NRI’s / PIO’s – Page 2

Mangalorean Sydneysiders to celebrate 15 years anniversary on Sep 4

The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney, popularly known as MCAS is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The 15th anniversary celebrations will be held at Good Shepherd Parish and School, Plumpton on Sunday September 4.

The first Mangalorean Catholics arrived in Sydney in the 60s. There was a big influx in the 80-90 decades. MCAS founder Stanley D’Cruz along with adequate support from like-minded families organised an historic picnic with over 100 participants on 19 November 2006, at the Centennial Park in Homebush. They promoted the values and advantages of an official association, which led to the birth of MCAS in May 2007. It was hoped that the formation of MCAS would help in the spreading and enrichment of the culture, tradition, values and other aspects of the community.

MCAS vision is to provide a platform to bring Mangalurean Catholics together to promote and sustain Mangalurean culture, values and tradition. Its mission is to bring together through celebrations of faith and fellowship in traditional culture.

Numerous Mangalurean Catholic families in Sydney are multi ethnic, they have married spouses from Sri Lankan, Tamilian, Malayalee, Anglo Saxon, Goan, Punjabi, Gujarati, Ukraine, European, backgrounds etc. MCAS, as per government guidelines showcases the benefits of cultural diversity to promote social cohesion. Presently the community members work in the fields of education, banking, IT services, health, construction, government services etc and have participated to a great extent to the economic prosperity of NSW for the past 60 years or so.

Some of the popular events MCAS organises are the Monthi Fest, Lenten pilgrimage, popular Bollywood event, ManGo Cup cricket tournament, annual picnic etc. Charity has always been a hallmark of MCAS. Since inception, MCAS has donated to the Mangalore diocese, African Mission, Poor Sisters of St Claire, Infant Jesus Orphanage, Mukta Trust, White Doves etc. In 2021, MCAS through a Covid fundraiser helped 24 students in Mangaluru whose breadwinner parent died due to Covid, with assistance from the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK). In September 2021, MCAS organised a zoom homage meeting for the late Oscar Fernandes, eminent Mangalurean in the Indian government. This meeting was addressed by Cardinal Oswald Gracious and many other eminent Mangalureans. MCAS was also active during the past two Covid years.

Several eminent Mangalureans have been hosted by MCAS during the past many years. These include Bishop Aloysius D’Souza, late Oscar Fernandes, late Octavia Albuquerque, women’s leader, Francis Colaco, retired inspector general of police in Karnataka and Andhra states, Brig Gerry Gonsalves president KCA, Bengaluru, Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ and Fr Praveen Martis SJ, principals St Aloysius College, and Sr Olivia AC, retired principal St Agnes College.

Canada: Radio Mango to host first-ever ‘Goblal Konkani Idol’ contest

As part of the decennial celebration Radio Mango, the first ever Konkani channel that created history in the North American hemisphere by broadcasting the Konkani programme on September 29, 2012, is all set to host the first-ever ‘Global Konkani Idol’ contest with a clarion call ‘Be the First Global Konkani Singing Star’.

About the President, Producer, and Host of Radio Mango

Milena Marques-Zachariah is an accomplished writer, columnist, and blogger. With over 25 years of experience in multi-national advertising in India, Dubai, and Canada, she has gained critical international experience in creating and building brands. Her creative shop, OUT OF MY MIND, is focused on the South Asian and ethnic markets in Canada. She has worked as creative director and multicultural communications specialist with leading agencies, helping major national and international brands relate to their consumers by aligning their messages to ethnic markets. This valuable exposure came in handy when she conceived and launched Radio Mango – the first and only Konkani language broadcast in North America. She has interviewed mayors and ministers, and eminent authors like Pico Iyer and Anosh Irani. Her journalistic contributions include a column ‘Confessions of an Immigrant Housewife’ in a leading South Asian newspaper and essays and poetry in various anthologies. Canadian Chronicles is yet another creative pursuit, where she blogs the extraordinary journeys of new immigrants to Canada – waiting to be published as a book. Her current blog: ‘Chasing the perfect Curry’ has gained international popularity among foodies and those seeking unchartered adventures.

Milena is a global citizen born in India, with work experience in the UAE for 12 years, and is now a Canadian citizen for 2 decades. She has widely traveled.

Konkani music lovers worldwide can tune into nostalgia on the easily available podcast, every Saturday – featuring the best of Goan and Mangalurean music and culture. Further details are also available on their website www.radiomango.ca and the Facebook page: Radio Mango Toronto.

Mangalurean Renessa Walder to represent Oman at World Hip Hop Dance Championship in USA

Nine dancers from Oman will represent the country at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship – Varsity Division – in Phoenix in the southwestern US state of Arizona from August 6 to 13.

Over 4,000 of the world’s best dancers are expected to participate in World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2022 which is one of the most celebrated and toughest dance competitions in the world, and also called the ‘Olympics of Dance’. Mangalurean Renessa Walder is one among them.

