CONDOLENCES

We, the President, Executive Committee, Members & Players of United Friends Club - Kuwait, deeply mourn the sad demise of QUITERIA PEREIRA (mother of our dear friend Britto Pereira), who expired in Goa on 9th May 2013. May God Almighty grant the family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.   Cajetan de Sanvordem President United Friends Club-Kuwait.

Be Alert: Konkani Video Album ‘Xiddukh Ravath’ to be launched in Kuwait

By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: Goa’s thespian star Cajetan Pereira, popularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem based in Kuwait, will release his maiden Konkani video album entitled, ‘Xiddukh Ravath’ (Be Alert) in Kuwait on 10th May 2013. 

The video in a crystal clear DVD format is set for a grand release on 10th May 2013 during the staging of the Musical Evening (Songit Sanz) - ‘Kazar Zatam, Punn?’ at the Indian Community School, Salmiya.

Cajetan de Sanvordem, a Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner, has been in the limelight on Konkani stage – acting and singing in dramas, films and videos, for over 3 decades and remains one of the most popular and much loved artiste in Kuwait.

‘Xiddukh Ravath’ presents a number of songs composed by Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva. The music is provided by Maestro Shahu Almeida while the classy Cinematography and Editing is attributed to Franky Fernandes.

The album, shot entirely in Kuwait, features celebrated Gracy Morais, Clemmie Almeida, Katty de Navelim, Bab Agnel, Irene Vaz, Michael D’Silva, Mario de Majorda and Cajetan de Sanvordem supported by Clara Rodrigues, Baby Acacia, Jemima, Joshua, Aerosmith, Janet Franco, Braz de Parra, Domnic Mascarenhas, Agusto Fernandes, Danny Britto, John Furtado, etc. Picturisation of each song intertwined with rhythmic beats showcases the Goan spirit of Konkani-style songs -- making the album artistic, rich and melodious.

The title song, ‘Xiddukh Ravath’, a solo by Cajetan de Sanvordem has to be seen to be admired. The filming of this song is incredible. The theme has a lesson for everyone to be alert about a disease in this modern era that is most terrifying. 

Gracy Morais and young Clemmie (Cajetan’s daughter) render their voices for a sweet song called ‘Visiting’ which throws light on the hard-life abroad.

‘Bolatkar’, is a splendid trio by Cajetan-Michael-Mario based on some of the hottest issues in our society at the moment.

Katty de Navelim’s ‘Posko’, is a beautiful song sequenced with scenes enacted to perfection by John Furtado and Clara Rodrigues.

‘Soro ani Cigar’ is a comedy duo by Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva sung to a rhythmic tune. The song displays the class of the two singers.

Irene Vaz and Bab Agnel sing ‘Be-Visvaxi Ghorkarn’ highlighting the character of an unfaithful wife. Irene looks fabulous in the video.

The trio, ‘Madras Vailankanni’ by Cajetan-Michael-Mario is a treble of great excellence stressing on the evils of Goan politicians.

Mario de Majorda and Bab Agnel’s song ‘Dar ani Uzo’ is sure to enthrall viewers for the amazing act in the backdrop by Janet Franco, a popular personality in Kuwait. The song too is very meaningful.

‘Nirmilelem’ is a touching, beautifully composed song sung by Clemmie-Cajetan-Michael-Mario.

Michael D’Silva is dressed up as ‘Postman’ singing a comic song. The song is fantastic; however, the posh backdrop displayed can be easily recognized as that of Kuwait, and not Goa, as the song depicts.

The entire album has an excellent flow of music by Maestro Shahu.

Cajetan de Sanvordem has fondly dedicated the project to his beloved parents late Jose Salvador and late Maria Magdalena Pereira.

Cajetan first came into spotlight when he was just 8 years of age singing in school and village dramas. He landed in Kuwait in 1976. His first appearance on Kuwait's stage was in P. Jose de Colva's drama 'Aiz Maka Faleam Tuka' at Keefan Hall in 1977, followed by Konkani dramas directed by Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, the list goes on.

