Kuwait : Victor Concessao to perform at KCWA's "Kala Milan" on April 9 - Media Release Kuwait, April 3, 2010 : KCWA is pleased

to announce the mega event "Kala Milan" on Friday 9th April 2010 at American International School auditorium, Kuwait. The show will be a mixed bag of entertainment with theater, music & dance. Recently performed maiden Tiatr of Mangalorean Konkani 'Kuwait Soddun Vetana' will be performed on this occasion in response to the public demand and overwhelming popularity of the Tiatr. This indeed will be a golden opportunity for the people who missed to view the Tiatr last time, which depicts the real family drama and trauma of thousands of Mangaloreans working in Kuwait. The Tiatr which was originally written by Rosary Ferns (Goa) was translated into Mangalorean Konkani by Lancy Rodrigues, Bondel who will be again directing it with the same cast/artists for the Tiatr, along with a totally new comedy sequel played by the top comedian Stephen Machado and team. Victor Concessao, one of the popular Konkani singers will be flying in from Mumbai, India with his melodious super hit songs to perform for the first time in Kuwait. To further entertain the audience, one of the most reputed dance groups of Kuwait 'Jovas XLNC for Dance' will be performing sensational dances for the songs. KCWA which was established in 1988 is one of the premier organizations in Kuwait having established poor children's education funds in more than 150 schools in Coastal Karnataka to provide primary education regardless of caste and creed. In Kuwait, KCWA has been instrumental for the past years in successfully organizing various cultural events and providing an opportunity to the Konkani singers/composers to come to Kuwait and show their talents. The proceedings of this event will be forwarded to "KCWA Poor Children's Education Fund".

'Kala Milan 2010' by Kuwait Canara Welfare Association held - Report by Vinod Lewis & pics by Prem Crasto, Kuwait Kuwait, April 12, 2010 : Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), a cultural organization set up by a group of like-minded Indians hailing from coastal Karnataka but presently working in Kuwait, recently organized "Kala Milan 2010", an entertainment programme to raise funds for its flagship scheme, "KCWA Poor Children's Education Fund". The function was held at the American International School Auditorium, which is also known as Dr Kamal Al Rayes Auditorium, Hawally, in Kuwait on Friday, April 9, 2010. KCWA is one of the premier organizations in Kuwait that was established in 1988 to provide financial assistance to children of the poor strata of the society from over 150 primary schools located in and around Coastal belt of Karnataka, regardless of their caste and creed.

Indian envoy to Kuwait Ajay Malhotra lauds KCWA's education drive. The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency, Ajay Malhotra, who presided over the function, in his keynote address, lauded the efforts made by KCWA in providing financial assistance to educate the poor children. He also promised to extend support for KCWA's future ventures. The chief guest, Fr. Harry D'Souza, congratulated KCWA for its efforts to promote Konkani culture among the Konkani-speaking people in Kuwait. The programme solemnly started with reciting of KCWA anthem by a group of association members led by Rudy, Jossy, Jovita and Joyline. KCWA president, Rudy D'Souza welcomed the guests and the gathering. The entertainment programme was a mix of stage performance, coupled with dance and music organized by the members of the association. It was an opportunity for Konkanispeaking people in Kuwait to showcase their talents. On this occasion, in response to the popular demand Tiatr, 'Kuwait Soddun Vetana', a family drama that depicted the real life story of Mangaloreans working in Kuwait, was staged for the second time, which met with good response. The play was originally written by Rosary Ferns from Goa in native Goan Konkani. Later, Lancy Rodrigues from Bondel translated the same play into Mangalorean Konkani, which was a great hit. The cast and crew of the play including singers and musicians were: Cynthia Pinto, Jaison Lasrado, Gratian D'Souza, Valerian D'Souza, Joyline Gonsalves, Jovita Fernandes, Anil Menezes, Renny Menezes, Anil Fernandes, Wilfred Lobo, Vally Sanctis, Bernard Fernandes (Goa), Joyston D'Souza, Joe D'Souza, Ozwald D'Souza, Fr. Melvin D'Cunha, Vinay Lewis, Gladys Lorena, Vineetha Pinto and Kiran Gonsalves. The flashback scenes were made by Alban D'Souza and Blue-Ray Video and Photography. Editing was handled by Rick's Entertainment (Michael Monis). 'Illuminations' (Anand D'Souza) provided state of the art sound and lights, while flashback projections were done by Steven Misquith.

