'Gulab' Silver Jubilee Celebrations Launced in Kuwait

'Gulab' Celebrations continues in Kuwait

By Gasper Almeida Kuwait

Kuwait October 16, 2008: The "Konkani Variety Show" presented as part of the Gulab Silver Jubilee celebrations in Kuwait was held to a packed audience at the Carmel School Auditorium in Kheitan on Thursday, 9th October. The programme commenced with a welcome note from the compere of the event, Sylvester Vaz, who introduced Mr. Domingos Araujo, President: Kala Mogui Kuwait, Gulab Representative Kuwait and Head of the "Gulab Working Committee", followed by the grand entry of the visiting dignitaries from Goa and Mumbai, chief guest - editor of Gulab Fausto V. Da Costa and Guest of Honour - the well-known Konkani writer Pio Esteves, together with Fr.Teo Fernandes, Vicar-Ahmadi Church and Konkani poet/writer Anthony Correia Pienkar.

A spectacular display of talent in the form of songs, skit, musicals, and superbly choreographed traditional dance sequences by selected local troupes mesmerized the audiences. The programme unfolded with the screening of the GULAB Silver Jubilee Opening Ceremony held on 15th August 2008, followed by an introduction of the musical group "Pearl Beats" from Abu Halifa. This latest sensational band led by Ivan Almeida, Vinay Lewis (Lead Guitar), Laveena Pais, Gladys Noronha, Roshan D'Silva, Vincent Braganza (Keyboard), Sunith Noronha (Keyboard), Austin Salinas (Trumpet & Lead Guitar), Anil Pais (Base Guitar) and Prashant Ferrao (Percussion) got the audience in the grove with a specially composed welcome song for GULAB rendered by Ivan Almeida, Laveena Pais, Gladys Noronha and Roshan D'Silva, followed by Gladys’ solo Konkani number "Kutu Kutu Korchea Kotrunja" and a duet "Bhangar Tum Mhojem" by Roshan D'Silva & Laveena Pais. Sylvester Vaz recited a Konkani poem written by Antonio Corriea Pienkar, followed by Comedian Philip (Pereira) who set the stage ablaze with his jazzy Konkani song satisfying the entertainment hungry audience, a song on late Sunny de Quepem (composed by Jacinto Noronha) sung by Anthony Fernandes, a comedy song by Tony de Pomburpa interspeared with a screen show of Konkani protagonists' messages and an unique brain storm Quiz on GULAB, laced with a variety of talents display in the form of well choreographed songs and dance sequences with several dance troupes participating.

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"Fultim Fullam" led by Aurora Fernandes, Micky Fernandes with coordination from Cindy Anne Cardozo and Maxie Vaz and the groupe comprised of Janet D'Souza, Abigail Vaz, Arlen D'Souza, Chelsea Joseph, Cristalina Pinto, Meville Lobo, Jesica Remedios, Leshaina Gomes, Jezril Remedios, Dwayne Lobo, Oswald D'Costa, Rusener D'Silva and Riya Vaz showcased the Goan folklore. A foot-tapping show of Goan and Manglorean culture by "The Dance Fiesta" coordinated by Ursula Fernandes, Jasmine Filipe, Allan Netto and Molly D'Souza supported by Francisco Filipe, Sheryl Jesus and Margaret Jesus, Sushma, Sayanora Viegas and Joanita comprising of Joshua Crasto, Sophia Noronha, Sleejy George, Laira Pinto, Nolan Rodrigues, Blossom Jose, Christopher D'Souza, Lorraine D'Souza, Renwick Lewis, Malaika Rebello, Trevor D'Souza, Alisha Fernandes, Valencio Viegas, Gonxha Rodrigues, Josban Crasto, Sharon Mascarenhas, Sleevy George, Venetia D'Silva, Dylan Almeida, Jennifer Benny, Queena Menezes, Joseph Varghese, Karishma Aripakula, Joel Filipe, Hillary D'Souza, Heldon D'Souza, , Avion Filipe, Marilee D'Souza and Valerio Viegas, entertained the audiences to the extremes. The trendy "Viva La Goa" coordinated by Marina D'Souza comprised of Leena Lobo, Sheryl Jesus, Reshma, Yvonne Fernandes, Maria, Nigel, Ronny, Hudson Fernandes, Radley, Edwin Nazareth and a special appearance by Anthony & Katherine Fernandes had the audiences swinging to a heady concoction of Goan indo-western cultural brew. A traditional Mando "Nodrek Nodor Zali Tednam" by "Goenchim Sallkam" led by Augusto Morais (guitar) and Gracy Morais coordinated by Laurie Miranda, Menino Fernandes (gummot), David Pereira (violin) with Cindy Fernandes, Clara Rodrigues, Olinda Dias, Debbie Lobo, Joaquina Franco, Martinho Martins, Jose Anthony, Xavier Lobo, Saluzinho Vaz, Simon Dias, Adelia Morais, Gaynelle Morais, Waldemar Martins, Marishka Fernandes, Meville Lobo, Lisania Gomes, Dwayne Lobo, Effie Martins, Peter Franco and Nelson Colalco received thunderous applause.

