mccp souvenier 2012 page 35

7/29/2019 MCCP Souvenier 2012 Page 35

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Homeland and the memories attached toit are the ones that dont let you forgetyour roots despite good life & comforts

in the foreign land. Mangaloreans around theworld have witnessed such problems and hence,have established their own community centreseverywhere to bring the community under one

roof to overcome/address such woes. MCCPis one such platform celebrating its 20 years ofservice to the community in Muscat with its mottounited to serve the community and finding newroutes for the old roots in keeping with currentyears move together for a stronger community.

These 20 years have been a bundle of mixedfeelings and rich experience. To quote CharlesDickens It was the best of times, it was the worstof times, it was the season of Light, it was theseason of Darkness, it was the spring of hope,

it was the winter of despair, we had everythingbefore us, we had nothing before us..

Translating vision into reality

What was started as a small setup in 1992 with fewlike minded people coming together to nurture theever growing social, cultural and spiritual needs of

Mangalorean communitybelongs to Ruwi & GhalaParishes, today it enjoysinternational recognition.The early pillars of MCCPnamely Walter Monteiro,

Robert Cutinho, MickMax and Gerry DMello, setthe platform and (late) Fr. Augustine Antao, blessedthe idea and permitted to carry out its objectives

namely social, spiritual and cultural activities. Trueto communitys beliefs it extends financial supportto the needy and under privileged brethren throughits outreach approach. Besides it supports projectsrelated to Churches, Educational Institutionsand other social development programmesback home. Its involvement in Parish activitiesincluding food festivals, Christmas Carol Singingin Konkani, Annual Konkani Retreat, besides

MCCP in the past 20 years -fi

nding new routes for the old roots

35Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King Jr.


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organising Monthi Fest with best traditions ofour homeland is very much appreciated by all.Drawing, Dance, Singing, Fancy Dress & other lifeskill competitions, cultural activities to promotecommunitys mother tongue Konkani and paveway for the budding artistes to showcase their

talents are the aims of MCCP. Sports activities suchas Cricket tournament, Volleyball tournament,Throw Ball tournament for women and fun inthe sun outdoor family participation are someimportant events in MCCPs annual calendar insports arena.

Early struggles

Like any organization, MCCP too had its share ofproblems and challenges in its early days. Goodtimes bring happiness and bad times bringexperience. In the early days of its struggle ourleaders have played key role in nurturing thegrowth and they led MCCP through troubledwaters towards the safe harbour. They were tryingtimes confesses Brian Nazareth (President 1995-1996) and in his own words ego clashes, andpersonal agendas led to a community in turmoiland confusion all around. If History has to beplaced in its right perspective, it was at this tryingtimes that stalwarts like Oswald Soares and WalterMonteiro took over the helm of affairs and underthe guidance of the (late) Fr. Augustine Antao,

sturdied the rocking ship and MCCP hasnt lookedback since.

Transformation and Global outlook

At one point Fr. Antao, referring to MCCPsaid You are my hands and feet and that wasindeed a huge compliment from the man whopioneered the concept of community building.After early years of its struggle, every year hasbeen a milestone, achieving higher standards of

performance. According to Gerry DMello (nowin Canada) Today, its truly a great honour to theentire Konkani Diaspora residing in Oman thatMCCP is being rated as one of the best 25 KonkaniAssociations in the world and was honoured by theprevious Hon. President of India - Smt. PratibhaPatil, during Konkani World Cultural Conventionheld at Mangalore in 2010. We are sure all willshare Gerrys sentiment and take pride in being apart of MCCPs journey.

The life skill development & self improvementprogrammes such as Its My Voice singingabilities guidance workshop, Taste the Toast public speaking & leadership developmentworkshop, Meet the Future a career guidanceworkshop etc., conducted by the professionals

in the respective field was another move by theleadership to prepare our young talents for theglobal market and ensure global space for ouryoung minds. The prominent web portals ofcoastal Karnataka such as www.daijiworld.comand www.managalorean.com with their mediacoverage have been instrumental in reporting theMCCP events for the global audience.

36Whatever you are, be a good one.

- Abraham Lincoln


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Moving with the times

In this dot com age, launching of new website

www.mccpoman.com in 2008-2009 was apath breaking effort by the team to capture theemerging requirements of the community. Thespecial initiative by the current Website Editorial

team with additional features to mark the 20thanniversary celebrations is laudable.

More space for women

The year 2009-2010 was the year dedicated toWomen in MCCP calendar with the theme Sthree- Gharso Divo, Saunsaraso Uzvad (Woman -Light of the house, Radiance of the world). Theleadership empowered the women folk forming arainbow team of seven ladies (visionary view ofRainbows seven colour shades) in the managingcommittee for the responsible positions and thatpaved the way for first lady president to take

charge in the ensuing year to lead MCCP. MonicaDantis, being the first lady president of MCCP, ledan example for women, winning highest place inthe community during 2010-2011.

