Media Release
Kuwait (Nov 24): Noted konkani writer, social worker; Rev.Fr.V.J.Menezes was being felicitated during the kavithaghoshtti, conducted by DAAIZ.COM on Friday the 24th November at Salmiya, Kuwait.
The program was presided over by Elias Sanctis and Well known konkani writers Benna Fajir and Gibba Kulshekar were the other chief guests along with Fr.V.J.Menezes, recipient of Divo Literary Award was on a short visit to Kuwait.
Priya Sequeira welcomed the chief guests; Valley Quadras introduced the chief guests. Ida DiSilva read an article on Fr.V.J.Menezes and his literary works. Gibba Kulshekar read MANPOTR and presented to Fr.V.J.Menezes, Elias Sanctis presented a gift to Fr.V.J.Menezes.
Benna Fajir shared his experience of being associated with Samaj Sudharann Sangh, which was initiated by Fr.V.J.Menezes 36 years ago in India. Being a member of this forum, he expressed various challenges that they had to face. Another member of this forum Lawrence Pinto too was present on this occasion. Samaj Sudharann Sangh was formed to educate/help domestic workers and creates awareness amongst the people on social issues like dowry/alcoholism etc.
Fr.V.J.Menezes in his words expressed gratitude to DAAIZ.COM for giving such an honor and thanked for remembering his initiative 'Samaj Sudharann Sangh', however he gave all the credit to the members of this forum. He said, "If our initiative is unselfish and clean, then God's helping hand will always be with us".
In president's speech, Elias Sanctis said "Our today's society need good leadership who ca build good society, and we may be sharing many things amongst us, but sharing knowledge amongst each other is indeed divine".
The event concluded with a poetry recital session - Kavithaghoshtti, presided over by well-known konkani poet Melvyn J Vas Kelarai. Ida D'Silva Paladka, Reena Quadras Pangala, Priya Sequeira Ferar, Cyril Peris Bendoor, Benna Fajir, Mariano Lukas Diniz Goa, Valley Quadras Ajekar and Melvin J Vas Kelarai read their poems whereas Lawrence Pinto Kelarai, Gilbert Saldanha, Alfred Lobo, Elias Sanctis and Fr.V.J.Menezes took part.
Melvin J. Vas proposed vote of thanks.