Media Release: SAKATH
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Dec 11: St Anne’s Kutam Thottam, SAKATH-UAE gathered for their second annual general meeting (AGM) at Winny's Restaurant, Karama, Dubai on Tuesday, December 9 where visiting priests Fr Hector D'Souza SJ and Fr Peter D'Souza SJ were honoured.
Fr Hector D'Souza SJ, president of Jesuit Conference in South Asia, who is on a short visit to the UAE, was the chief guest. The guest priest Fr Peter D'Souza SJ, also on a short visit to the UAE, was present. Around 100 Thottam parishioners living all over the UAE attended.
The AGM started with a prayer invoking God's blessing and intercession of our Patron, St Anne, led by Melwyn D'Souza.
Honorary president Kelvin D'Souza welcomed the chief guest, guest priest and the parishioners. He gave a brief report on SAKATH's activities and the vision ahead.
All the founder members and committee members joined the guests in cutting the cake on the completion of two years of SAKATH.
Honorary general secretary, Precilla D'Souza read out the SAKATH's annual report. Honorary treasurer Frank Fernandes gave an account of the present financial status. Editor-in-chief, William Rodrigues reported on the progress in website development: www.sakaththottam.com.
The chief guest and the guest priest were then felicitated with bouquets by Clifford D'Souza, founder member. They were then draped with shawls by Alfred D'Souza, public relations officer and presented with mementos by Kelvin D'Souza, honorary president. Charisma D'Souza gave a brief bio-data of each of the priests.
In his speech, Fr Peter expressed his appreciation of SAKATH and spoke of his love for Thottam, a beautiful place. As his parents had moved to Mumbai many years back, he was born and brought up in Mumbai, he explained. However, he loved to spend his holidays in Thottam because of his family roots. He is a missionary, presently serving in the border areas of Gujarat.
Chief guest, Fr Hector D'Souza addressed the gathering, expressing his happiness to be with his own people from Thottam. He praised the SAKATH's vision and mission of fraternity, family unity, etc., and the unity of its members. He recalled that the goals of our ancestors were small, and that now things have changed. Thottam parishioners are now spread globally. Various initiatives by SAKATH-UAE are encouraging, he observed and wished the organization every success. He wished that all "Thottamghars" globally would form similar Kutams with similar vision and mission for the betterment of their parish and parishioners.
The election of the managing committee for the year 2009 took place. Fr Peter D Souza, assisted by William Fernandes, conducted the polling. The newly elected managing committee comprises of:
Hon. president: William Rodrigues
Hon. vice president: William Fernandes
Hon. general secretary: Precilla D Souza
Hon. Jt general secretary: Kelvin D Souza
Hon. treasurer: Frank Fernandes
Hon. Jt treasurer: Ronald D Souza
Event coordinators: Clarence Fernandes and Reena D Almeida
Sports coordinators: Ravi D'Almeida and Shirley D'Souza
Web masters: Wilma D Souza and Charisma D Souza
Public relations officer: Alfred D'Souza
Public relations coordinator: Terence Furtado
Officer-in-charge: Agnel D Souza
The newly elected managing committee was felicitated by Fr Hector D'Souza.
President-elect William Rodrigues in his speech, informed that he along with his committee will give their best to the parishioners of Thottam both here and back home.
As the Christmas is fast approaching, children were surprised with the arrival of Santa Claus at Winny's. Christmas carols were sung. Children danced along with the Santa.
The whole event was compeered by the SAKATH's event coordinator, Clarence Fernandes (Nanu Marol). William Fernandes proposed vote of thanks.