It was a "nite" with a difference once again at India Social and Cultural Centre - Abu Dhabi, when the eagerly awaited "Konkani Nite" was presented for the fourth year in succession at their premises on 30 June 2005, Thursday evening.
The nearly houseful audience enjoyed the evening's proceedings which started with the welcome speech by the Entertainment Secretary Sathya Babu of ISC followed by brief speech by ISC Honorary President Thomas Varghese who applauded the rich culture of both Goan and Mangalorean communities. The Main co-ordinator of the show Robert Rego in his introduction, highlighted the aim of such an event to bridge the gap between the two communities and share the feelings which has brought them together with the common bond of Konkani language and the rich cultures which are similar in nature. The brief stage programme started with a Goan and Marathi Dances followed by Konkani songs and music, medleys and Mando,depicting the rich culture of the Konkan belt. A special tribute to the late Alfred Rose - Goan singer par excellance who was close to the hearts of both Goans and Mangaloreans, was paid by Jerry Fernandes who mimicked to the background music and chanted the evergreen songs of the great artiste bringing back nostalgic memories. It was relaxed atomosphere all around and was an excellent evening to do away with the summer blues, and the audience thoroughly enjoying themselves with the company of each other in the comfortable ambience of ISC auditorium. DJ "Avito" was superb in his selection of songs and foot tapping music, both Mangalorean and Goan Konkani songs along with , English, Portuguese and others, which kept the audience on their toes. The ISC hall came alive as the crowd danced till the early hours of the morning enjoying every bit of it in a relaxed and hassle free atomosphere. There were spot prizes and a raffle draw for both young and the old. The master of Ceremony Anne Joyce did a splendid job by compering the show, keeping the audience spell bound with her wit. The programme concluded with the traditional Mando - with mixture of Mangalorean, Goan and Marati songs. Indeed it was an evening with a difference, because there were no unwanted speeches or other usual stage gimmicks nor any frills attached as promised by the oranizers. It was an excellent idea by the ISC Management to organize such an event to enhance the bond of friendship and community spirit of both communities The full credit of organizing this wonderful evening goes entirely to the team of dedicated committee members who have toiled hard to make this "Nite" a memorable one with limited resources at their disposal and of course with the back up support from ISC Management. The people look forward to these kind of gatherings to shy away from the hustle and bustle of the day to day life in the Gulf. Daiji-News. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com