Kuwait Goan to be judge at Dubai Konkans Talents Contest

-by Gasper Crasto

 

Kuwait: Cajetan de Sanvordem, Goan Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner, has been selected to be the judge for Konkans Talent Contest to be held in Dubai on 28th June 2013.

 

Cajetan 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 artistes based in Kuwait.

Dubai: Six groups in race for Mangalore Konkans' talents contest

Dubai: As part of their silver Jubilee Year Celebrations, Mangalore Konkans Dubai - UAE's premier Konkani organization will be holding their UAE-level "Vividh Vinodaval Spordo", a group talent contest on Friday June 28, 4.30 pm onwards at JSS School, behind Gulf News office near Safa Park, Dubai. As announced earlier, the innovative contest held for the first time comprising group dances, skits, singing, master of ceremony etc is set to enthrall the UAE audience. The contest will bring forth vast treasure of hidden talents among the young and old and showcase them during this exciting contest. The contest has generated lot of interest and excitement among the Konkani lovers of UAE and Mangalore Konkans Dubai, is positive on its success. The following 6 groups would be participating in this electrifying challenge: 1) Konkan Bells 2) Cordelche Kalakar 3) Uswas 4) Karavali Milan 5) Spark Dubai 6) Mogachi Lahran Amateur artistes will show their immense talents and prove their superiority during this fun-filled contest. The contest will be judged by renowned and experienced panel of judges from all over the UAE and the Gulf. Cajetan Pereira is the only personality selected from Kuwait.

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 in Kuwait was way back in 1977. 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. I feel privileged to have worked with all the stalwarts and most of the legends of our Konkani stage.

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. Recently, he has released his maiden mega hit Video Album of Songs entitled, Xidduk Ravat – Be Alert.

 

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).

Norman Noronha - A Goan with a Dream...!

Norman Noronha - A Goan with a Dream...!

-by Gasper Crasto

Read the complete article at: http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/ 

All throughout history, Goans are known to have ventured out to different parts of the globe in search of new prospects.

Prominent Goans living abroad have excelled outstandingly in various fields with their dedication and hard work. In Kuwait, Goan individuals have long made a mark as leaders in their own right. The most important thing is that Goans have retained their emotional, cultural and spiritual links with Goa.

In this article, we trace the life of Norman Noronha - a Goan in Kuwait, a Goan with a dream. 24th June 2013 marks a new landmark in Norman’s life as he celebrates his 50th year!

Norman Noronha, hails from Colmorrod ward in Navelim, Goa, famous for producing some of the finest footballers who have represented Goa and played at International level.

:::Love for Football:::
Norman has represented Rosary High School, Navelim at Under-16 & 19 tournaments, represented Shree Damodars College of Commerce & Economics, Margao - Goa in Football for 5 years. He is a gold medalist at Inter-collegiate football tournaments of Mumbai University, Mumbai. Norman also played for his village clubs CRSC, Enfermos, Navelim Sporting, etc, in Inter-Village tournaments all over Goa.

In Kuwait, Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) runs football for the expatriates in Kuwait. Players from all over India are eligible to participate in football tournaments under KIFF. Most of the teams are from Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, etc.

Many famous ex-players who have represented Goa and India have played in Kuwait, with some young stars heading to the Oil rich country every year. Some of the most prominent players to have played in Kuwait are Joseph Machado, ex-Dempo and East Bengal; Joseph Salemao, ex-Mafatlal; Anthony Rebello, ex-Salgoancars; Sarto Baptisa, ex-Salgoancars; Tiago Fernandes, ex-Dempo-Salgaocars; Gasper Crasto -ex-Salgoancars; Britto Pereria, ex-Vasco Sports Club; Agnello Miranda, ex-Dempos; Avelino Dias, Goa Under-21 National; Alvaro Dias, ex-Churchill Brothers.

While in Kuwait, Norman played as a rearguard defender for United Goans Centre and his village team Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) on the famous Sour grounds of Kuwait till 1995. His combination alongside Alcantra Barretto (ex-Salgaocars), Albin (Sesa Goa), etc, was most fearsome at that time.