Initially he sang solos in each and every drama as well as act, especially when the role was based on expatriate topics. Together with Marcus Vaz and Xavier Gomes, he formed the famous trio Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier, which created waves and enjoyed tremendous popularity in Kuwait as well as other Gulf Countries and in Goa. Currently, Cajetan is teamed up with Mario de Majorda and Michael D’Silva. The singers are famous for explosive lyrics and are synonymous with Konkani audience for their intellectual lyrics, stunning style and a blend of their incredible voices. 

Cajetan has acted in countless Konkani dramas (Tiatrs). The prominent among them are of Late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaco, Anthony San, H.Britton, Jose Rod, Roseferns, Jess Fernandes, Patrick Dourado, Vitorino Pereira, A. Morais, R. Morais, Rosario Dias, Chrismeena, Rosary Ferns, Marcus Vaz, Laurente Pereira, Mario de Majorda, Michael D'Silva, Xavier Gomes, Bonaventure D'Pietro, Jessy Dias, Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, J.P. Parra, Tony Call, Mendes Bros., F.X.Pereira, F.Cardoz, Simon Gonsalves, Joe Ferrera, etc.

Cajetan is well-known in Kuwait for being the lead star in Goa’s first e-Cinema feature film ‘Black’ produced by T-Bush in 2007. He also appeared on the smaller screen in a specially filmed VCD of Jose Rod's drama ‘Devan Dilem Devcharan Velem’. Cajetan has also written and directed dramas such as 'Bhattkarachem Kortub' and 'Africar' in his home town back in Goa.

Besides acting and singing, Cajetan is a well-known public figure in Kuwait. Time and again, he has been elected to several Indian organizations. He is the President of United Friends Club – a football association and the Ex-President of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS). He is also the President of Guardian Angel Club of Sanvordem (Kuwait), Head of Cultural Cell of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) since inception, and an active member of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF).

‘Xiddukh Ravath’, made for a global audience is sure to leave a mark of Cajetan de Sanvordem’s class as a showman – a singer and actor of immense ability. 

Special Issue of Xit-Koddi: May 2013

 

Special Issue Of

Xit-Koddi

Dedicated To Our Editor GR Crasto & His Wife Catherine Crasto
On Their Silver Wedding Anniversary
Edited And Presented By Our Team Member
John Rebello

Click On The Link And Read At Your Leisure

　https://sites.google.com/site/bahraingoans/xit-koddi---apr-2013

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Lucy Aranha to star in Songit Sanz - May 10th

www.goa-world.com

Kazar Zatam, Punn? Mangalorean Star Lucy Aranha to star - May 10th 2013  Kuwait:  Mangalorean Star Lucy Aranha, who has created a niche for herself as one of Kuwait's sensation, will once again be at her best in what she does best – make the audience laugh their socks out with peals of laughter! Lucy's comedy is simply fantastic. She can easily be the 'darling of the audience' for her naïve 'acting' and 'clean' dialogues.Lucy will be accompanied in the comedy skits by Salu Faleiro and Nelson Colaco. Konkani music lovers in Kuwait are in for some splendid entertainment this May with United Friends Club presenting Kuwait's dynamic and world-famous Trio in a Musical Evening (Songit Sanz) entitled 'Kazar Zatam, Punn?'. The show will be held on 10th May 2013, 4:00pm at the Indian Community (Senior) School hall, Salmiya. Trio Kings of Kuwait - Mario de Majorda, Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D'Silva are famous for their explosive lyrics and are synonymous with Kuwait audience for their intellectual lyrics, stunning style and a blend of their incredible voices. Apart from the magnificent trio, the show will consist of Gracy Morais, Clemmie Almeida, Irene Vaz, Lucy Aranha, Esparansa Crasto, Bab Agnel, Katty de Navelim, Salu Faleiro, Braz de Parra, Anthony D'Silva, Agnelo Fernandes, Seby & Seby, Zeferino Mendes, Lopes Bros., Comedian Nelson, Laurente Pereira, etc. Maestro Shahu Almeida who will provide music for the evening, promises to bring diverse elements of Konkani music together and enthral the audience with foot-tapping melodious music. The 'Songit Sanz' will have of a variety of songs – solos, duos and trios. No Konkani musical is ever complete without some comedy skits. The skits of 'Kazar Zatam, Punn?' will have the audience laughing away to glory with Mangalorean star Lucy Aranha and comedy-par-excellence comedian Salu Faleiro pairing together for a runaway laugh-riot. Organizers of the show United Friends Club, a well-known Goan club in Kuwait, more popular for it's football activities, is known for holding regular Konkani events and supporting the cause of Konkani language and Goan art in general. :::Other Links::: Comedian Agustin brings down the House in Kuwait This email is brought to you by: www.goa-world.com/