Formation of an exclusive Ladies ToastmastersClub under the name & style of Domina

Toastmasters Club is another initiative by thecurrent leadership and a novel idea to bring all

37Its the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.

- Paulo Coelho, Alchemist


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ladies under common platform to harness theirpotential talents and capabilities. This move hasalready gained momentum as more & more ladiesactively participate in the activities and reap thebenefit of this opportunity. Developing leadershipqualities, effective communication skills, public

speaking, improving confi

dence level, etc., arethe areas that have won the hearts and minds ofparticipants. This revolution will surely generateeffective results and many participants will emergeas future leaders of our community.

Priest with native touch

In keeping with (late) Fr. Augustine Antaostradition, all subsequent priests Fr. VargheseChempoly, Fr. Lester Mendonsa, Fr. ChackoMannicheril, Fr. Albert DSilva, Fr. Raul Ramosand Fr. Wilson Rumao, have extended full supportfor the MCCP and its activities. However, our ownMangalorean priest Fr. Albert DSilva, has beena boon to our community and his native touchkeeps the flock together cohesive like a well knitfabric.

Focusing on spirituality and inner healing to build

better families

A Day with the Lord night vigil prayer serviceduring Lenten season strengthens the community.Konkani Retreat by well known preachers of ourhomeland aims at spirituality and inner healing.The Retreat session usually focus on subjects

like solution based approach in life, importanceof prayer, teenage blues in our children, parentsrole in leading healthy families and creatingGod fearing atmosphere at home to build betterfamilies.

Konkani spiritual play Kursacha Vater staged atRuwi Parish Hall during this Lenten season hadan amazing impact on the audience. Around50 actors both veteran and amateur artistes from

the community enacted in this event portrayingJesus physical, spiritual and mental sufferings inhis last hours including his trial, journey carryingthe cross, his various encounters on the way ofCross with the people of goodwill and finallyhis execution by crucifixion the event that isconsidered to be the centre of Christian beliefs.

Outreach approach and other communityservices

MCCP has extended financial support to needy

fellow brethren at Oman and back home. MCCPhas assisted raising funds for a CBSE school projectin Mangalore. It also takes care of educationalexpenses of candidates at the Seminary byadopting individual candidates. It has supportedChurches, Hospitals, Schools, Village developmentprogrammes and other social welfare movementsback home.

It has also helped the stranded expatriate familiesand individuals to repatriate back home.

Festivities in native traditionsMonthi Fest (Feast of Nativity of our MotherMary) celebrations bring back homelandmemories during nine days novena in nativetraditions culminating with blessing of Novemhandpicked from the paddy fields of Mangaloreand concelebrated High Mass in Konkani onthe feast day by Guest Priests from Mangalorespecially invited for the occasion. This annual

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Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him:

a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.Bible, Ecclesiasticus 9:10


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event attracts massive crowd and the area lookslike little Mangalore during Monthi Fest.

During Christmas season - Taste the Kuswar show,Crib competition, Christmas carnival, KonkaniCarol singing, Christmas party and entertainmentfrom Santa Claus in native traditions keeps our

culture alive.

Parish activities

The Mangalorean community of both Ruwiand Ghala Parishes have been a great source ofsupport to the respective Parishes. The communityis actively involved in all church activities. Theyplay major role in Liturgical Ministry, Altar ServersMinistry, Choir Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry,Lector Ministry, Youth Ministry, Ushers Ministryand other social ministries of the parish. They are

also actively involved in teaching Catechism tochildren. The Konkani Prayer Group is anothermove by the community which has beenpredominantly making headways with a view totake care of the spiritual needs of the communityby regular prayer meetings and related devotion.The Summer Camp is another area where

Mangaloreans take the lead and in fact they are anintegral part of Summer Camps both at Ruwi andGhala Parishes. They also play an active role inParish Council both at Ruwi and Ghala Parishes.

Sports and Fun in the Sun outdoor events

Sports activities such as Cricket tournament,Volleyball tournament, Throw Ball tournament

for women and fun in the sun outdoor familyparticipation are some important events in MCCPsannual calendar in sports arena.

MCCP Men and Ladies teams have won threetrophies this year at the sports meet organised bythe Kudla Friends Muscat. Many such movesare on the anvil to strengthen the sports spiritamong the communities.

Competition & Reality Shows

Drawing, Dance, Singing, Fancy Dress & otherlife skill competitions, pave way for the buddingartistes to showcase their talents. MCCP has beenproviding strong platform for such talents andactivities.

