PANAJI
Konkani-speaking communities from Goa and Mangalore came together to celebrate World Goa Day (WGD) at the Asian Town, Cinema No.1 in Doha-Qatar on December 12.
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of the Konkani film ‘Crazy Mogi’, produced by A. Durga Prasad, written, edited and directed by Christ Silva, which has won multiple awards at the 12th Goa State Film Festival.
A programme was conducted during the intermission, which was hosted by MC Reena Castelino. The chief guest was Aloysius D’Souza, a well-known community leader, outgoing president of the Konkani Speaking Community of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar and ex-president of Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA).
MCA President Gladson Almeida and Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar, President Christen Lobo graced the occasion as guests of honour.
Goan Welfare Association (GWA) President Simon D’Silva welcomed the gathering, while UK-based Rene Barretto, founder of ‘World Goa Day’, delivered an audio-video message to Goans, Mangaloreans and the Konkani-speaking community.
Barretto appreciated the association’s dedication to organising the concluding celebration of the silver jubilee anniversary of World Goa Day in Qatar.
Chief guest Aloysius D’Souza congratulated the GWA for uplifting Konkani culture and tradition in Qatar for over 25 years and successfully celebrating 25 years of World Goa Day.
D’Souza fondly recalled his long-standing friendship with Simon D’Silva, reflecting on their early efforts in jointly organising and screening Konkani movies in Qatar, driven by their shared love for the Konkani language and Goan culture.
He particularly appreciated the presence of representatives from the MCC Qatar president Christen Lobo and MCA President Gladson Almeida, highlighting the importance of unity within the Konkani-speaking community.
Emphasising harmony and mutual understanding, D’Souza stated that unity among Konkani associations is essential to effectively serve the community. He reiterated his long-cherished desire to see all Konkani associations in Qatar work together with mutual respect and a shared vision for the welfare of people in Qatar as well as back home in India.
He also appreciated the screening of Crazy Mogi and congratulated director Christ Silva, wishing him continued success in his future cinematic ventures.
On the occasion, GWA felicitated ‘Crazy Mogi’ director Christ Silva and newly inducted GWA Chairman Mansingh Rane, an entrepreneur in eye care, pharmaceutical products and the food sector who manages multiple ventures across Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India.
GWA Cultural Director Effey Noronha later proposed the vote of thanks and extended profound gratitude to the generous sponsors and well-wishers. She thanked the title sponsor Concord Vision, co-sponsor Just Buzz Home Services, platinum sponsor Al-Fiafi Textile & Trading Company, silver sponsor Ahmed Al-Maghribi Perfumes, hospitality partner Treffen House, Pixel Advertising and Printing and Savious Crasta for his video and photography. The audience was awarded with return gifts from the silver sponsor, Ahmed Al Maghribi.
Noronha also acknowledged and thanked Mansingh Rane, Donald Pereira, Saif Al-Hashmi, Joyston D’Mello, Gabriel Fernandes, Meena Mascarenhas, Riana Pinto, Sandeep Noronha, Mario Albuquerque, Patrick Costa, Reena Castelino, GWA president Simon D’Silva, committee members and the audiences for supporting the event, thereby promoting Konkani language, culture and tradition.
The evening stood as a strong message of togetherness, cultural pride, and collective responsibility towards strengthening the Konkani community. The GWA is now focusing on its upcoming traditional fun-filled mega event, the 26th edition of the May Queen Ball in May 2026.
