ARE WE WORTHY TO CELEBRATE KUWAIT'S LIBERATION DAY??

First of all I on behalf of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER, congratulate Kuwait on 50th anniversary of its independence on 25th of this month and 20th anniversary on 26th of this month, of its Liberation from Iraqi Invasion. I as an initiator and convenor of G-KSC movement in Goa for the cause of liberation of Kuwait along with all our supporters and colleagues in this movement take enormous pleasure in celebrating this liberation day. As a part of the movement for the liberation cause of Kuwait we have extra pleasure in becoming joyful on this day.

In a special way I congratulate all our Kuwaiti friends who in appreciation of our movement in Goa for the sake of their country are still in touch with us thru me and they still say they are grateful to Goans for supporting Kuwait. Because of this movement I came in contact with them even members of the ruling family and when it was necessary they stood by me in Kuwait to help and to support me when I needed their support to carry forward my activities in Kuwait against injustice. Because of our movement under G-KSC the rating of Goans in Kuwait enhanced in the eyes of Kuwaitis.

Seen in the photo is Azad Maidan Panjim - Goa.


Many among us including Eduardo Faleiro thought that once it was invaded Kuwait will not be liberated and as such what is the use of shouting slogans on the streets of Panjim in Goa in support of Kuwait and against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq? With this view in mind overwhelming majority of Kuwait Goan evacuees abstained from supporting our movement in Goa, many of them even mocked at us from their homes and from Tavernas and Bars but we never paid attention to their anti-Kuwait opinions. Incidentally most of them were greater beneficiaries of their employment in Kuwait and most of them were too much involved in the Church and religious activities. They had everything with them but lacked only one thing that is GRATITUDE to the country from where they earned their sustenance. It was Kuwait that made them something in life otherwise nobody would care them in Goa because they have no human qualities in them.

Inspite of all this criticism we with the backing of our genuine Goan supporters from Kuwait evacuees and colleagues moved forward by organising public meetings and rallies in Panjim condemning Iraq and supporting the liberation movement of Kuwait. Within short time our voice in support of Kuwait’s liberation movement became audible not only in Goa and in India but all over the World thru national and international media. Seeing this Saddam Hussein became furious because he was telling the world that India was with him. But we Goans proved him wrong. Indian Government became alert of our movement and accordingly changed its stand in support of Kuwait. Chandrashekar Government in Delhi lent full support to all the decisions taken from international platform for the liberation of Kuwait. It was victory for our movement. From Goa we forced Indian Government machinery in Delhi to toe our line.

In this photo at Azad Maidan, greater number of Kuwait Goan evacuees are missing.

While the entire world was supporting Kuwait in unison openly none of our elected representatives either MLA’s or Ministers from defection initiated PDF government first headed by Churchill Almao and then by Dr. Proto Barbosa supported us by showing their presence in our meetings and in rallies. Some of them are shamelessly coming to Kuwait to lick the boots of Kuwait. Not a single Goan politician supported us in our hour of crisis though some of them were not as active in politics as they are now but they at that time were not sucking the breasts of their mothers. Surprisingly some of these politicians are coming to Kuwait to make their vote bank strong in Kuwait much in advance before NRI’s are officially given voting rights which is in the offing. And who are the Kuwait Goans in Kuwait supporting these anti-Kuwait politicians in Kuwait for their arrival and cosmetically decoration by making them Chief guests and guest of honour for their cheap functions? Very many of these Kuwait Goans were the very Goans who refrained from supporting Kuwait by not supporting Goan movement in Goa in support of the liberation of Kuwait. These Kuwait Goans are shameless Goans and they have no dignity of genuine and real Goans for this reason they are flirting with Goan politicians who never supported Kuwait’s cause. I protest against these Kuwait Goans for making Goan politicians heroes in Kuwait when they have not done anything for the cause of Kuwait liberation. These third class Kuwait Goans are a shame on our real Goan dignity. They have no right to talk of liberation of Kuwait.

How many of Goan poiticians and their Kuwait "Chamchas"seen in this picture? NONE.

Some of the Kuwait Goans involved in inviting Goan politicians to Kuwait are doing this for their own good to gain material benefits for them in any form in Goa. These are selfish Goans and people should boycott their functions where Goan politicians are involved. Those Kuwait Goans who contributed nothing in the movement organised by us in Goa for the cause of the liberation of Kuwait have got no right to talk of the liberation day of Kuwait.

Some Goans in Kuwait have lost their sanity. Recently one of them heading one Goan association was seeking my assistance to start a Seven - A - Side memorial soccer tournament in memory of a DOG of one Goan minister, recently died in Goa accidentally under the wheels of Kadamba Bus in Salcette. I laughed at his ignorance and servility towards Goan Ministers and politicians. Ministers are in Goa and their ‘LEMBDDE’ slaves in Kuwait want to decorate them during the liberation day of Kuwait. The value of Kuwait’s liberation is too big for our Kuwait Goan ‘Chamchas’ of Goan Ministers and other politicians. Organising functions by these anti-Kuwait Goans with the presence of visiting Goan politicians whose contribution in the movement of Goans in support of Kuwait’s liberation is an insult to Kuwait and all who tirelessly worked for the success of our movement in Goa.