Norman left active participation in football following a lethal knee injury and an ensuing knee operation.

After football, Norman has been very lively in management activities of KIFF. He was KIFF Sports Secretary during the Kuwait visit of dynamic GFA administrator and then Hon. General Secretary of All India Football Federation Mr. Albert Colaco.

Norman is one of the founder members of one of the most popular clubs in Kuwait - Navelim Youth Centre, which was formed in 1987 under the presidentship of Mr. Joseph Salema. Since the inception of the Navelim, Norman has held various positions for the club in the capacity of Vice President, General Secretary, Asst. Treasurer, Auditor, Advisor, etc, and continues to do so with great enthusiasm.

Norman is working for Lloyd's Register EMEA, Kuwait, as an Administrator. He has travelled extensively, visiting most of the Middle-East Gulf countries.

:::Advice to Footballers and Writers:::
Norman says, “My advice to footballers in Kuwait, where most are playing for leisure, is that, players should play in the true spirit to enjoy the game. As for writers, more people should come forward to write in our own mother tongue Konkani.”

:::Writing Skills:::
Right from a very young age, Norman has been blessed with profound writing skills. He has written a number of Konkani articles and short stories which are published in various magazines and newspapers. His penchant of writing short stories has improved since 2010 when his first story ‘Mhojea Bhurgeaponnacho Ugddass’ was published.

Till date, Norman has a collection of 13 stories, 3 of the best ones are published in the Goan Review magazine published from Mumbai. His story ‘Festacho Dis’ is very popular among readers. Most of his works are archived in his blog:http://normannoronha.blogspot.com/

“Someday, I intend to publish a book - a collection of my stories,” reveals the enthusiastic writer.

:::Life in Kuwait:::
Norman is greatly indebted to the country of Kuwait. In his own words, he says, “What I could not achieve or think of achieving in Goa, I have accomplished working in Kuwait." He feels life, both in Kuwait and Goa, is susegad. "However, there is a lack of unity among Goans which is a major concern for every generation.”

:::Source of Inspiration:::
Norman says he is highly indebted to his brother-in-law late Mr. Joe Coutinho who was a source of inspiration and great help when he was young.

:::Memorable Moment in Life:::
“My most memorable moment in life remains my graduation day. It was highly distinctive for any middle-class person of my time to be a graduate in the family.”

:::Greatest Loss in Life:::
“The untimely death of my nephew Elias Coutinho at a young age will personally remain a great loss in my life.”

:::Best Friend in Life:::
“Cyril Fernandes (Ex-President – Goa Shipyard Employees Union), is my close friend for the last 25 years.”

:::Life with Family:::
Norman married Tase Crasto in 1994 and has a daughter (Marissa) as tall as him. The family is happily living in Kuwait.

:::Future Plans:::
“To settle down in Goa, and try my hand at mechanized farming.”

:::Email:::
normankwt@hotmail.com

NAVELIM YOUTH CENTER WINS FINAL IN KUWAIT.

NAVELIM YOUTH CENTRE LIFT GLITTERING J. P. DMELLO TROPHY

INDIAN ICON SUNIL CHHETRI GRACES FINAL.

 

Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) inscribed their name on the glittering J. P. D’Mello Trophy when they subdued a fighting 10 men Indian Strikers FC 2-1 in the final of the KIFF League Championship organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played at the Al-Qadsyia Stadium on Friday, 14th June 2013 at 6:30pm. The yearlong tournament featuring 18 teams from the expatriate Indian community in Kuwait was officiated by the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) and the final was sponsored by Gulf Cable & Electric Industries Company, Kuwait.

The final got underway when the day’s dashing host Kevin Vaz the Sports Secretary of KIFF welcomed the guest and KIFF General Secretary Praveen Kumar escorted Sunil Chhetri the captain of India Soccer Team and a special invitee of KIFF to the field to take the first kick, while both captains released symbolic balloons. Other dignitaries present in the VIP box were the chief guest first secretary Mr. Sushil Kumar on behalf of the Indian Embassy, the guest of honor, Naser Omran Kanan representing Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Company, Asif Juzar owner of Pro Sports and all club presidents.