Stephen Machado along with Agnel Saldanha and other local artistes put up a comedy show written and directed by Lancy Rodrigues. Moreover, to mesmerize and entertain the music lovers and to further brighten the event, visiting artiste, Victor Concessao, one of the popular Konkani singers from Mangalore, presented super hit songs like Sath Daryacha Paltodi, Love Letter, Idli Chutney, Yore Moga, Tara, Mogacha Rita and Dubaichem Zitta, in his melodious voice, along with local singers, Lancy Rodrigues, Joyline Gonsalves, Jovita Fernandes, Gration D'Souza, Jossy D'Cunha and Roshan Olivera. Dance for the songs were choreographed by Sunil and Jyothi Noronha and performed by 'Jovas XLNC', a well-known dance group in Kuwait. Sponsors, guest artiste- Victor Concessao, director- Lancy Rodrigues, and writer- Rosary Ferns were felicitated and honored by presenting mementos. Rich tributes were paid to 'Konkan Kogul', Late Wilfy Rebimbus, for his outstanding contribution to Konkani-speaking community by his composition and singing. The programme was well compeered by Lydia Misqith and Ida D'Silva. Music was provided by Suneeth Noronha, Clifford Rodrigues, Anil Pais and Austin Salins. The programme was sponsored by Property Real Estate developers, Emmanuel Constructions Private Limited, Al Rathath Est. and co-sponsored by Caesars Group, M/s. AlSinnemar Co., Paragon Builders, Power Controls, ISSNAD and a Well Wisher.

Madam Grace Pinto, Director Ryan International Schools Inaugurating New websitewww.sezariworld.com

Most. Rev. Bishop Percival J. Fernandez, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Bombay lighting the traditional Lamp (Samay)

Mr. Albert W. D'Souza, President addressing the gathering.

Madam Grace Pinto speaks

Most. Rev. Bishop Percival J. Fernandez, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Bombay felicitated by Mr. Johnson Therattil

Fr. Baptist Pais receiving 'DIVO Sahitya Puraskar 2009' from President Mr. Albert W. D'Souza

Mr. Kenny Zuzarte receives 'DIVO Sahitya Puraskar 2009' from Chief Guest Mr. Lawrence D'Souza of Blue Star fame

Mr. Felix D'Souza Malwani receives 'DIVO Sahitya Puraskar2009' from Mr. Antony Sequeira of Arcadia fame

Mr. Victor Concessao receive 'DIVO Life Time Achievement Puraskar2009' from Mr. Herry Rebello, Caravan travels

Madam Grace Pinto receiving a memento from Mr. Lawrence Coelho, Editor DIVO

Mr. Walter Lasrado, Sub-editor DIVO, presenting a memento to Mr. Albert W. D'Souza

Mr. Lawrence D'Souza, Chief Guest receives a Memento form DIVO Sub. Editor Mr. S. Lobo

Mr. Naveen Kulshekar, Sub-editor DIVO, presenting a memento to Mr. Henry Lobo, Chairman CCCI

Adv. Pius Vas receives a Memento from Mr. Lawrence Coelho, Editor DIVO

Most Rev. Bishop Percival J. Fernandez releasing the Souvenir

Fr. Ivan D'Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Mira Road receiving DIVO Sahitya Puraskar Smarak 'Maria Jayanthi Prize 2009' from Mr. Stevan L. D'Souza

Mr. Rons Bantwal receives Floral Boquet from Madam Grace Pinto

Mumbai July 25: The coveted DIVO Sahitya Puraskar-2009 Awards were presented to Rev Fr Baptist Pais, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Andheri East, Mr Kenneth Zuzarte, well-known Singing Star of Mumbai and Mr Felix D'Souza, Malwani, Konkani Activist and the Divo Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Shri Victor Concessao, Konkani lyricist and singer in a glittering function held at the colourfully decorated Francis Fernandes Cascia Matov, in honour of Comedy King Francis