In this photo at the dais NO Goan Minister or plitician seen because they refrained from supporting Kuwait's liberation? It looks like.

Finally, is 7-A-Side one day soccer tournament promotes soccer among us or it is just a joke? As for me it is just a joke and we Kuwait Goans are smart in promoting this type of jokes because we have nothing better to do.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

CONVENOR: GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER.

Kuwait pays Tribute to Rosary Ferns

By Gasper Crasto; Photographs: Rivon Gomes - http://www.goa-world.com/
Kuwait: Few people leave a lasting impression on others, and even fewer have the chance to truly impact people.

Rosary Ferns, who died an untimely death on 12th January 2011 while on holidays in Goa, left a permanent legacy and will be remembered for a long, long time to come for his contribution towards drama and art in the form of VCDs, CDs and cassettes. Konkan people who were fortunate enough to see Rosary Ferns on stage will perhaps never ever see another star of his calibre – a great playwright, philosophical composer and singer.

Kuwait Konkani Kendr (KKK) organized a condolence assembly on Wednesday 17th February 2011 at Village Inn, Kuwait City to pay homage to the star who spent much of his life in Kuwait.

Well-known Goan writer and social activist Veronica Fernandes conducted the meeting which was attended by invited guests from the Goan and Mangalorean communities.

Prominent Konkani stage artistes Mendes Brothers namely Felix – Xavier – Derek, who acted in the shows directed by Rosary Ferns and who always admired Rosary for his Tiatro skills, were among the crowd along with other significant personalities. Luis Cardoso, Vice President and one of the pillars of KKK, a great lover of Konkani and Goa was also present.

KKK Gen. Secretary Mario Rebello, a leader of Konkani movement in Kuwait contributing immensely for the cause of Konkani, commenced the gathering with a short prayer.

In his emotional speech, Veronica Fernandes, one of the living encyclopedias on tiatr, enlightened the audience on the greatness of Rosary Ferns with numerous quotes. “We have lost a great Goan personality, famous for his remarkable dramas, a ‘wisdomatic’ composer, and a singer of immense talent,” stated Veronica.

It should be noted Rosary’s last drama ‘Kuwait Soddun Vetana’ (Whilst Leaving Kuwait) was staged both by the Goan and Mangalorean Community.

Veronica described his close association with Rosary Ferns and sang a heartrending ‘Motet’ accompanied by musician Aggie D’Silva on the clarinet, which welled the eyes of many bringing recollections of this conventional composition usually sung during the lent season. As per Veronica, this was the best item of his repertoire liked by Rosary.

Veronica later declared that “Rosary’s loss was not just for Goans, but for the entire Konkan community.”

Gulf Goans E-Newsletters moderator Gasper Almeida summarized his observations about Rosary Ferns over the last two decades stressing that one should not forget the journalistic objectivity, while reporting or getting the issues focused. “I must admit that I’am in awe of Rosary Ferns. He was a man with unlimited energy and a generosity of spirit able to withstand all kind of attacks, criticisms and prejudices with a smile and an open mind. He had no comments, no ill feelings, no rhymes nor lyrics on anyone. I have had the pleasure of meeting Rosary Ferns and interacting with him on many occasions.”

“We have lost him, but his songs and works on the Konkani stage will last forever,” he concluded whilst announcing a message by goa-world.com founder Ulysses Menezes dedicating a Glorious Singers’ Section on the online www.goa-world.com radio station in remembrance of Rosary’s contribution towards Goa and the Konkani language in general.

Fidelis Fernandes, brother of Rosary, spoke on the life of the beloved icon terming Rosary’s birth into this world as a miraculous phenomenon and his life a ‘pride to the family’. “Rosary was born with stagecraft in his blood. His birth was rather miraculous. Doctors had informed my father that due to pregnancy complications, there was little or no chance of his survival, but the power of prayers overcame medical limitations and my mother delivered a healthy baby boy on 16th August 1962, whom they named Rosary Menino in gratitude of the intercession of Mother Mary and Menino Jesus at the time of delivery,” disclosed Fidelis in a voice choked with emotions.

He further added, “Tiatro to Rosary was in the blood. Rosary started acting, writing tiatros, one act plays, composing and singing songs at the age of 12.”

Peter Fernandes, other brother of Rosary was also present.

A close admirer of Rosary Ferns, Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, former Vicar of Holy Family Cathedral and on a visit to Kuwait, said, “Rosary’s life was a lesson for all to disclose god-given talents to the world.”

Lawry Pinto highlighted the significance of Rosary Ferns among the Mangalorean community. He said, “Rosary was the bridge between Mangaloreans and Goans which helped to bring the two Konkan communities together in friendship.”

Ms Ida D’Silva underlined Rosary’s contribution to the Konkani world adding “Rosary’s works will remain forever immortal.”

Raymond D’Sa, a special guest on the occasion expressed his condolences to Rosary’s family, and revealed his appreciation towards KKK for organizing the event to pay homage to the celebrated artiste.

Tony Gonsalves, Salvador Dias, Gasper Crasto, etc, were the others who spoke on the occasion.