Renessa is the eldest daughter of Ajith and Naina Walder, currently studying in Grade X at the Indian School, Al Wadi Kabir in Muscat, Oman.

Ajith Walder is a well-known community leader and the former president of MCCP, Muscat – Oman. He has his roots originated in Loretto-Bantwal.

The other eight in the group are Rishab Gupta, Shrika Shaji, Divit Kashyap, Sneha Buddhia, Rezwin Geordi, Leando Rayner, Anaida Shokrekhoda, Vaidehi Rastogi and and Nia Bailwad. The team is called ‘The Arab Teens’. The team’s performance at the competition will be choreographed by Prasanth Shinde, while Shiv Gupta and Nadeem al Balushi are directors of the group.

Tejas Udani Gupta, team leader of Arab Teens said that theirs is the only team from the Gulf to be at the prestigious event for a two minute slot.

The calibre and prowess of Renessa in dance landed her a spot in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship. Her innate multi-faceted talent was showcased at a tender age of 6 and her various awards winnings speaks for herself. Renessa’s most prestigious award is the ‘Student of the year 2020’ from RADA Dance Academy-Mumbai. She has been endorsed by all who got a glimpse of her amazing talent, as the one who could storm the dance industry.

Aloysius D’Souza elected president of Mangalore Cultural Association, Doha Qatar

: In the 12th Annual General Body meeting of the Mangalore Cultural Association, Doha Qatar, held at the Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Centre, on July 1, Aloysius D’Souza was unanimously elected as the president and Sandeep Noronha as vice president for the term 2022-2024.

MCA Kala Puraskar 2022 for renowned theatre persona Francis Fernandes Cascia

The MCA Kala Puruskar for the year 2022 was also announced on renowned actor, dramatist, writer, director, Francis Fernandes Cascia. The award consists of a shawl, Rs 1 lac cash award, citations and a memento that will be conferred on Francis Fernandes during the annual event which will be announced.

As per MCA protocols, president and vice president together selected the executive committee and the sub-committees as mentioned below:

Managing Committee

Gladson Almeida – General Secretary
Melita Gloria Lobo – Joint – Secretrary
Clement Fernandes – Treasurer
Hema Fernandes – Main Cultural Coordinator
Veronica Baretto – Assistant – Cultural Cordinator
Dorothy Quadros – Sports Coordinator (Ladies)
George Menezes – Sports Coordinator (Men)
Shalini Mendonca – Membership & logistics Coordinator
Gracy Danthy – Membership & logistics Coordinator
Jovita Pereira D’Souza – Media & Communications Coordinator
Ancita D’Souza – Assistant Media & Communications Coordinator
Robert Cutinha – Public Relations & Associations Social Responsibility Coordinator

Sub Committee

Cultural team:

Naveen D’Souza
Jyoti D’Souza
Carol D’Souza
Shown Fernandes
Jane Pinto

Sports team:

Neil Roshan D’Souza
Agnel Ullas D’Souza
Lavita Rodrigues
Melwin D’Souza
Avinash D’Souza

Media & Communication:

Jerald D’Souza

Public Relations & ASR

Anil Fernandes
Della Rego

Health & First Aid:

Sharel D’Souza
Merlyn D’Souza

MCA Advisory Board consists of Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes and Jerry Pinto

Honorary Members (Past Presidents) Harry Lobo, Arthur Pais and Veena Rebimbus Pais

Fr Anand Castelino, spiritual director of Konkani Community will soon bid farewell to Qatar after 12 years. He was honored for his tremendous service to the Konkani community. The citation written by Clement Fernandes was read by Wilson Mendonca. Fr Anand was honored by the Advisory, along with the past and present President. With a Shawl, Memento Fruits, Flowers & a token of Gratitude. Fr Anand later expressed his feelings to the gathering.

Dechamma Poonacha wins Mrs. Fitness Queen at Mrs. UAE International

Dechamma Poonacha(Dechamma A.P) has won the Mrs Fitness Queen Title at Mrs UAE International by ‘Being Muskaan’, a leading UAE based brand launched by Meena Asrani, focused towards women empowerment.

The contest was held on June 26th at Radisson Red, Dubai Silicon Oasis and was open to all nationalities residing in UAE.

Mrs. Dechamma is currently a home maker. She is a former student of Rotary English Medium School Moodbidri and also was the student of the first batch.

She further continued her high school an PU education at Jain highschool and PU college Moodbidri.

She pursued her graduation at Sri Bhuvanendra College Karkala where she won Miss. Bhuvanendra in 1997 and Miss. Jaycee Kulyadi queen, Karlala in 1998.

She was born in Coorg but was raised in Moodbidri.

english.varthabharati.in

** Mangaluru: CA S V Acharya honoured with A Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievers Award

A Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievers Award 2022 was presented to USA SNOM Trust president emeritus CA Sagri Vasudeva Acharya on Friday May 27 at Srinivas University Mukka campus.