Fernandes-Cascia at Dr Visveshwarayya Smarak Mandir, Karnataka Sangha Hall, Matunga, West, Mumbai-400016. Many dignitaries and eminent Konkani persons attended this auspicious function Shri Lawrence Coelho, Editor of DIVO and the The Secular Citizen welcomed the gathering and delivered the keynote address. Madam Grace Pinto, Administrative Director of Ryan International Group Inaugurated the New web sitewww.sezariworld.com by clicking the mouse which was shown on a giant screen set up for the purpose. Addressing the gathering she said that the need of the hour is to motivate and inculcate the Christian values in our younger generation and hoped that the new web site will go a long way in achieving that goal. Shri Albert W D'Souza, Printania fame and Chairman of Aldel Education Trust and Model Co-operative bank Ltd., presided over the function. He applauded the steps taken by DIVO in recognizing and giving a proper direction through various workshops in Mangalore and Mumbai to the young generation of the Society and wished the newly inaugurated website al the best and requested the audience to support the same. Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai Archdiocese Bishop Percival J Fernandes along with other guests inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional Lamp and later released the Souvenir on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Bishop Percy ,as he is fondly known, said that Divo through its various activities has succeeded in winning the loyalty and love of the Konkani readers and wished them very best in their new endeavour. Lawrence D'Souza, MD., Blue Star Elevators Private Ltd was the Chief Guest who was all praise for the activities conducted by DIVO and The Secular Citizen and also publishing the two papers on a regular basis without missing a single issue. He also wished the very best to their new venture www.sezariworld.com. Bishop Percival Joseph Fernandes and Shri Charles Lobo, Post master General, Foreign Mail were felicitated on the occasion. Smt Veena D'Souza, Smt Flora D'Souza Jerimeri, Smt Tressy Peris, Smt. Shanti Barboza, Lydia A D'Souza and Pamela D'Souza read the citations. DIVO P. D'Souza Memorial Award-2009 was given away to Jacinta D'Souza and Ligoury Lobo, and Divo Sahitya Puraskar Smarak Maria Jayanti Prize-2009 was presented to Mrs Cecilia D'Costa, Vikhroli and Rev Fr Ivan D'Souza, Asstt Parish Priest, Mira Road.

Shri John D'Silva (Eminent Banker), Shri Henry Lobo, President of CCCI, Shri Agustinho G. Fernandes, Businessman, Shri Harold Rebello (Harry of Caravan Fame), Adv Pius Vas, Shri Peter D'Souza, Shri Raymond Lobo, Shri John Sequeira, Shri Johnson Therattil and Smt Alice J Therattil, Mr. V. P. Lobo, Shri Steven L. D'Souza, Shri Antony Sequeira were present as Guests of honour. Lawrence D'Souza Kamani introduced the guests and compered the Programme along with Naveen Kulshekar, Sub Editor of Divo; Smt Suzanne Coelho, Publisher DIVO and Shri Walter Lasrado honoured the guests. Shri S. Lobo, Sub-editor proposed the Vote of thanks. The programme started with a Prayer dance by Mathias sisters followed by a skit "Dotty" by Naveen Kulshekar and Dolphy Menezes, Kalyanpur. In the Second part there were songs and dances by the children and Victor Concessao and Kenny.
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Sacred Heart Church, Mahakali, Andheri East, Mumbai organized "Victor Nite" on October 25, 2009 at 7pm Sharp in aid of Medical Fund for Parish Projects. There were songs, dances and short comedy skits from difference groups. Clement Lobo and Vincent D'Souza compered the Nite. During the brief Stage function, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais, President of the function, Chief Guest Rev. Fr Innocent Fernandes Parish Priest of St. Tresa Church Bandra, Fr. Richard D'Almeida Asst. Parish Priest,Shri Henry D'Silva Suratkal, Dennis Lobo, Mark J. Baretto, Sangeeth Ratna Victor Concessao, Smt Annel Quadras, Pamboor and Smt Lavina Pereia, Fajir ( Vikhroli ) were on the Dais. Mrs. Tressy R. Peris, compered the stage function. Rosy Monis, Leena Fernandes, Jessy D'Silva, Rosy Pereira presented the guests with flowers.

"Sangeet Ratna" Victor Concessao and Smt Lavina Pereia (for securing first place in vhoyo-verse competition held at Bantwal Varado, Mangalore.) were felicitated with Flowers and shawls during the function. Bro. Naveen Rebello introduced the felicitants.

Three Konkani Cds were released during the function.

Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais, Kenny Zuzarte, Mira Road, Ivan Sequeira, Charles D'Cunha, Anthony Tauro, Vivet Concessao, Velita Concessao from Mumbai Francis Fernandes, Saby Fernandes, Tony Martin, Titta, Carrey and Betty Naaz of Goan fame and Pramila, Milagrin, Veronica, Manuel, Jaya Albert , Nashwin Lobo, Ancia and others from Mangalore contributed to the Musical Bonanza. Shri Benjamin Miranda provided the Music.

Well-known artists from Mangalorean, Goan and Mumbai participated in a combined performance of music and drama.