Finding right kind of platform to showcase thetalents and to meet right kind of people to workwith are the most essential catalysts for the successof any budding artiste. MCCP is an active partnerin GULF VOICE OF MANGALORE (GVOM)reality show initiative having trained and groomedthe Oman participants for the show right from itsinception.

Promotion of mother tongue Konkani and

portraying culture of Mangalore in its magicalcolours

Award winning XEGHUNANCHI SUNNKonkani play a Walter Monteiro creationwith renowned MAI MONNTHA THUNXEGHUNANCHI SUNN title song was staged inRuwi Parish Hall on 14th November, 1996.

Another trend setter play by MICK-MAX

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Hope Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,

Whispering it will be happier...

- Alfred Tennyson


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SEQUEIRAM DRIVER was also staged duringearly stages joined by the cream of Konkani artistesand musicians of that time. Jivit Konkani dramaby Arthur DSouza, was staged with prominentactors of Muscat.

Mangalorean Day 2009 brought slice of

Mangalore in its magical colours and portrayedcultural grandeur of Mangalore at Al MaasaHall, Rex Road. The traditional Vojen Hadcheprocession and Nathalancho Khel (Carnival)with full contributes and inputs of nativeingredients took the audience by surprise and alloverjoyed by the impressive show.

Konkani Utsav during decennial celebrationsand the recent UTSAV power packed Musicalextravaganza with renowned Musicians and

Artistes from Mangalore are the memorableevents.

MCCP has time to time invited renowned Konkaniartistes from homeland such as Konkan Kogul(late) Wilfy Rebimbus, Konkan Maina MeenaRebimbus, Sangeeth Samrat Henry DSouza,Konkan Kala Ratan Eric Ozario, Kokan KalashreeClaud DSouza, Yodelling King Melwyn Peris,

Anitha Samson, Rony DCunha, Kevin Misquith,etc., to stage their shows here and promoteKonkani Music

Honouring the achievers

The community has a responsibility to honour itsachievers as such fascinating stories of successmotivate and inspire others in the communityto follow suit. Every year MCCPs honours

communitys children for academic excellence.Besides that MCCP has honoured achievers in thefield of Music, Culture, Singing & Acting, Media &writing, Professionals & Enterpreneurs. Leadershipand other fields. By honouring the communitycatechists, MCCP has motivated many to come

forward and join the team to teach the catechismto children at Church.

UTSAV, the power packed musical extravaganzaby popular Konkani Artistes from our homelandheld at Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel Ruwi,on Friday, April 27, 2012 was a rare occasionwhere the prominent achievers in all fields werehonoured in the presence of dignitaries such asBishop Henry DSouza of Bellary Diocese and B.R. Shetty, head of the top corporate conglomerate -NMC group of companies, U.A.E and an audience

of more than 900 people.

Members support and benevolence of generoussponsors and benefactors

The wholehearted support from the members forevery move taken by the MCCP has been the secretof its success and motivation to move forward. Thebenevolence of generous sponsors throughout theyears has kept the MCCP flame alive.

Strong backup by Core committee team

The strong Core committee/team consistingof people from diverse back grounds & richexperience has been a driving force & strengthfor successive managements over the years tocarry on the activities and take up responsibilitiesefficiently.

Our leaders at a glance

MCCP is indebted to its leaders for their visionand focus on core values. It is their sacrifices andselfless service led MCCP to its current level. No

doubt, despite mounting pressure at work place,concentrating on community service remains agreat challenge and hence, the community wouldever remain grateful to the successive Executiveteams, past & present leaders, for their relentlessservice and sacrifices. List of our leaders at aglance:

Besides the above, one more person has played amajor role in nurturing MCCPs growth right from

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Never, never be afraid to do whats right, especially if the well-being of a person oranimal is at stake. Societys punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict

on our soul when we look the other way. - Martin Luther King Jr.


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its inception and he is none other than very familiar

Gerry DMello, now settled in Canada. MCCP

will ever remain grateful for his contribution.

MCCP Anthem Song

Parameshwara song composed by Oswald

DSouza and Walter Monteiro, has become the

anthem song for MCCP and is sung during every

event. It beautifully narrates the greatness of our

homeland Mangalore and our mother tongue

Konkani.

Road Ahead........

As this is not a time to rest on our laurels, anappeal goes out to the younger generation to setroad map for yet greater goals to show new routesfor the old roots. Stanely T.H. Fernandes MCCPsevergreen personality and current President, has

one unaccomplished dream. Well, he says itis my dream to see every Mangalorean familyand bachelor residing in and around Muscat,take pride in joining the MCCP family. Well Mr.President, Heart within and God overhead, oneday your long cherished dream will come true!Ultimately, Home is where the heart is.

MCCP committed to serve the Lord and the community ...

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Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of onesweakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words

than words without a heart. - Mahatma Gandhi

mccp souvenier 2012 page 35

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