As we step into the month of December, everyone gets into the festive mood automatically. Young and old along with the little ones welcome special season where everyone sways to the melodies of Christmas Carols with all preparations to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Every house, Church and corners of the city are decorated in various Christmas decorations and lights. Yes, Christmas is special to everyone, where Peace, Love & Joy filled in the air, and everyone tries to live the Christmas message in their lives.
Kuwait Canara Welfare Association, the premier association of Kuwait, has been trying its best to uplift the Christmas message and live it for the past 34 years in every way possible. Like every year, KCWA celebrated the Christmas celebration “Nathalanchi Saanz-22” on 16 December 2022, at the Indian Community Senior School, ICSK – Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait. In light of spreading the Joy and happiness, the program set off at 5:40 pm with a welcome speech by President Ms. Ruth Clara Veigas, who shared her immense joy and warmth to the crowd.
The happiest moment for every parent when their children excel academically as well as in extra-curricular activities. To put this into action, KCWA conducts Annual Merit Scholarship & Excellence awards in various categories during Christmas celebrations with the help of generous sponsors namely Mr. Allen Alphonso & family, Mr. Lawrence D Souza & family, Mr. Nitin Castelino & family, Mr. Charlton & Mr. Clinton D Sa family and Mr. Harold D Souza & Fly. Ms. Veena Serrao & Mr. Jayson D Souza led this award ceremony gracefully at the event.
Happy Retirement and farewell were wished to Ms Ida D Silva and her spouse Mr. John D Silva with appreciation for their extensive service to KCWA and tireless efforts to uplift Konkani language and culture, with flowers & memento. The event managed by Alwyn Noronha.
The crowd enjoyed the melodious Carols by Shining Stars, a group of little kids who were the winners of KCWA Talent Competition 2022. Mr. Morvine Quadros presented Carol, composed by Rev. Fr. Noel D Almeida from his newly released album “Baal Zolmala”.
Daddy chi Khanth Konkani comedy skit was staged by talented local artists Santhosh D Costa, Lydia Misquith, Sathish Saldanha & Joyston D’ Almeida, which was written and directed by Santosh D Costa, and the background music by Suneeth Noronha. This sailed the crowd into the world of laughter with their wonderful performance.
KCWA community is always dreaming and aiming to raise funds to support the needy. In this connection, two masterpiece paintings were set for Auction, painted by the most talented Rayan Misquith, son of Late Johnny Surathkal, founder member of KCWA and the budding talent Raelene Calida Fernandes, daughter of KCWA member Ronald and Thelma Fernandes. Anil Fernandes led the Auctions, the fully geared up audience extended their full support with lots of cheers. The marvellous paintings were handed over to the highest bidders Canute D Souza and Queene Fernandes.
A beautiful Christmas message, the birth of Jesus in a manger, choir of angels singing and glorifying God, terrified and excited shepherds dancing out of joy, the star of the East moving and stopping over the stable and the 3 kings following the star to worship Jesus was showcased in the form of a Tableau by the Managing committee members and their families was amazing.
Following the Tableau, Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Noel D Almeida delivered the Christmas message to the gathering and congratulated them for being part of KCWA community and their true spirit to share the Joy of Christmas among our brethren in need.
The kids were all excited to see their loving Santa entering the hall with candies in his bag and followed him to receive specially packed goodies with loads of excitements.
To encourage KCWA’s membership, Vincent Rego along with Membership Affairs Coordinator Sylvia D Costa conducted a membership draw. The draw was held in three categories that comprised of 2023 renewed members present at the venue, 2023 renewed members present or not at the venue and for Honorary, Patron and Life members. Lucky winners were Mr. Ton Prashanth, Mr. Melwyn Rosario D Sa & Mr. Robertson Gabriel simultaneously.
Christmas Hampers sale gave an opportunity for everyone to be part of the Christmas Joy, where they shared their love and support towards KCWA’s mission. Highest Sale of Hampers sold by Ms Veena Serrao, Mr. Arun Dsouza, Ms Maria Rinna Dsouza, Mr. Prakash Pinto & Ms Mable Andrade were awarded as an appreciation for their efforts. Lucky winners of Hampers draw were coordinated and led by Deepak Andrade, Prakash and Rita Pinto, Praveen Fernandes, Arun D Souza along with. Rev. Fr. Noel D Almeida, President Ruth Clara Veigas, Immediate Past President Maria Rinna D Souza and the Past Presidents Anil Fernandes, Steven Rego and Praveen Menezes.
Ms. Sharon Pinto (D Cunha), the main lovely Anchor of the whole event engaged the crowd with various spot games for kids and adults of all age group. She was supported by the managing committee members, spouses and gave away attractive prizes.
Alwyn Noronha the event coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks and all the kids gathered recited the grace before meal prior to opening the Dinner Buffet.
Sincere thanks to Mr. Nelson D Souza and Mr. Blen D Souza for capturing the whole event with their skills in photography, Creations Group for providing the backdrop and decorated the stage, Anand D Souza of Waves Events and Engineering for providing Lights and Sounds, DJ Roshans Rodrigues for providing the foot tapping music, Alban D Souza for providing projector, Caesars Group of Restaurants for serving Delicious dinner snacks and juices, Sharon Pinto for Comparing the program and keeping the crowd well engaged with activities, the Support committee and Spouses of the managing committee for their selfless service to ensure the program runs smoothly.
We extend our gratitude to goodies sponsors by cash & kind: Ichia General Trading Co – Balaji Snacks, KITCO, Seedawi Factory, Zahem & Malhotra Co – Mr. Clifford, Mr. Johar, & Mr. Vikas, Mr. Khaled & Sylvia, Mr. Lester D Mello, Mr. Anil Fernandes, Mr. Rohan Brags, Mr. Praveen Menezes, Mr. Brian Solomon.
The main sponsor of the event was Mr. Prakash Gonsalves – Steel United Factory- Kuwait- Metal workshop, co-sponsors were Mr. John Fernandes – Al-Zain International company, Mr. Vincent D Souza – White Bear garage, KIB Takaful Insurance Company, Mr. Stany Sanctis – Royal Tec Electrical, Mr. Raymond D Souza – Al Rathath Est, Mr. Ranjit D Souza – Keentech Electrical Contracting Co, Mr. John & Ms Ida D’Silva, Mr. Valerian Sanctis. KCWA whole-heartedly would like to thank all our sponsors and well-wishers for supporting this event with their generous contribution.
The entire event was coordinated by the team of Mr. Alwyn Noronha, Ms Veena Serrao, Ms Maria Rinna D Souza, Mr. Jayson John D Souza & Mr. Roshan Rodrigues and well supported by KCWA Managing and Support Committee Members.
The event concluded by 10 pm, with the crowd returning happily with the joy and fellowship of Christmas.
The KCWA community, wishes everyone a Joyous Christmas and a Prosperous new year 2023.