After receiving the award, Acharya said, “Three things should have more emphasize in life. Time, help and wealth. Give time for yourself and help who are yours when they need, earn and use your wealth to communicate on a large scale.”

dw/pio

** Kannada in Canadian Parliament

Canadian parliamentarian Chandrakanth Arya spoke in Kannada in the House

Canadian parliamentarian Chandrakanth Arya, hailing from Sira in Tumakuru district, spoke in the country’s parliament in Kannada and posted a video on Twitter on Friday, earning praise in his home State.

Mr. Arya was elected as an MP for Nepean, Ontario, in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019. He made a brief statement in Kannada saying him speaking in Kannada would make the people of Karnataka happy and proud. He said Canadian Kannadigas had celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava in Parliament in 2018 and now he was speaking in Kannada.

He signed off with the lines of a Kuvempu poem: “Elladaru Iru, Enthadaru Iru…Endendigu Nee Kannadavagiru’‘ (Wherever you are, However you are…always be Kannadiga).

** Canada: ‘The Walking Violinist’ Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker arrives in Toronto to perform at ‘MAC Social’

‘Veni Vidi Vici’ is defined in Latin as “I came, I saw, I conquered”. It is the famous victory statement made by Julius Caesar to the Roman Senate.

I can relate this statement to the world-famous musician Dr.Aneesh Vidyashanker popularly known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ who just arrived in Canada to perform at an extraordinary ‘MAC Social’ a Dinner/Dance event organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Without any hesitation I can say that he came, he saw, and he conquered Canadians’ hearts.

An amazing musician like Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker doesn’t need any introduction. He is a bright shining star in the galaxy of music. Music is his passion and violin is his way of life. He is a violinist, composer, music director, and producer – all these roles gracefully blended into one person. He displays a style of playing violin which is original, exceptional, and sensational.

Dr Aneesh was born on January 16, 1991 and is a born violinist, composer, and architect. He is best known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ for his ability to walk and play fusion music on the violin, amidst the crowd. He was introduced to Carnatic Music at the tiny age of three and was formerly trained by his father S R Vidyashankar, who hails from the Lalgudi Jayaraman School of violin playing. Aneesh was a child prodigy and gave his first solo violin performance on stage when he was just six years old. He has scored background violin pieces for Kannada movies Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Pushpaka Vimana, Kavaludaari, and Popcorn Monkey Tiger with composer Charan Raj. In the year 2017, Aneesh received an honorary doctorate in Music.

** Mangalore Konkans Dubai to host ‘Golden Voice of UAE’ singing reality show

After a gap of 4 years, Mangalore Konkans Dubai are back again, to create a platform for encouragement of talents and awareness of the enormous budding singing talents available in the UAE with the Konkani community. A reality show in Konkani singing is organized to crown ‘Mangalore Konkan’s Golden Voice of UAE’ in male and female category for UAE residents above the age of 18.

As per president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, James Mendonca, the audition round will be held on Sunday June 5 at 4:30 PM at Bab Al Ibada Party Hall, Mezzanine floor, HSBC building, King Faisal road, Sharjah. The best 6 in each category will be qualified for the second round followed by the finale which will be held in the month of November, with live band, music and singing qualified judges and with more than 750+ audience.

** Mangaluru: Sonal, Simone Monteiro emerge winners of first ever ‘Daijiworld Duet Singing Stars’

Daijiworld 24×7 TV’s mega stage show of Konkani programmes, ‘Konkani Sambhram-2′ was held at Don Bosco Hall here on Sunday April 17.

The special entertainment programme of around 2 hours duration was witnessed by a huge crowd. Going by their response, they enjoyed every moment of it.

The show was mainly dedicated for presenting awards to the winners of popular Konkani reality shows, ‘Daijiworld Duet Singing Stars’ and ‘MTG-Gulf Edition’.

Sonal Monteiro and Simone Monteiro won the title of ‘Daijiworld Duet Singing Stars’ while Jenisha D’Souza and Cherryl Anna D’Almeida bagged the runner-up spots of the show. Asha Moras and Seema D’Souza from Allipade were the second runners- up. Noel and Jenifer Mascarenhas, the founders of the SMKC Dubai, honoured the winners with the trophies and prize money.

Rohan Monteiro, managing director , Rohan Corporation; Austin Peris, representing Ronald Colaco and family, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, president, Konkani Natak Sabha, Fr Ronald Serrao, rector, St Joseph Seminary, Guru Baliga, CEO, Vishwa Konkani Kendr, Shakthinagar, Louis Pinto, president, Mandd Sobhann, and Ron Rodrigues, London, movie and serial producer, inaugurated the show lighting the lamp. Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld group, and Alexis Castelino, Dayan D’Souza, directors – Daijiworld TV, accompanied the dignitaries.