A novel mando-dekhnni-dulpod concept by the troupe, tastefully designed ethnic costumes by Agnela Fernandes (God Gift’s Tailors) and other props were the highlights of the Mando presentation. The tiny tots added sparkles to the mando rendition which was composed by late Luis Rodrigues, ‘dekhnnis’ from famous Konkani film "Nirmonn" and some ‘dulpods’ composed by Prof. Lourdinho Barreto and others. Instrumental music solo performances by the very talented and professional Shahu (Francis Almeida) on the saxophone and musician Francis Machado on the violin had the audience glued to their seats.

The chief guest Fausto V. Da Costa in his speech highlighted and commended the efforts of KMK President Domingos Araujo and the Gulab Working Committee who took upon themselves to promote and support Goa's first coloured Konkani illustrated magazine "Gulab". Earlier to mark the occasion a colourful souvenir specially designed and dedicated to GULAB and a Kuwait special issue of GULAB was released at the hands of the chief guest and the KMK President Domingos Araujo.
The awards ceremony to mark the Silver Jubilee of GULAB was an added flavor to a glittering presentation. All together 25 awards were given, which included 6 Participating Groups, 2 Main Sponsors, 5 Prominent Personalities, 2 Outstanding Organizations, 1 each Support & Technical, and above all 8 awards were given for Media - 3 for English dailies Arab Times, Kuwait Times and Al-Watan and 1 for English weekly The Times. Four (4) Konkani webportals awards received special commendation. Mementos were given to Fausto V. Da Costa and Pio Antonio Esteves and Antonio Corriea Pienkar.

The highlight of the evening was a Konkani play "Gulab" written by Lino B. Dourado and directed by Sushil Amonkar featuring Querobina Carvalho, Braz de Parra, Laurie Miranda and Anjali Amonkar, well coordinated by Cynthia Rodrigues. The decorated red rose (GULAB) 'novelty' # 302 was picked up by DJ Stacy and won by Monushka Coelho. Each of the brain storm quiz competition prize winners received one year free subscription for GULAB monthly magazine. The Konkani Variety Show concluded with yet another session of "Pearl Beats" with solo song "Dhoryachim Lahram” by ‘Voice of Mangalore’ semi-finalist Vinay Lewis, solo song "Valcha Udkak Mog Dhoryacho by Laveena Pais, solo song "Rosalyn" by Vinay Lewis and a duet "Aaya Mesta" by Ivan Almeida and Gladys Noronha, added charm to the event with their English and Konkani renditions. Over 120 participants took part in the three hours event, which was excellently coordinated by Anjali Amonkar, Gracy Morais, Debbie Lobo, Manuel F.X. Fernandes and Domingos Araujo. The organizers gratefully thanked every Goan and Konkani lover in Kuwait and overseas for their tremendous support, messages, encouragement and cooperation towards GULAB.
In their continuing endeavours, KMK and GWC announced an unique "GULAB Carol Singing Competition" and presentation of traditional Christmas time songs as the third part of Silver Jubilee Celebration in Kuwait on 19th December 2008 at Carmel School Auditorium at 3.00 pm sharp. For more details please contact – 66502572 or e-mail gulabq8@gmail.com

'Gulab' Silver Jubilee Celebrations Launched in Kuwait

By Gasper Almeida
Photographs by Rewon Gomes

Kuwait, August 18, 2008: Paying glorious tributes to late Fr. Freddy J.Da Costa for his immense contribution to Gulab, Kala Mogui Kuwait with Gulab Working Committee launched the silver jubilee celebrations of Goa's illustrated Konkani magazine "GULAB" with a unique ceremony on Friday, August 15, 2008 coinciding with India's independence day.

