MCCP, a prominent association uniting the Konkani-speaking Catholics of Mangalorean descent residing in Oman, witnessed history unfold as it elected its first all-women’s executive committee. The anticipation surrounding this bold move was met with an extraordinary display of organizational prowess and entertainment during the committee’s inaugural function to mark the commencement of their tenure. The committee embodied their theme for the year, ‘Sthree – Gharcho Deevo, Sounsarant Uzvad’ (Woman – Lamp of the house, Light to the world), thus capturing the essence of their leadership.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn Konkani mass led by Fr Stephen Lewis, the Spiritual Director of MCCP and Parish Priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. Joining him was visiting priest Fr Motesh Dias in the presence of a large congregation gathered at the Ruwi Parish Hall. The angelic choir, consisting of Naveen Mathias, Sachin Lobo, Joyal D’Souza, Joel Mendonca, Melroy Quadras, Sandra Concesso, Suman Mathias, Juvan Sequeira, Hendrita Colaco, Reshma Pereira, Veena Fernandes, Johan Mathias, and Evan Mathias, added a spiritual dimension to the occasion. Meera Saldanha’s efforts in making and running the beautiful mass presentation, as well as displaying the cultural program presentation supported by Monica Fernandis, were significant. Following the mass, attendees were treated to delectable snacks.
The function’s enchanting opening began with the prayer song ‘Parameshwara’ along with the legendary MCCP anthem, ‘Kithli Dadoskai aaz Kithli Dadoskai,’ setting the stage for a mesmerizing performance by Mayola Pais, supported by Adrin D’Souza, Alora D’Souza, Houston Pinto, Tiara D’Cunha, Alria Castelino, and Luke Colaco.
The day’s festivities began with the masters of ceremonies, Praveen Niddodi and Peter Gantalkatte (Pittu Oman), taking center stage. They conducted the event seamlessly while keeping the audience well entertained throughout the program. Peter, in the old man’s (Aab) attire, had the audience in splits with his quick wit and comic timing.
Nirmala Goveas, a versatile, multi-talented, and well-known personality, took on the mantle as MCCP President and was introduced to the gathering by MC Praveen Niddodi. She welcomed one and all with a traditional gesture of ‘Paanpod Udak,’ thus officially announcing the opening of the Inaugural function. In her address, she emphasized that although her committee consisted entirely of women, their primary objective was to promote unity within the community and offer assistance to those in need. With great enthusiasm, she then proceeded to introduce and welcome on stage her Executive Committee members:
- Vice President (Sports and Finance) – Caroline Braina Pinto
- Vice President (Cultural, Spiritual, and Community Services) – Olive Jane Castelino
- Honorary Treasurer – Mamta D’Cunha
- Sports Secretary – Anyrith Sherleen D’Souza
- Spiritual Secretary – Juvan Sequeira
- General Secretary – Reshma Pereira
- Internal Auditor – Melisha D’Souza
- Cultural Secretary – Rinet Menezes
- Community Services Secretary – Sunita Furtado
After the formal introduction, the Executive Committee sang a beautiful song based on their theme. The song was penned down by well-known singer, composer, and musician, Apolanaris D’Souza. Chief Guest, Liguory D’Mello, proprietor of Technofit LLC; Guest of Honour, Dilip Correa, owner of Sky United Logistics; Fr Stephen Lewis, and Fr Motesh Dias graced the stage to formally inaugurate the event. After the opening prayer by Fr Motesh Dias, the event was officially inaugurated with the burning of incense, thus signifying reverence and seeking blessings from the Almighty at the onset of the program.
MCCP took the opportunity to commemorate two significant milestones: the 50th birthday of Fr Stephen Lewis and the 75th birthday of Stanley Fernandes, fondly known as ‘Dhattu,’ who is a key pillar of MCCP and also a core committee member. Fr Stephen Lewis marked his golden birthday by cutting a splendid cake sponsored by Mrs. Reena Mathias. He was also presented with a plaque to make his special day memorable. Stanley Fernandes was felicitated with a plaque honoring his dedicated services to the Mangalorean community in Oman for the past several years.