Indian Strikers FC making their first appearance in the KIFF League final started the game on the back foot with the experienced forwards of Navelim led by the opportunistic Cruzedio Rodrigues and Simao Gaunkar and ably supported by Sunford Cardoz and Bernardo Pires in midfield led wave after wave of attacks and it was only a matter of time before Cruzedio drew first blood when he headed in the first goal in the 20th minute of the first half off a corner kick. Samson who had a wonderful game, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot a little later, when defender Shihin of Indian Strikers acrobatically handled a goal bound ball , and referee Julio Cardoso had no hesitation in giving him the marching orders.

However after interval and with only ten men, the physically stronger and never say die Indian Strikers made a great comeback in the second half when one of their players was brought down in the box and Dustan Paul confidently converted to give his team a glimmer of hope. With the beating of drums and encouraged by their large number of supporters, Indian Strikers forward Roy Pathrose, Biju and Amada tried their level best to find the equalizer, but Navelim Youth Center had other plans and their defense held firm with Man of the Match and captain Duarte Ferrao marshalling from an unusual position of central defender, thwarted all the their attempts. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Navelim when the referee who was ably assisted by Francis Fernandes and Nicholaus Fernandes on the lines finally blew the whistle, much to the relief of the Navelim supporters.

Before the start of the final, the teams paid respect to the late J. P. D’Mello in whose memory the tournament is conducted and after the national anthems of both Kuwait and India were played, Fidelis Fernandes the President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation welcomed the guests and thanked the participating teams as well as the officiating body IFRA. Sunil Chhetri in his brief speech thanked KIFF for inviting him to Kuwait and said he was very impressed with the way the Indian Expatriate community promoted the game of soccer in Kuwait. During half time, The Federation also made time to honor Mr. Raymond D’Sa the longest serving president of Goan overseas Association (Goa Maroons) for his selfless service to the community and Indian soccer while Fr. Francis (Franco) Pereira Sdb., was also felicitated for his contribution to promoting soccer among the youth and for having completed 25 years of priesthood. Both the awards to the distinguished gentlemen were given by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.

In the prize distribution ceremony, Navelim Youth Centre swept all the individual trophies with Man of the match being rightly won by Duarte Ferrao and given by Kevin Vaz, Best Goalkeeper Britto Pereira given by Stephen Fernandes, best defender was Alfred Pires and given by Seby Dias, best midfielder was Bernardo Pires given by Joseph Gomes and best forward was Cruzedio Rodrigues and the award was given by Mrs. Rauzat Juzar.

The runners-up and individual trophies were given away by the guest of honor Naser Omran Kanan to Dustan Paul the captain of Indian Strikers and the players, while Fidelis Fernandes and Sunil Chhetri jointly gave away the winner’s trophy and individual trophies to Duarte Ferrao of Navelim Youth Centre and their players. Mrs. Aratha Fernandes gave away the trophies to the Referees.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association under the captainship of Kevin Vaz were declared the ‘Seasons Champions’ and this is the 5th time AVC - Kuwait have been awarded season championship by KIFF in a span of 12 years from the club inception . In this season AVC - Kuwait accumulated the maximum number of points to win the championship after winning the season ending NYC trophy. The glittering trophy was collected by Alvaro Dias and given away by Mr. Sushil Kumar. The Rolling Trophy was given away by Sunil Chhetri and collected by Vincy Pereira on behalf of his club. Striker Anthony Rodrigues of AVC – Kuwait was also awarded the highest goal scorer for the season and besides the trophy given away by Praveen Kumar, Anthony also received a gold coin from the hands of Mr. V. K. Vohra.

The Fair Play Trophy for being the best disciplined team during the season was won by Real Betalbatim FC and it was collected by the club president Vijay Gonsalves and given away by KIFF V. President, Derrick Gomindes .