An audio and video presentation of Rosary’s songs was played to the gathering which brought fond memories of the much-loved star.

Veronica Fernandes concluded the function acknowledging everyone’s presence and praying Eternal Rest to the departed soul.

A well-known Konkani star, Rosary Ferns hailing from Colva, Salcete, Goa came to Kuwait in 1985 and since then he worked for Kuwait Danish Dairy Company.
As a person, Rosary was a thorough gentleman, decent and upright in his behavior maintaining all the high attributes he learnt in his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife Cassilda, two sons Cynan and Cullen, his dearly-loved mother, three sisters and two brothers.

Rosary has been, in his own way, instrumental in improving the overall standard of tiatr and took the Konkani art to new heights. His death is definitely a big loss to Goans and will leave a vacuum in the field of tiatr that will be hard to fill for a long, long time to come.

Rosary was one of the best tiatro writers and directors and during his 25 years in Kuwait, he staged 12 tiatros some of them for the cause of charity. Many associations in Kuwait staged his tiatros. One of the tiatro was staged by Colva United Centre and the entire profit was utilized to build the Colva church hall back home in Goa.

In all, Rosary wrote and directed 21 full-fledged Konkani Tiatros. Some of his masterpieces include ‘Mhojem Dusrem Ghor’ (My second home), ‘Tumkam Lagon Jielom’ (I lived for you), ‘Sukh Khuim Asa’ (Where is Happiness), ‘Bhurgim Mai Paichem Sukh’ (Children, a joy of parents), ‘Devachea Marak Avaz Nam’ (Justice of the Almighty reigns Silent) ‘Ghor Bandlem Ghorabo Moddlo’ (Built a house, broke a home), etc.

Rosary was gifted in writing tragic stories and his forte lied in composing tragic 'cantos'. Among the expatriate tiatrists Rosary Ferns was the only person who was known to be a great composer of traditional 'Mandos'. Some of his golden, original Mandos feature in his Audio albums.

The eminent artiste had his first professional break in his fellow villager’s drama. Goan stage great C.D Silva on seeing the immense singing potential of Rosary booked him for his show ‘Kalliz’. Rosary was in the 7th standard at that time studying at Infant Jesus High School, Colva.

Rosary was later enrolled in St. Anthony’s High School, Majorda, and stayed at his sister’s place at Velsao. Though uprooted from his tiatrical friends and surroundings, he built a ‘tiatrical’ community wherever he went, Velsao was no exception. Here too, he staged a tiatr. This tiatr created a record of sorts as it turned out to be the first ‘All Ladies Show’. The Tiatr was staged all over Goa in 1980.

Rosary created history yet again when his Konkani Drama "Kuwait Soddun Vetana" was staged in Kuwait by the Mangalorean Konkani community in a Mangalorean dialect in the year 2009. The original drama was in Goan Roman Konkani which was well received by the Goan audience as one of the classic masterpieces of the great writer.

A very humble and soft spoken person, Rosary Ferns strived through Konkani stage and cultural programs to bring about fusion of all the Konkani speaking people in Kuwait, Mangalorean and Goans in particular. In the past, he wrote and directed Songit Sanz under Kuwait Konknni Kendr.

Rosary also encouraged and promoted young and budding artistes and developed them into full fledged artistes.

Rosary Ferns is on record to have staged more Tiatros in Kuwait than any other artiste and all of his tiatros have been well attended and appreciated by the audience. In fact in Kuwait, he created a special and very precious niche for himself among the audience. For this reason his tiatros were handsomely attended not just by Goans but also Mangaloreans and other Konkani speaking people.

In August 2005, for his enormous contribution in the promotion of Konkani Songit Kala, Rosary Ferns was honored by the Mangalorean Association Konkani Kulvar, Kuwait. He was also felicitated by Kala Mogui Kuwait (KMK) in 2010 at the hands of the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait.

Besides tiatrs, Rosary wrote a number of One Act Plays, Operettas, Mandos & Dulpods and countless songs. As a matter of interest Rosary was the first person in the history of Goan-Konkani world to produce the first CD of songs which was made in Kuwait. In all, Rosary has produced 13 Konkani Albums in the form of Audio Cassettes & CDs. ‘Kuwaitche Dinar’ (Dinars of Kuwait), ‘Raag’ (Anger), etc, were some of his famous CDs.

He was known for his powerful solos with a message of good morals, upholding religious doctrines and beliefs.

Rosary’s last Album 'Dinaracho Valor' (The value of Dinar) was his last Audio CD. Additionally, he produced 2 VCDs 'Kanvllo Roddlo Lozen' (The Crow cried in Shame) and 'Mogan Tujea Lasota' (Burning in your Love).

Incidentally, at the time he breathed his last, Rosary was working on a video album entitled ‘Thank You Kuwait”.

Links:
Beloved Rosary Ferns: Death of a Konkan Star - eKuwaitIndians.com

Kuwait: Eminent Konkani Artiste Rosary Ferns No More - DAIJIWORLD

gulf-goans : Message: Beloved ROSARY FERNS: Death of a Konkan Star

Above News item is Archived at:
http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/