Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), a prominent Mangalorean community organization in Kuwait, organized its annual mega event, “SPARSH XXV – ಪಾವ್ಲಾಂ ಸೆವೆ ಥಂಯ್,” on January 31, 2025, at the American International School, Maidan Hawally. The event, which began at 3:30 PM, was held under the leadership of KCWA President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas.
Guests were welcomed in a traditional Mangalorean manner with jasmine flowers and panphod-udak, while the reception team dressed in cultural attire. The event commenced with a prayer dance performed by children from Pushkara Nrityaniketan, choreographed by Shantala Satish. The opening ceremony included the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Fr. Prashanth Madtha, along with KCWA Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario, Carmelite Sisters Sr. Maria Bedsy and Sr. Venitha, Platinum Sponsor Prakash Gonsalves, Diamond Sponsor Sanjay Menon of Federal Bank, and Karol Mathias, alongside KCWA President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas.
In his address, President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering and elaborated on KCWA’s mission, particularly its initiative to support a shelter home for destitute men. The event was hosted by VJ Dixon, a TV anchor and social media personality, who made his entry with a dance performance accompanied by children from Groove Gang, choreographed by Elvia Monteiro.
A commemorative souvenir for the event was released by Chief Guest Fr. Prashanth Madtha, Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario, and KCWA Managing Committee members. The souvenir team, comprising Veena Serrao, Jinella Rodrigues, and Harry Fernandes, worked in coordination with designer Manoj Kumar. Reyan Lobo was recognized for suggesting the event’s name, “SPARSH XXV – ಪಾವ್ಲಾಂ ಸೆವೆ ಥಂಯ್,” and received a special gift in appreciation. Additionally, members who secured the highest number of sponsorships were acknowledged with floral bouquets. The top five contributors, after the president, were Alban D’Souza, Mable Andrade, Veena Serrao, Arun Jossy D’Souza, and Prakash Gonsalves.
The event featured various cultural performances. Sparkling Star kids presented a dance choreographed by Rita Flavia Pinto, while The Femme(e) Force team performed under the choreography of Linet Carol D’Souza. Jovas United, choreographed by Jyothi Colaco, also performed. A notable segment was the Gumta Naad performance by the Ahmadi group, under the assistance of Prashanth Ferrao, which highlighted Mangalorean folk traditions.
Musical performances included Konkani songs sung by Joyline Gonsalves and Glen Vas, Gladys Lorena and Winola Laron Cutinha, and Morvine Quadras and Laveena Praphulla. The event’s sound and technical arrangements were managed by Anil Pais.
KCWA Spiritual Director Fr. Avil Rosario addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of mindful choices in service and community welfare. Sponsors of the event were presented with mementos in recognition of their contributions. The Diamond Sponsor, Federal Bank, represented by Sanjay Menon and Arjun KR, was acknowledged for its support. The bank provides services including NRE Celestra, NRE Eve+, NRE PIS accounts, housing loans, and wealth management for NRIs in Kuwait.
Chief Guest Fr. Prashanth Madtha, a Kannada Rajyotsava awardee, writer, and former principal of St. Aloysius College, was honored by KCWA for his contributions to the Konkani language. He was felicitated with a Maan Patr presented by Deepak Andrade, a bouquet from Reena Rego, a fruit basket from Joe and Precilla Pereira, a garland from Arun Jossy D’Souza, a shawl from Prakash Gonsalves, a Peta from Fr. Avil Rosario, and a memento from Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas. Following the felicitation, Fr. Madtha addressed the audience, appreciating KCWA’s efforts in promoting Konkani culture and supporting charitable causes.
A documentary on ‘Karunamaya Ashram,’ a shelter for destitute men in Mangalore, Karnataka, was screened. The presentation showcased the institution’s role in providing care and rehabilitation for elderly men with physical and mental disabilities. The event served as a fundraiser for this initiative.
KCWA General Secretary Reena Rego delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Chief Guest, Spiritual Director, sponsors, artists, managing committee members, and volunteers for their efforts in making the event successful.
The event received support from various sponsors. Platinum Sponsor was Steel United Factory, while the Diamond Sponsor was Federal Bank. Gold sponsorship was provided by Reliance Technical Co. WLL, and Silver Sponsors included Square Yards and Crown Business Group. Co-sponsors were Caesars Group of Restaurants and Confectioneries, Oriental Restaurant, Dalian International for Fire and Safety, Royal Tech, and TEC Engineering. Crown Business Group’s proprietor, George Madtha, committed to being a main sponsor for KCWA’s future events over the next three years.
A Konkani drama titled “SBG Travels – Route#2,” written and performed by Nellu Permannur and directed by Johnson D’Almeida, was staged. The cast included local artists Lionel Mascarenhas, Ashwini Pinto, Blan D’Souza, and Kevin D’Souza, alongside former KCWA president Stephan Machado. The drama, with music composed by Raveen Martis, was a comedy that engaged the audience.
The event proceedings were coordinated by KCWA Cultural Secretary Prashanth Ferrao, President Naveen Valerian Mascarenhas, and the Managing Committee members. Announcements were handled by Jayson D’Souza, multimedia projections were managed by Allan D’Souza, and background music was provided by Roshan Rodrigues. The event was organized with support from InShot Media House, responsible for photography, videography, sound, and lighting.
A special draw, sponsored by Square Yards’ Gobind Rai Singh Risam, was conducted, and Messi Azavedo won a 40-inch television.
KCWA acknowledged the management of American International School, Maidan Hawally, for providing the venue. The event, attended by community members and well-wishers, aimed to promote cultural heritage while supporting a charitable cause.