The atmosphere in the hall took on a somber tone as Core committee members, Stanley Fernandes, Clarence Pinto, John Gonsalves, and Mrs. Jessy Pereira were called on stage to honor and pay tribute to esteemed members of the community who had passed away during the last four years. Donald Peter Pinto, Walter Mark Monteiro, Oswald Justin Soares, Michael Pinto, Vivian Jerald Pereira, Sharon Alva, Jerome Jerald Monis, and Arthur D’Souza were remembered for their steadfast service and support to the community in different roles. As a symbolic gesture of remembrance and a mark of respect, the Core committee members affixed their name badges onto a coat placed on a chair, thus signifying their enduring spiritual presence among us. Fr Stephen Lewis then delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing the importance of unity, selfless dedication, and service for the betterment of the community.
The significant contribution and support received from our benevolent sponsors, the backbone of this event, were aptly acknowledged and appreciated by Executive Committee member, Caroline Braina Pinto, who invited them on stage to be felicitated. After the formal proceedings of the event had concluded, it was time for the audience to immerse themselves in a captivating showcase of entertainment. The enchanting melodies of the ‘Konkan Naktiran’ group, featuring talents like Ambrose Ivan Moras, Sanil D’Souza, Vivian Fernandes, Dilip Correa, Flavia Castelino, Reshma D’Costa, and Prakash D’Souza, captured the hearts of the audience with their peppy songs.
Following this musical delight, Anisha D’Costa set the stage ablaze with her captivating performance that incorporated hula hoops as props. She left the audience spellbound with her dexterity and dancing prowess. Taking the spotlight next was the singing troupe ‘Mogachi Sangeeth Lara.’ The ensemble, featuring Pradeep D’Souza, Lawrence Noronha, Renita Pais, Kiran Crasta (on keyboard), Rony Lobo, Juliet Castelino, Alex Noronha, and Wishart D’Sa, evoked a surge of emotions among the audience, who found themselves reminiscing about cherished memories from the past.
The entertainment continued with the ‘Huttu Kuruda’ skit, a compelling enactment of the biblical story depicting Jesus granting sight to a blind man. The performers, led by the highly talented Walter Mendonca (who also directed the skit), included Vikas Fernandes, Rajesh Mascarenhas, Maklin Pinto, Edward Mendonca, Ajit Dcosta, Reshma Dcosta, Wilfred Castelino, Flavia Castelino, Janet Rodrigues, and Loveline Rego (background music), showcased a level of realism and intensity that resonated deeply with the audience. The skit’s message, ‘Trust in the Lord, Rely on His Power and Promises for Miracles,’ left a profound impact.
The energy of the evening escalated with the ‘Dancing Divas,’ a group of exceptionally talented young members from the community, namely, Siona Saldanha, Calida Rodriguez, Lianne Saldanha, Nia Saldanha, and Nessa Saldanha, delivering a fascinating dance performance that enthralled all. Subsequently, the stage was graced by the ‘Dazzling Girls’ trio featuring Silvia Dias, Reshma D’Costa, and Wilma Dias. Their awesome dance performance left the audience thoroughly dazzled. To keep the audience engaged, spot prizes were announced intermittently during the various acts, fostering a lively atmosphere of participation and excitement.
This year, the ‘Donald Pinto Track Award’ was introduced with the aim of recognizing and honoring students who demonstrated exceptional competence in track events by representing their respective schools at the national level for the academic year 2022-2023. This meaningful award, initiated by the family of the late Donald Pinto, was bestowed upon Lanette Rego and Ronsy D’Souza in recognition of their remarkable achievements and outstanding performances in this particular sports category. Executive Committee member, Melisha D’Souza, conducted a ceremony to felicitate the meritorious students of grades X and XII for the academic year 2022-23. Hansel Barboza took the stage to recognize the following students from the community and presented each of them with a plaque and a certificate:
Grade X Meritorious Award Recipients:
Ronsy D’Souza – 94.2%
Nihal Noronha – 92%
Nikhil Noronha – 91.4%
Clarita Saldanha – 91%
Ransley D’Cunha – 90.8%
Grade XII Meritorious Award Recipients:
Melina Goveas – 96.4%
Merric Lewis – 95.8%
Rayner D’Cunha – 92%
The winners of the various online contests conducted by MCCP over the last few months were announced and felicitated:
Selvin Johnson Lewis – ‘The Light of My World’ Women’s Day Contest
Hansy and Twinkle – Couple Photo contest
Stany Menezes (3rd Runner-up) – Lenten Bible Quiz
Roshwin Lobo (2nd Runner-up) – Lenten Bible Quiz
Rishon Fernandes (1st Runner-up) – Lenten Bible Quiz
Prakash D’Souza (Mega Prize Winner) – Lenten Bible Quiz
Executive Committee member, Anyrith Sherleen D’Souza, extended heartfelt gratitude to the event’s emcees, Praveen Niddodi and Peter Gantalkatte, along with a group of dedicated volunteers who were the lifeline of the event and played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success. The volunteers included Aslita D’Souza, Janet Rodrigues, Ashwin D’Cunha, Maklin Pinto, Vijay D’cunha, Monica Fernandis, Loveline Rego, Vikas Fernandes, Loy Castelino, Thomas D’Souza, Freeda Serra, Robin, and Selvin Lewis.
