MCCP in the past 20 years nding new routes for the old roots

omeland and the memories attached to it are the ones that dont let you forget your roots despite good life & comforts in the foreign land. Mangaloreans around the world have witnessed such problems and hence, have established their own community centres everywhere to bring the community under one roof to overcome/address such woes. MCCP is one such platform celebrating its 20 years of service to the community in Muscat with its motto united to serve the community and nding new routes for the old roots in keeping with current years move together for a stronger community. These 20 years have been a bundle of mixed feelings and rich experience. To quote Charles Dickens It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.. Translating vision into reality What was started as a small setup in 1992 with few like minded people coming together to nurture the ever growing social, cultural and spiritual needs of

Mangalorean community belongs to Ruwi & Ghala Parishes, today it enjoys international recognition. The early pillars of MCCP namely Walter Monteiro,

Robert Cutinho, MickMax and Gerry DMello, set the platform and (late) Fr. Augustine Antao, blessed the idea and permitted to carry out its objectives namely social, spiritual and cultural activities. True to communitys beliefs it extends nancial support to the needy and under privileged brethren through its outreach approach. Besides it supports projects related to Churches, Educational Institutions and other social development programmes back home. Its involvement in Parish activities including food festivals, Christmas Carol Singing in Konkani, Annual Konkani Retreat, besides

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.

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organising Monthi Fest with best traditions of our homeland is very much appreciated by all. Drawing, Dance, Singing, Fancy Dress & other life skill competitions, cultural activities to promote communitys mother tongue Konkani and pave way for the budding artistes to showcase their talents are the aims of MCCP. Sports activities such as Cricket tournament, Volleyball tournament, Throw Ball tournament for women and fun in the sun outdoor family participation are some important events in MCCPs annual calendar in sports arena. Early struggles Like any organization, MCCP too had its share of problems and challenges in its early days. Good times bring happiness and bad times bring experience. In the early days of its struggle our leaders have played key role in nurturing the growth and they led MCCP through troubled waters towards the safe harbour. They were trying times confesses Brian Nazareth (President 19951996) and in his own words ego clashes, and personal agendas led to a community in turmoil and confusion all around. If History has to be placed in its right perspective, it was at this trying times that stalwarts like Oswald Soares and Walter Monteiro took over the helm of affairs and under the guidance of the (late) Fr. Augustine Antao,

At one point Fr. Antao, referring to MCCP said You are my hands and feet and that was indeed a huge compliment from the man who pioneered the concept of community building. After early years of its struggle, every year has been a milestone, achieving higher standards of performance. According to Gerry DMello (now in Canada) Today, its truly a great honour to the entire Konkani Diaspora residing in Oman that MCCP is being rated as one of the best 25 Konkani Associations in the world and was honoured by the previous Hon. President of India - Smt. Pratibha Patil, during Konkani World Cultural Convention held at Mangalore in 2010. We are sure all will share Gerrys sentiment and take pride in being a part of MCCPs journey.

sturdied the rocking ship and MCCP hasnt looked back since. Transformation and Global outlook

The life skill development & self improvement programmes such as Its My Voice singing abilities guidance workshop, Taste the Toast public speaking & leadership development workshop, Meet the Future a career guidance workshop etc., conducted by the professionals in the respective eld was another move by the leadership to prepare our young talents for the global market and ensure global space for our young minds. The prominent web portals of coastal Karnataka such as www.daijiworld.com and www.managalorean.com with their media coverage have been instrumental in reporting the MCCP events for the global audience.

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Whatever you are, be a good one. - Abraham Lincoln

charge in the ensuing year to lead MCCP. Monica Dantis, being the rst lady president of MCCP, led an example for women, winning highest place in the community during 2010-2011. Formation of an exclusive Ladies Toastmasters Club under the name & style of Domina

Moving with the times In this dot com age, launching of new website www.mccpoman.com in 2008-2009 was a path breaking effort by the team to capture the emerging requirements of the community. The special initiative by the current Website Editorial Toastmasters Club is another initiative by the current leadership p and a novel idea to bring g all

team with additional features to mark the 20th anniversary celebrations is laudable. More space for women The year 2009-2010 was the year dedicated to Women in MCCP calendar with the theme Sthree - Gharso Divo, Saunsaraso Uzvad (Woman Light of the house, Radiance of the world). The leadership empowered the women folk forming a rainbow team of seven ladies (visionary view of Rainbows seven colour shades) in the managing committee for the responsible positions and that paved the way for rst lady president to take