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GOAN SUPPORT FOR KUWAIT'S CAUSE.

This year on 26th February I sent a congratulatory message to Kuwait on the occasion of its Liberation day. Kuwait was invaded by Iraq on 2nd Aug. 1990 and was liberated on 26th Feb. 1991. In this connection I sent the congratulatory message thru this forum. Immediately following this message Mr. Francis D’Souza from Canada sent the following response.

 

“ REMEMBERING GOAN MOVEMENT FOR KUWAIT'S LIBERATION.

FRANCO DSOUZA

6:19 AM (2 hours ago)

Hi Veronica,

You never forget to remind us of the invasion of Kuwait, your contribution to oppose the invasion also will always be remembered, we all peace loving Goans at that time took some crucial steps that had a great bearing on world opinion, we may be spread all around the world since then, but can never ever forget those dark invasion days.

Francis Dsouza

Canada.”

The response refers to the movement we Goans organised in Goa under the banner of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER during the invasion of Kuwait. Our movement initiated by myself started in October 1990 and lasted till March 1991. During this period we in Goa organised 2 big public meetings at Azad Maidan, Panaji and 2 big public rallies on the streets of Panjim. Both these events – Meetings & Rallies - were covered by the national and international news agencies including CNN. Besides, we also organised at lower level other activities in support of the liberation of Kuwait. The effect of our movement felt immediately in Delhi alerting government of India and Kuwait Embassy as well making Kuwait Embassy in Delhi to communicate with us in Goa thanking us for supporting Kuwait so openly, so boldly and so forcefully. Letters and Faxes we received from Kuwaiti Ambassador in Delhi in this connection are in the custody of this writer.

I was one of the earlier Goans to be recalled for re-employment by my company in Kuwait, it was in April 1991. My recall by my company has got nothing to do with our movement. Since my company management felt that my services are required, they recalled me. After coming to Kuwait I saw many of our Goans were not recalled by their respective companies and very few Kuwaitis were aware of what movement we did in Goa for the cause of Kuwait. And to tell you the truth many in Kuwait were annoyed at India’s stand of being bias towards Kuwait. India’s foreign minister Gujral’s embrace to Saddam Hussein in Iraq during the early days of invasion of Kuwait was looked upon with hatred in Kuwait thereby acquiring some sort of hatred for India.

I was very much concerned of our people still not recalled to Kuwait. In order to impress upon Kuwaitis of what we did for their country’s sake and to gain their goodwill, I spending money from my own pocket made copies of the Video Cassette of our movement, approximately around 500 copies and circulated with Kuwaitis to make them aware of what we did for the cause of their country Kuwait. Simultaneously, I made photographic big Albums with all the photos and other relevant details and correspondence done in regards to our movement and these Albums I circulated with Kuwaitis to impress upon them of what movement we did for the cause of Kuwait. The total number of Albums was 100. Both the activities of Albums and Video Cassette preparing cost me around 1000/- Kuwaiti Dinars which I spent from my own pocket without anybody’s help. Neither anybody asked me whether I needed any financial help for this great and important job.

