Media Release
New Delhi, Jan 31: Kanara Cultural Association (R), Delhi, successfully organised ‘Nathalanso Dabazo’, a Christmas celebration event recently at Fr Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, Delhi for the Mangalurean community residing in the Delhi NCR region.
The programme commenced with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, with Fr Vincent Crasta as the main celebrant, accompanied by Fr Anil Valder, Fr. Ravi Sagar and Fr Ronald Saldanha as co-celebrants. The Eucharist set a spiritually enriching tone for the day, fostering unity and gratitude among the faithful. The melodious choir by Vidyajyoti Jesuit brothers, a few KCA members and with Joston on the keyboard as the accompanist transformed the liturgy beautifully into a more solemn and active experience.
After the Mass, a short felicitation ceremony was organized, during which dignitaries and contributors of the Kanara Cultural Association, Elias Pinto, Vincent Lobo, Joslyn Martin and Maurice D’Almeida were duly honoured in recognition of their valuable service and commitment to the community. Dignitary Elias Pinto praised the entire committee for their hard work. Additionally, Steven Menezes (bestselling author, social reformer, global professional) appreciated the efforts the KCA committee in initiating the activities to inculcate the culture in the metro city in his short note.
The new project ‘KCA CARE & SHARE’ aiming at helping the KCA members with jobs, matrimonial, and other general day to day requirements was inaugurated by Fr Vincent Crasta followed by the Christmas cake cutting. The entire programme was gracefully and efficiently compered by Gremsy Sequeira, the KCA youth secretary, who’s engaging anchoring ensured a smooth flow of events for the day with a series of engaging and inclusive games organised for participants across all age groups. Specially curated activities were conducted for children, youth, and adult men and women, ensuring enthusiastic participation and enjoyment for everyone. The event also featured a lucky member draw and a mega hamper draw, with winners receiving attractive prizes. One of the highlights of the celebration was the tug-of-war and the break-the-pot competitions which generated immense excitement, laughter, and team spirit. Exciting prizes were distributed to the winners for the on-site games and to the participants of online competitions, which included the crib-making and essay-writing contests. All children present were given exciting gifts.
Godfrey Frank, secretary of KCA Delhi, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all those involved in making the event a success. A delightful lunch was generously sponsored, prepared and served by Maurice D’Almeida including a live starters counter. Anil Periera, the treasurer, with the help of few KCA Members managed the fund collections during the event. The celebrations concluded with the final game of the day, Housie/Tambola, where winners were again rewarded with attractive prizes.
About 165 KCA members with their families actively participated in the event. The programme was successfully organised under the leadership of Melwin Lobo, president of KCA Delhi, along with his dedicated team ‘Nave Tarang’, under the esteemed spiritual guidance of the spiritual director of KCA, Msgr Vincent D’Souza.
KCA-Delhi extended its sincere thanks to all the dedicated members for their hard work and commitment to the community, and people and families who showed up and kept the spirit of the event enriched by their warm presence despite the cold weather. Fr Roy Tiago D’Sa, principal of Fr Agnel School, New Delhi, was also thanked for his continued support by providing KCA with the venue and making the event possible.