Its the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. - Paulo Coelho, Alchemist

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ladies under common platform to harness their potential talents and capabilities. This move has already gained momentum as more & more ladies actively participate in the activities and reap the benet of this opportunity. Developing leadership qualities, effective communication skills, public speaking, improving condence level, etc., are the areas that have won the hearts and minds of participants. This revolution will surely generate effective results and many participants will emerge as future leaders of our community. Priest with native touch In keeping with (late) Fr. Augustine Antaos tradition, all subsequent priests Fr. Varghese Chempoly, Fr. Lester Mendonsa, Fr. Chacko Mannicheril, Fr. Albert DSilva, Fr. Raul Ramos and Fr. Wilson Rumao, have extended full support for the MCCP and its activities. However, our own Mangalorean priest Fr. Albert DSilva, has been a boon to our community and his native touch keeps the ock together cohesive like a well knit fabric. Focusing on spirituality and inner healing to build

better families A Day with the Lord night vigil prayer service during Lenten season strengthens the community. Konkani Retreat by well known preachers of our homeland aims at spirituality and inner healing. The Retreat session usually focus on subjects like solution based approach in life, importance of prayer, teenage blues in our children, parents role in leading healthy families and creating God fearing atmosphere at home to build better families. Konkani spiritual play Kursacha Vater staged at Ruwi Parish Hall during this Lenten season had an amazing impact on the audience. Around 50 actors both veteran and amateur artistes from the community enacted in this event portraying Jesus physical, spiritual and mental sufferings in his last hours including his trial, journey carrying the cross, his various encounters on the way of Cross with the people of goodwill and nally his execution by crucixion the event that is considered to be the centre of Christian beliefs. Outreach services approach and other community

MCCP has extended nancial support to needy fellow brethren at Oman and back home. MCCP has assisted raising funds for a CBSE school project in Mangalore. It also takes care of educational expenses of candidates at the Seminary by adopting individual candidates. It has supported Churches, Hospitals, Schools, Village development programmes and other social welfare movements back home. It has also helped the stranded expatriate families and individuals to repatriate back home. Festivities in native traditions Monthi Fest (Feast of Nativity of our Mother Mary) celebrations bring back homeland memories during nine days novena in native traditions culminating with blessing of Novem handpicked from the paddy elds of Mangalore and concelebrated High Mass in Konkani on the feast day by Guest Priests from Mangalore specially invited for the occasion. This annual

Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him:

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a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure. Bible, Ecclesiasticus 9:10

event attracts massive crowd and the area looks like little Mangalore during Monthi Fest. During Christmas season - Taste the Kuswar show, Crib competition, Christmas carnival, Konkani Carol singing, Christmas party and entertainment from Santa Claus in native traditions keeps our culture alive. Parish activities The Mangalorean community of both Ruwi and Ghala Parishes have been a great source of support to the respective Parishes. The community is actively involved in all church activities. They play major role in Liturgical Ministry, Altar Servers Ministry, Choir Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, Lector Ministry, Youth Ministry, Ushers Ministry and other social ministries of the parish. They are also actively involved in teaching Catechism to children. The Konkani Prayer Group is another move by the community which has been predominantly making headways with a view to take care of the spiritual needs of the community by regular prayer meetings and related devotion. The Summer Camp is another area where

for women and fun in the sun outdoor family participation are some important events in MCCPs annual calendar in sports arena. MCCP Men and Ladies teams have won three trophies this year at the sports meet organised by the Kudla Friends Muscat. Many such moves are on the anvil to strengthen the sports spirit among the communities. Competition & Reality Shows Drawing, Dance, Singing, Fancy Dress & other life skill competitions, pave way for the budding artistes to showcase their talents. MCCP has been providing strong platform for such talents and activities. Finding right kind of platform to showcase the talents and to meet right kind of people to work with are the most essential catalysts for the success of any budding artiste. MCCP is an active partner in GULF VOICE OF MANGALORE (GVOM) reality show initiative having trained and groomed the Oman participants for the show right from its inception.