The final performance of the evening with their highly energetic and electrifying dance was by the ‘Twisters’ dance group. Jane D’Souza, Rinet Menezes, Elson Dcosta, and Jason Cardoza rocked the stage with a dynamic and captivating dance routine, thus infusing the atmosphere with invigorating energy.
The finale of the function was the highly-anticipated Bonanza Prize segment conducted meticulously by Michael Goveas. This segment saw the generous distribution of premium prizes won by the following:
Loyson D’souza – Air Ticket, Muscat-Mumbai-Muscat sponsored by Flavia D’Souza from Travgulf
- Prashanth Vaidya – 58 inch Television
- Darryl Tauro – Microwave
- Ronan Goveas- Big Trolley Bag
- Ophelia Lazarus – Medium Trolley Bag
- Jovita Lobo – Small Trolley Bag
- Sundara Pandi – Mixie
- Kalai – Iron Box
- Ivan Pinto – Lulu Gift Voucher
- Resten Pereira – Lulu Gift Voucher
- Sandra Correa – Lulu Gift Voucher
- Shawn DSilva – Lulu Gift Voucher
- Sujay – Lulu Gift Voucher
- Praveen Pereira – Portable Stove
It was then time to announce dinner, and Executive Committee member, Reshma Pereira, led the gathering in prayer by saying the ‘Grace before Meals.’ This was followed by President Nirmala Goveas’ demonstration of the traditional ritual ‘Chembanth Udak’ symbolizing the opening of the delectable dinner buffet and inviting all present to partake in the sumptuous meal. The culinary spread featuring traditional Mangalorean delicacies from RaRa Kitchen provided a delightful feast to all present.
While most attendees savored their dinner, others took to the dance floor, shaking a leg to the lively beats spun by DJ Loveline Rego. The community’s spirit and unity were exemplified at MCCP Team 2023-2024s Inaugural function and will remain etched in the hearts and minds of the people. The overwhelming support received and the efforts of the team under the able leadership of President Nirmala Goveas made the event a success.
Platinum Sponsors
Ligoury & Margaret D’Mello – Technofit L.L.C.
Raphael D’Souza & Family – Muscat Golden Services L.L.C.
Baltazar & Mildred Fernandes – Talentz Enterprises L.L.C.
Gold Sponsors
Raphael & Agnes Quadros – Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading
Dilip Mehta – Muscat Pharmacy, Courtesy – Stanley Fernandes
Silver Sponsors
Dilip & Sandra Correa – Sky United Logistics
Sunil & Meera D’Souza – Travel Point L.L.C.
Hansel & Zeena Barboza- A Well-wisher
Bronze Sponsors
Divakar Shetty, Multitech L.L.C.
Other Sponsors
Jishil – Best Line Printing Press
Babu K K – Al Andalus Printing Press
Sajad Meeran – Safecare Medical Supplies
Sunil Kumar – Oasis Water
Srikanth Shetty – Snacks Sponsor
Parhalad Kumawat – Snacks Sponsor
Vincent & Dolly Gomes – Song Sponsor, ‘Konkan Naktiran’
Henry Pinto & family – Song Sponsor, ‘Mogachi Sangeeth Lara’
Special contributors:
MC Praveen Niddodi
MC Peter Gantalkatte
DJ Loveline Rego
Nagesh – Photography & Videography
Rolson Cardoza (Q Films) – Program Highlights Video
Staff of Talentz Enterprises L.L.C. – Sound, Light & LED set-up
Steevan Pereira – Hall Décor
Savio Sequeira – Sponsor, Bonanza Lulu Vouchers
Back-stage support:
Michelle and Jessel Pinto
Tiara and Tristan D’Cunha
Janice Sequeira
Crystal Pereira
Astrida D’Souza