Konkani Catholic Association - Bangalore (KON-CAB) brought along the Christmas spirit with the annual Christmas Tree event that was organised on December 16, at the Gardenia Rooftop Hall of the Konkan Samudai Bhavan, Bengaluru.
The members and guests were seen entering the venue wearing warm clothes to beat the chilly winter of Bengaluru, and eagerly exchanging pleasantries. The formal programme began at 7.25 p.m with a short prayer led by Kon-cab secretary Navya Monteiro. Kon-cab president Vincent D’Souza welcomed the Guest of Honour for the evening Mr. Robinson D’Souza, the presidents of neighboring Konkani associations and the members and guests present for the event. During his Welcome Address, the president gave a glimpse of the events planned and thanked the Executive Committee for all the arrangements and also those who would be participating in the different events lined up for the evening, for their support.
The Kon-cab kids got into a solemn Live Crib performance and brought alive the sequence of events around the birth of Jesus, right from the angel Gabriel calling upon Mary and Joseph to prepare for the divine birth of the Saviour the world awaits, the shepherds quaking at the sight, Mary and Joseph settling inside the stable to bring baby Jesus into the world and the 3 Kings following the Star of Bethlehem to honour the King of the Universe. The children performed their part so well and mesmerised the audience, as the Kon-Cab choir led by Walter Lobo, sang melodious carols in the background, to the music played by Kevin. The tots too joined in to conclude the carol singing, by wishing Feliz-navi-dad, to all present. The Live Crib performance was planned and presented by Sharmila D’Souza, which was enjoyed by the audience and received a thunderous applause from everyone present.
Cultural Secretary of Kon-cab Arun Fernandes read out the profile of the Guest of honour Mr Robinson D’Souza, who was the First and Former Principal Secretary to the Legislature of Karnataka, and also the Law Secretary to the Govt of Karnataka. It was indeed an honour for Kon-cab and the audience that one of our very own Konkani bureaucrat who had the rare opportunity to serve in all three institutions under the Constitution of India, viz. Judiciary, Executive and Legislature, was amongst us to grace the occasion. Mr. Robinson gave a message of peace for Christmas, by sighting some examples from his life and work which has helped him to be at peace and also share that peace with others, through his knowledge and profession. Mr Robinson was honoured by Kon-cab President Vincent D’Souza with a bouquet of flowers.
The guest of Honour Mr Robinson felicitated the winners of the Crib competition and “Adorn the Tree” contest which was conducted priorly for the members. Priya Pinto won the Crib competition and Nelson Pinto was the Runner-up whereas in the Adorn the Tree contest, Jake Miranda bagged the 3rd place, Zane Miranda was the runner up and Neil D’costa was adjudged the Winner. All the remaining contestants who took part in the competitions were given consolation prizes. The jury for both contests were Sylvester D’Souza, Sunil D’Cunha and Arun Fernandes.
Sunil D’Cunha arrived as Santa Claus and entertained the children with his Ho-Ho-Ho songs and distributed chocolates to all the kids present. Next in line were some games conducted by Savita, Rita and team. There were also many spot games organised that were fun to watch, with many prizes to take home. The Christmas Hamper loaded with goodies and Guess the weight cake contest, were also seen doing the rounds, with members enthusiastically participating in all games. While Col. Alexis Pereira was lucky to win the lavish hamper, Sunil D’Cunha on the other hand, took home the rich plum cake for guessing its correct weight.
The band Blue Knights led by Darryl and Ian mesmerised the audience with their wonderful singing and ensured that all were on their toes for a jig or two. Many were seen swaying to the music with their best steps and to the rhythm of baila music and other dance numbers. Sumptuous Mangalorean cuisine was served by Blue Bell Caterers. Jhonas D’Souza as Emcee for the program, unfolded the series of events lined up for the evening, for the members.
As the well-attended Christmas Tree evening came to an end, Koncab members and guests, took home fond memories of a spirited and memorable evening to celebrate the coming of our Lord. Truly a December to Remember, until the next one.
