Report: Nirmala Goveas
Pics: Joachim D’Souza
Muscat, Apr 30: One of the philosophers rightly said ‘Yesterday is history: tomorrow is a mystery: today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present’. Pandemic has educated all to live one day at a time joyfully, thanking God and making the most of it. While the past and future are not in anyone’s hands, make the best out of the present. With this spirit, under the able leadership of Sunil Furtado, the executive team of Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community (GMCC) thought of spearheading an event apt for the season of Easter.
The main intention behind Easter Joy programme was to help the community members come out of lock-down mode to normal life once again. Its success proved that the community spirit is still burning bright. “Yes, I have been waiting for some time now to get a chance to meet all my community friends and celebrate as a family to make up for the time that we lost during the pandemic,” said an enthusiastic member.
Another important aim was to provide a platform for handing over the reins of the community to the new committee under the dynamic leader Prem Colaco.
The organizers had left no stone unturned to make this event a memorable one. True to their efforts, the much awaited ‘Easter Joy’ created history for being one-of-its-kind and exceeding the expectations of the attendees by far. The energy, verve and spirit among the participants soared incredibly high in Sohar Ball room of Safeer Plaza Al Khuwair.
Lavina D’Sa, an eminent member of the community commenced the proceedings by welcoming parish priest Fr George Vadukutt and guests. It was followed by a prayer from Nirmala Goveas to thank the almighty God for blessing the community with this golden opportunity to come together as one family under one roof after more than two years.
The entire executive committee 2019-22 came on stage and welcomed everyone by singing the song ‘Swagat Swagat tumka’ to set the tone for the evening. The president of GMCC and vibrant leader Sunil Furtado welcomed the gathering with humour and joy. He recalled some of the events held in 2019 under the current executive committee such as enactment of Passion of Christ, Paskafestacho Dabajo, Monthi Fest etc which set bench marks for future events. Unfortunately no major activities could be conducted with the onset of Corona. Hence during the years 2020 and 2021, the committee concentrated more on charitable works and helped a large number of people in distress. A significant amount was spent on medical/funeral expenses and grocery provision to the needy. He thanked all the sponsors, volunteers and community members for their unflinching love and support for the last three years. He especially expressed his gratitude and thanked Fr George, parish priest of Ghala and Fr Mariyan Miranda, spiritual director of the Konkani community in Oman.
The event was inaugurated with the symbolic act of unveiling and breaking of the Easter egg by Fr George. The crowd were mesmerized at the egg shaped sweets being taken out from the Easter egg and distributed to the committee members on the stage. Easter eggs were also distributed to all the people gathered to spread the sweet joy of Easter.
After the inauguration, a video presentation depicting last three years’ activities by GMCC was presented to the people which was well appreciated. Alwin Fernandes, the Treasurer then presented the statement of accounts.
In recognition of their extemporary service and contribution, the executive committee members were called on stage and honoured with a memento by Fr George. The executive committee members are Prem Colaco (Vice president-finance), Nirmala Goveas (Vice president-cultural), Ophelia Lazarus (General secretary), Helen Sequeira (Spiritual secretary), Alwin Fernandes (Finance secretary), Linda D’Souza (Cultural secretary), Naveen Mathias (Choir secretary), Ajay Barboza (Techno-support secretary), Joel D’Souza (Sports secretary), Roshan Saldanha (Community Services secretary) and Prakash D’Sa (Internal auditor).
Fr George, in his message, was highly appreciative about the contribution done by Mangalureans towards community welfare as well as the church. He praised the outgoing president Sunil Furtado and his team for their generous support towards various activities of the Holy Spirit Church, Ghala. He asked the new President and his committee to continue this tradition.
Fr George was then led to the table displaying Easter eggs brought by the participants in Easter egg contest to judge the winners. The winner Silvia Dias as well as other participants were felicitated.
Then it was time for the most awaited moment, the calling of the new president and his new executive committee on stage. The entire community welcomed Prem Colaco, a highly dynamic, charismatic and down-to-earth person as the next president of GMCC. With his ever graceful smile, he introduced his committee members for the year 2022-24. They are, Ophelia Lazarus - Vice president-Finance, Praveen Serra - Vice president-Cultural, Wilson Kinnogoli – General secretary, Stino Pinto - Finance secretary, Helen Sequeira - Spiritual and Choir secretary, Loy Castelino - Cultural secretary, Alex Noronha - Internal auditor, Sam Suneel Menezes - Sports secretary, Lloyd D’Cunha – Community services secretary and Selwin Lewis - Techno-support secretary. The newly elected president, Prem Colaco addressed the gathering and requested the support of the entire community while promising his and his team’s sincere commitment to strengthen the community.
The audience was served with refreshments as Lavina D’Sa along with co-compere and driving force of the event Nirmala Goveas kept the audience enthralled with their skills and talents as always.
As per set time, the next compere of the day, a radiant personality Jason Cardoza took the centre stage and conducted several group games very vibrantly with his beautiful smile and charming personality. He was assisted by Elson Cardoza. They ensured that everyone, regardless of the age thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a good time.
The viral challenge announced by the organisers brought in a lot of enthusiasm among the members with many participating in the challenge including the current EC team. The ladies and children ignited the stage with their awesome and stunning performances.
Michael and Nirmala Goveas sang a melodious romantic song and made all the lovely couples to dance to their tune. The stage was then taken over by our community’s well known singers/ musicians, Triven Goveas, Laveesha D’Souza, Sachin Lobo and Naveen Mathias whose fabulous singing of Baila made everyone flock the dancing floor. The finale was with DJ Lovline Rego, who with his tremendous skills captured the imagination of the audience and kept them on the floor well past midnight.
The event ended successfully with a sumptuous dinner. The exhausted participants were full of cheerful smiles when they were presented with a goody bag to carry home. It was a highly energising and entertaining evening for the entire community, who enjoyed fully and expressed the need for more such events to bring the community together.
Vote of thanks were offered to sponsors, benefactors and volunteers.
Main sponsors of the event were Margaret and Liguory D’Mello and family, Hansel and Zeena Barboza and family, Pious Crasta and Family, Yvette and Vincent Furtado and family, Vincent and Dolly Gomes, Melanie and Cletus Tauro and Denis Mascarenhas of Prestige Projects.
Goody bag sponsors were Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives SAOC (Salem Al Bortmany, courtesy Ophelia Lazarus), Lulu Group International (Courtesy Prem Colaco), Nabil Biscuits (Binu Phillip, courtesy Ophelia Lazarus), and Omania Trading for bags (Mr Ali Al Busaidi, courtesy Prem Colaço.
Dinner vouchers were from Al Falaj Hotel (courtesy Sunil Furtado) and Crowne Plaza (courtesy Nirmala Goveas), backdrop banner and memento printing by Raphael Quadros, Zaharat printers, balloon stands by Lancy Lobo of South Express Restaurant, Safeer Hotel and staff and sound and music from Wasim and Zezito.
Lovline Rego - DJ of the evening, Joachim D’Souza – photographer for the event, Lavina D’Sa – emcee, Jason, Elson and Rolson Cardoza, Aslita D’Souza, Rebecca D’Souza, Tina Cycil, Savio Paes, Arif, Teril Saldanha, Rakesh Machado, Craig Lazarus, Hendrita Colaco, Francesca Colaco and Michael Goveas were also thanked.