Within a very short time the news of our movement with the help of the publicity done thru Video Cassettes and photographic Albums, spread everywhere in Kuwait mainly in Kuwaiti circle including Kuwait TV whose anchor and News Reader Adeeb Shuoibar showed the pictures of our movement twice in KTV2 programme with nice commentary, once on 15th September 1991 during the interview conducted by KTV of visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Mrs. Sharma. From this publicity the name of Goans among Kuwaitis reached to the pedestal which also helped many Goans stranded in Goa to get recall on their previous employment. Because of the name and fame Goans acquired among Kuwaitis, many of the other Indians became jealous towards Goans. It must also be noted that by showing our Video Cassettes and Albums to Kuwaitis many of our people brought their nearest and dearest to Kuwait.

Then under the banner of GKSC, we in Kuwait at Plaza Hotel Ballroom started organising public meetings in support of the release of Kuwait’s POW’s. These meetings were organised on 26th of every February till the fall of Saddam Hussein. These meetings were considered of very high profile and highly important for the release of Kuwait’s POWS and for the relationship between Kuwait and India in general and between Kuwait and Goa in particular. Such high profile meetings were never organised in Kuwait by any expatriates community. These meetings were attended and addressed by the top diplomats, Indian Ambassadors, high ranking expatriates in Kuwait from different nationalities and high profile Kuwaitis including members of the Royal family. Thru these meetings we indicated to everyone how great we Goans are. Very many Non-Goans who were dubbing us as the community of Domestics now came to know how great intellectually we Goans are. In one word the rating of Goans reached to the zenith, thanks to all who involved in making our movement a force to reckon with. Because of this movement Kuwaitis of all ranks started not only interacting with Goans but also integrating with Goans.

As a step forward, in this connection, I on my own initiative and expenses on behalf of GKSC went to Delhi and with the cooperation of one MP Mr. Khan from Hyderabad who was the Chairman of Indo-Arab Friendship Society met with the top Indian leaders, world diplomats stationed in India including chiefs of Arab League and OIC based in Delhi requesting them thru Memoranda submitted by me to them, to work speedily for the release of Kuwait’s POW’s. This news flashed thru media like wild fire making Kuwaitis at all levels impress upon Goans very highly.

What we Goans have done for the cause of Kuwait during its critical time no other individual community has done and in this exercise what role I personally played none among the expatriates played, leave aside Goans and other Indians. What I did it was done on ideological ground and not to get personal benefit and I expected nothing and expect nothing either. In fact by doing so much I have not gained any personal benefit, neither have I sought any personal benefit. As long as there is peace in Kuwait and as long as our people get opportunities to work in Kuwait, it is enough for me. This is my wish and happiness.

Finally to reach our movement still to more people, recently I have made one more DVD of our movement as latest edition but with commentary in English. Very shortly I will release it for circulation. Let this DVD circulate more and more especially with Kuwaitis and thru this medium let the bridge built between Goans and Kuwaitis remain strengthened forever. I may not be here in Kuwait for long but let our Goans working in Kuwait be proud of what their elders have done for the cause of Kuwait. Let the Kuwaitis say anything but let them also know that we Goans have stood by them when some of their own brothers in race, religion and language deserted them. Also the new generation of Kuwaitis should know of our contribution for the cause of Kuwait by seeing this DVD which will be easy for them to understand since the commentary is in English. Thru this DVD let every Kuwaiti know that we Goans are not just “Hindi Muskin” but a community with rich heart, rich intellectual power, rich gratitude and rich love and affection for Kuwait having supported Kuwait during its critical time as none among Indians did. Our support for Kuwait was not a purchasable commodity because it was priceless.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.