The comperes Anjali Amonkar and Sushil Amonkar in a well orchestrated opening ceremony gave a brief narrative in Konkani touching upon important highlights sequencing events in a year by year account of the magazine since January 1983. The chief guest Antonio Correia Pienkar, well known Konkani poet/writer took the torch from Domingos Araujo, KMK President and Gulab Representative for Kuwait to illuminate the traditional oil lamp (diwlli) followed by the guest of honour, Fr. Teo Fernandes - vicar of Our Lady of Arabia church. In a short speech Fr. Teo urged the audience to support the magazine and the Gulab Working Committee in their endevours and wished them well. Following this, the Konkani writer-director Mario Menezes was introduced to the audience and a memento was presented to him. This is the first time Mario Menezes with his troupe performed in Kuwait.

The unveiling of the GULAB silver jubilee banner was at the hands of senior Kuwait-based Konkani stage artistes Manuel F.X. Fernandes and Querobina Carvalho in the presence of Goa NRI Leadership Awardee (2007) & NRI Club 9 President Dr. Jaganath Chodankar, Dr.(Mrs.) Pooja Chodankar in the midst of prominent Goan and Mangalorean personalities. The inaugural ceremony continued with a galaxy of prominent personalities from the Konkani speaking Goan and Mangalorean communities including Gulab Working Committee. The inaugural ceremony added luster and illuminated the audience's sense of pride towards their mother tongue Konkani when the special invitees including Mrs. Gracy Morias, Gaspar Almeida, Lawry Pinto, Victor Mesquita, Mrs. Helen Pinto, Mrs. Marina D'Souza, Cajetan Pereira, Mrs. Fatima Pires, Tome Gracias, Luis Cardozo, Jacinto Noronha, Anthony Cardoz, Braz Rodrigues, Mrs. Aurora Fernandes, Mrs. Zinia Cardoz, Nelson Colaco, Micky Fernandes, Mrs. Effie Martins, Mrs. Maria D'Souza, Moses Coelho and Mrs. Flora Fernandes lit the specially decorated candles which was the highlight of the evening. The 25 personalities resembled the twenty five years of the existence of Gulab magazine and enriching the Konkani language. Felix Fernandes (event coordinator), Marina D'Souza (creative candle designer), Agnela Fernandes (costume designer), Joaquim Fernandes (set designer) and Santana Piedade Afonso (stage management) contributed towards the programme.

A Konkani drama by Mario Menezes with his troupe and cast entitled "Ghorabeache Vantte" was staged as part of the launch of GULAB silver jubilee celebrations. 8-year old child artiste and recipient of 2007 GULAB Award winner Rioma Menezes captivated the audience with her sensational voice which brought thunderous applause. Rosy Alvares, Comedian Joana, Agnes, Lawry Travasso, Mario de Vasco, Edisson with Goan musicians Augusto de Panchwadi and James charmed the audience with their performances and laughter riots, and the king of mimicry Sheik (Xec) Amir gave his best with voices and gimmicks of famous yesteryears' singers. The audience just loved it and encore for more. The raffle draw was conducted during the intermission.
The organizers will strive to enlarge the magazine's subscribers base and has planned two major events, namely the "Konkani Variety Show" to be held on 9/10/2008 (Thursday) at 6:15 p.m. and another programme on 19/12/2008 (Friday) at 4:15 p.m.. Due to the generous support of Konkani speaking patrons, both events will be free of charge.

'Gulab' having reached in its twenty fifth year gives pride to all Konkani lovers to feel a moment of rejoice. The late Fr. Freddy was a visionary and everyone need to inculcate his virtues, especially his selfless love for Konkani. A word of praise goes to the editorial team headed by Fausto V. Da Costa for working tirelessly to publish the monthly magazine. The Konkani readers and writers are expected to continue contributing for the growth of the magazine and preserve the language for future generation. Gulab Working Committee in Kuwait can be contacted by email at gulabq8@gmail.com, Tel: (+965) 9391452 or 9300257.