography
• Silvia Fernandes – PowerPoint and screen display
• Vijai D’Cunha – Website and Digital Media
• Lenita Lobo, Sherwin D’Silva, Joel Lobo, Ralitsa Correa – Master of Ceremonies
• Registration Counter: Sunita Furtado, Reshma Pereira, Mamta Dcunha, Dencilla Pereira
In Summary
The MCCP-MKW Inaugural Day 2025 was more than just an event — it was a vibrant tapestry of heritage, devotion, leadership, and youthful energy. With a strong and unified committee at the helm, the Mangalurean community in Oman looks forward to a flourishing term filled with purpose, service, and cultural celebration.