Asia

Media Release

Dubai, Apr 6, 2013 : ‘Omzoorche Dive’, an organization functioning in the Gulf region comprising parishioners of Omzoor Church here, has carved out a niche for itself among the Konkani organizations that are in existence in the Gulf countries. It celebrated its fifth birth anniversary in a grand way on Friday April 5.

The celebrations were organized at the Indian club’s auditorium at Karama. The programme, which was buzzing with entertainment, music, dances, songs, and competitions, succeeded in winning over the hearts of the audience.

The office bearers of the organization, under the leadership of president, Arthur D’Souza celebrated the fifth anniversary by cutting a cake. Arthur, who welcomed everyone, gave a brief account of the programmes and achievements of the organization during the last five years.

On this occasion, the title, ‘Khadigaonvatlo Konkan Suputr (worthy son of Konkani in Gulf)’, was bestowed on James Mendonca, a Mangalorean entrepreneur based in the Gulf. James, who is the director of Reliable group of concerns, has been a generous donor. His contributions to Konkani language, right from helping it to take roots in the region, to the all-round growth of the language during the last three decades, were hailed, while felicitating him. President of Omzoorche Dive, Arthur D’Souza, Herman Lewis of Radio Spice 105.4, Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight Systems, and others joined in honouring James Mendonca couple. Secretary of the organization, George D’Mello, read out the citation before handing it over to James.

In his address, James recollected his close association with Omzoor and the organization set by the people from there, ‘Omzoorche Dive’. “We have tremendous affection and pride about our Konkani language. It is our duty to conserve and work for the growth of this language,” he said, duly recollecting some past incidents of his association with the language. He thanked the concerned for the honour conferred on him.

James Mendonca also dedicated to the world an educational fund amounting to two lac rupees, set up to commemorate the organization’s completion of five years of successful existence.

At the end, sponsors and media representatives were felicitated.

The programme, presented by Asha Correa, came in for lavish praise. The communication and hosting skills of Asha, and entertainment-filled games made the programme a memorable one. Dances by members of the organization and a dance item by Ritesh and Silvi couple were the most admired programmes. Party Spinners, a musical team, provided live music for the programme, thereby enhancing the total impact created thereupon.