Gala Performance by MKCA at the Chicago Science & Industry Museum
Media Release
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Chicago, Dec 8: Christmas Around the World is a 67 years old tradition at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It began in 1942 by decorating one Christmas tree by the representatives of 12 different countries. The ornaments represented the "icon" of each nation. It was the beginning of understanding how people celebrate Christmas around the world with different cultural background. This year there is a dazzling forest of trees from Austria to Wales, each depicting its unique cultural background through decorated ornaments. Every year new trees joining the forest.
Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA) has been participating in Christmas Around the World for the last six years. This year too MKCA presented great show by presenting a tableau of the birth of Jesus Christ and singing Christmas Carols in Konkani and performing various Indian dances.
The program began with the welcome speech by MKCA president Lawrence Mascarenhas. In his speech Mr. Mascarenhas said "We Indians are proud of our rich and varied culture. India is a cradle of many religions and we are proud of one of the oldest civilizations of the world. In performing arts, we all join together in music and dance on different occasions irrespective of our religious belief."
The tableau depicting birth of Jesus was staged by Jossie Mendonca as Joseph, Vanessa D'Souza as Mother Mary, Stan, Ifan & Joey as Wisemen; Luella, Angel and Shawn as Sheperds; Shannon, Jason, Adriana, Nicole and Megan as little Angels. The Nativity scene captured lot of attention from the audience.
The Committee chairperson and the founder president of MKCA Dr. Austin Prabhu introduced the performers of Kalapriya Dance Academy. In his introduction speech, Austin said, "Indian classic dance is part of our age old culture and culture is something that one cannot take it away irrespective of one's religious belief. We must retain what is ours and pass it on to our future generation."
Students from Kalapriya Dance Academy, Chicago headed by its Director Mrs.Krithi performed Indian classical dances highlighting four thousand years old Indian culture. The entire program was showcasing the diversity of Indian culture. There was also a continuous power point presentation on India's statistics prepared by Queenie Mendonca ran during the entire program.
Rev. Fr. Richard Vaz, who is instrumental in organizing the program, delivered a powerful Christmas message highlighting the International brotherhood, peace and justice among the children of God.
At the end of the program, Santa Claus arrived on the stage singing Jingle Bells and cheering the crowd. Only a few know that the real Santa was not from North Pole, but originally from Mangalore who is none other than a Mangalorean stage artist, writer and poet Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu.
Vissia D'Souza, Secretary, MKCA proposed a vote of thanks. Vissia thanked everyone especially Darrel Mascarenhas who played the instruments for the Choir, Dorothy Rego for heading the Choir group, Fr. Richie Vaz for his initiative in organizing a beautiful program.
Vissia also invited everyone to join the MKCA Christmas celebration to be held on December 20, 2008 at St. Timothy's Church, 6326 N. Wastenaw Ave., Chicago, IL 60659. The Holy Mass will be celebrated in Konkani. A traditional Mangalorean food will be served and "Kuswar" will be distributed to all the participants present. As always, Santa Claus will provide gifts to all the children present.
It looks like the spirit of Christmas is alive not only at the Museum of Science and Industry but also in the hearts of people of Chicago who have their roots around the world.