Christmas is a season of cheer, a time when love prevails over all hatred and bitterness, a time when everyone’s thoughts, deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest cheerfulness.
The ladies wing of Goan Cultural Centre (GCC) under the leadership of President Carmo Santos, in its own unique way of ushering Christmas season, held a ‘Tinsel and Sparkle Christmas Party 2019’ on Friday 13th at Carmel School auditorium.
The theme of the day was, “Bring a smile on the faces of less fortunate.”
The event brought smiles and cheer all around, the glory of which was evident from an overflowing audience that patronized the occasion, and the number of exciting festivities that kept everyone absorbed throughout.
LADIES IN THE FOREFRONT
It is generally admitted that with woman the powers and ideas of smooth organizing are more strongly marked than in man.
In the words of one famous writer, “You can never leave footprints that last if you walk on tiptoe.”
The GCC women were in command and in the forefront of the celebrations all the time. Their meticulous efforts brought joy and happiness all around which were well admired and appreciated by everyone. The women members left no stone unturned to give the guests a pleasant time.
The pretty ladies involved in planning the event included Carrie Santos, Neeta Fernandes, Lorraine de Mello, Jessy Leitao, Flavia Fernandes, Sandra Nazareth, Monica D’Mello, Arlette Fernandes, Trupti Marshall, Jossy Mascarenhas, Molina Fernandes and Felia Alphonso.
It was later disclosed that funds generated through the benevolent party would all be distributed equally to various charity homes in Goa and Mangalore, details of which will be published soon.
CHIEF GUESTS AND OTHER ATTENDEES
Honorable Chief Guest for the day was Mr. Amitabh Ranjan, Second Secretary to PIC and Community and Educational affairs – Indian Embassy.
The Guest of Honor was Mr. Ashok Kalra, CEO of Mughal Mahal chain of restaurants.
Other dignitaries that attended included Fr. Franco Pereira, Fr. Anthony Lopes, Mr & Mrs. Reaven D'Souza of Times Weekly, and Mr. & Mrs Joseph & Elvira D’Souza and Mrs.& Mr. Andrew Thomas.
The presence of Carmel sisters was prominent among a host of other invitees that attended the function.
SPEECHES & MEMENTOS
Chief Guest Mr. Amitabh Ranjan spoke on the significance of the great event like Christmas and other festivals that bring families and friends together in friendship.
The guest of honor Mr. Ashok Kalra, a pioneer in awarding gold medals to meritorious students of Carmel School year after year, highlighted the importance of community gathering in his speech and thanked the organizers for making him a part of the grand festivity.
President of GCC Mr. Carmo Santos, in his speech, applauded the efforts of the club’s ladies in putting the event together, while he thanked the guests and well-wishers for their esteemed presence.
In one of the most memorable affections shown by GCC to Mr. Joseph and Elvira D Souza, a celebrated and popular couple in Kuwait, and who will be leaving Kuwait for good shortly were honored with an artifact memento for their contribution towards the Goan community and Konkani art in Kuwait.
The memento was presented by GCC first lady Mrs. Carrie Santos.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PARTY
Live bands “One Blood” and “Estrela de Goa” played some foot taping and scintillating music that kept everyone rocking till the end. Mr. Tony Alphonso resonated few oldies of 60s & 70s which were well appreciated by the audience.
The event was well organized with much of the focus on children and youth. There were a number of games for children and adults, and loads of prizes.
Children from “Happy Home Family” group, Khaitan performed a spectacular dance on the famous Christmas carol, “Merry Christmas Polka” while a Portuguese folklore was performed by Mr. & Mrs. Aldrin Menezes and their group “Estrelas de Goa”.
Sound for the event was provided by Anand Waves while well-known Goan photographer Rivon Gomes captured the memories on his lens. The function was compered by Tommy Fernandes and Evelin D'Cruz.