A hundred Matharpacady village folk and friends celebrated this apt Monsoon event at St. Isabel’s School grounds from 5.00 P.M. on Sunday, 7th June 2015. The Managing Committee of our Welfare Association organized the Tele-Games and Dinner for resident member families. Our genial Master of Ceremonies, Merwyn D’Mello, assisted by Canute Monteiro, Prince Pulikal and others admirably compered the four competing teams of 14 persons each, ranging from small children to active adults. Colored ribbon wrist bands in red, yellow, blue and green distinguished the team who each appointed their Captain. Teams assembled before the center stage and the ebullient Merwyn who spoke of the rules and point system awards to be chalked up against each teams in a series of eight games. Judges mentored and monitored each team for fair play. As Merwyn welcomed the teams and well wishers seated around, the heavens opened with showers of blessings raining down upon the happy contestants, inaugurating Monsoon Dhamal with a bang. Canute’s friend Mr. Royalson Fernandes – [DJ Roy] set the tone and tempo abuzz with throbbing music to spur the first game on whilst spectators cheered their respective teams on to victory. Mid-way, two team games were held indoors in the hall, so that members got a respite from rains and all spectators could enjoy themselves. Light refreshments were served to all, with the best compliments of St. Isabel’s Management. Then, as rival teams chalked up victories and upsets in leadership points, competition became intense with supporters egging them on thus adding to the thrill, fun and merriment. After eight tele-games the winning team [Yellow Rangers – Yellow ribbon] stood first, followed by the Spartans [Blue ribbon), Green ribbon and finally Red ribbon. Merwyn announced that all the contestants had won by right of sportsmanship and announced Prizes for each team who received them from Committee Members to hearty congratulations and rounds of applause. Kudos to Merwyn and Canute for doing such a wonderful job. DJ Roy kept the floor alive with a session of excellent music – jive, masala, fox trot, cha-cha-cha, waltz, which both the youth and adults took to the floor and thoroughly enjoyed themselves dancing in the steady rains. The panel of judges awarded a special prize to Mrs. Lavina Cardoso as the Best Dancer to her great surprise and happiness, with rounds of applause.
Before the Vote of Thanks, Merwyn invited Gerry Viegas to address those assembled. Gerry gave them a gist of the planned Whist Drive to be organized at St. Isabel’s on Sunday, 19th July 2015 from 5.00 P.M. onwards. On behalf of the Committee, he extended an invitation to them and their relatives and friends to participate in this event, stating that notices would be displayed shortly and invitations at nominal cost would be prepared. He hoped for a favourable response to this Monsoon indoor event in the school hall.
Thereafter, Prince – our Chief Organiser of the Tele-Games Function – gave the Vote of Thanks to the Managing Committee, Organisers, Merwyn D’Mello, Canute and Mr. Royalson our DJ, as well as everyone who came, contested and enjoyed themselves thus making Monsoon Dhammal a grand success.
Merwyn asked the gathering to rise and join Martin in invoking the Lord’s blessings before partaking of the tasty buffet dinner. The Managing Committee provided a satisfying dinner to the guests, who expressed their happiness and expectations that the Association would organize many such events during the year.
(With Inputs from Tyronne Concescio & Photographs – courtesy Andrew D’Sylva)