Mangaloreans take the lead and in fact they are an integral part of Summer Camps both at Ruwi and Ghala Parishes. They also play an active role in Parish Council both at Ruwi and Ghala Parishes. Sports and Fun in the Sun outdoor events Sports activities such as Cricket tournament, Volleyball tournament, Throw Ball tournament

Promotion of mother tongue Konkani and portraying culture of Mangalore in its magical colours Award winning XEGHUNANCHI SUNN Konkani play a Walter Monteiro creation with renowned MAI MONNTHA THUN XEGHUNANCHI SUNN title song was staged in Ruwi Parish Hall on 14th November, 1996. Another trend setter play by MICK-MAX

Hope Smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Whispering it will be happier... - Alfred Tennyson

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SEQUEIRAM DRIVER was also staged during early stages joined by the cream of Konkani artistes and musicians of that time. Jivit Konkani drama by Arthur DSouza, was staged with prominent actors of Muscat. Mangalorean Day 2009 brought slice of Mangalore in its magical colours and portrayed cultural grandeur of Mangalore at Al Maasa Hall, Rex Road. The traditional Vojen Hadche procession and Nathalancho Khel (Carnival) with full contributes and inputs of native ingredients took the audience by surprise and all overjoyed by the impressive show. Konkani Utsav during decennial celebrations and the recent UTSAV power packed Musical extravaganza with renowned Musicians and Artistes from Mangalore are the memorable events. MCCP has time to time invited renowned Konkani artistes from homeland such as Konkan Kogul (late) Wilfy Rebimbus, Konkan Maina Meena Rebimbus, Sangeeth Samrat Henry DSouza, Konkan Kala Ratan Eric Ozario, Kokan Kalashree Claud DSouza, Yodelling King Melwyn Peris,

communitys children for academic excellence. Besides that MCCP has honoured achievers in the eld of Music, Culture, Singing & Acting, Media & writing, Professionals & Enterpreneurs. Leadership and other elds. By honouring the community catechists, MCCP has motivated many to come forward and join the team to teach the catechism to children at Church. UTSAV, the power packed musical extravaganza by popular Konkani Artistes from our homeland held at Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel Ruwi, on Friday, April 27, 2012 was a rare occasion where the prominent achievers in all elds were honoured in the presence of dignitaries such as Bishop Henry DSouza of Bellary Diocese and B. R. Shetty, head of the top corporate conglomerate NMC group of companies, U.A.E and an audience of more than 900 people. Members support and benevolence of generous sponsors and benefactors The wholehearted support from the members for every move taken by the MCCP has been the secret of its success and motivation to move forward. The benevolence of generous sponsors throughout the years has kept the MCCP ame alive. Strong backup by Core committee team The strong Core committee/team consisting of people from diverse back grounds & rich experience has been a driving force & strength for successive managements over the years to carry on the activities and take up responsibilities efciently. Our leaders at a glance MCCP is indebted to its leaders for their vision and focus on core values. It is their sacrices and seless service led MCCP to its current level. No doubt, despite mounting pressure at work place, concentrating on community service remains a great challenge and hence, the community would ever remain grateful to the successive Executive teams, past & present leaders, for their relentless service and sacrices. List of our leaders at a glance: Besides the above, one more person has played a major role in nurturing MCCPs growth right from

Anitha Samson, Rony DCunha, Kevin Misquith, etc., to stage their shows here and promote Konkani Music Honouring the achievers The community has a responsibility to honour its achievers as such fascinating stories of success motivate and inspire others in the community to follow suit. Every year MCCPs honours

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Never, never be afraid to do whats right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Societys punishments are small compared to the wounds we inict on our soul when we look the other way. - Martin Luther King Jr.

its inception and he is none other than very familiar Gerry DMello, now settled in Canada. MCCP will ever remain grateful for his contribution. MCCP Anthem Song Parameshwara song composed by Oswald DSouza and Walter Monteiro, has become the anthem song for MCCP and is sung during every event. It beautifully narrates the greatness of our homeland Mangalore and our mother tongue Konkani.

Road Ahead........ As this is not a time to rest on our laurels, an appeal goes out to the younger generation to set road map for yet greater goals to show new routes for the old roots. Stanely T.H. Fernandes MCCPs evergreen personality and current President, has one unaccomplished dream. Well, he says it is my dream to see every Mangalorean family and bachelor residing in and around Muscat, take pride in joining the MCCP family. Well Mr. President, Heart within and God overhead, one day your long cherished dream will come true! Ultimately, Home is where the heart is.

MCCP committed to serve the Lord and the community ...

Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of ones weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. - Mahatma Gandhi

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