Teachers day by United Friends Bejai®

Date : 13/9/2014

A teacher is playing important role in a child’s life to buildup values, discipline, culture, and to buildup strong Nation. Teachers are not sole responsible of a child’s failure, but parent’s role is equally responsible. These are the words of Past District Governor of Lions Club, Mr K C Prabhu, while addressing the gathering at St Francis Xavier Higher Primary School, Bejai Mangalore on the occasion of Teachers Day Celebration held on 13th of September 2014, he was talking with the capacity of Chief Guest of the Event.

United Friends Bejai (R) is a non charitable organization serving the society since 24 years, beyond the boundaries of Language, Religion and Cast. It is the organization who brought smiles on thousands of Beneficiaries, in and around city. Schools like Vidyadhahini School, Kavoor, St., Joseph’s School, Kannkanadi and St Francis Xavier Higher Pr. School Bejai were benefited from United Friends Bejai. Hundreds of patients were benefited through United Friends Bejai’s Medical Relief Fund. Schools were donated with equipments, tables, chairs, fans and even books and School uniform for children. We are proud to have such a unique organization around our church who celebrated Teachers day in a unique way by honouring our ten Retired Teachers, in our St Francis Xavier Higher Primary School, Bejai.

Luke 17:11-19 is teaching about the tenth leper who came back to give thanks to Jesus. Yes thousands of students might have passed away from our St Francis Xavier School, but only 17 had come back under the banner of United Friends to give thanks to ten teachers who taught them in their school days. The ten teachers , all Mrs Nelly Tauro, Winnie D’Mello, Constance Carmelity (Connie Teacher) Saldanha, Flavy Mascarenhas, Pauline Lasraddo, Eliza D’Souza, Juliana Rebello, Ageline T Rego, Agnes Crasta and Ms Catherine D’souza were expressed their joy over the thanks giving nature of their own students. It was the right message delivered by president of the function and Correspondence of the School Rev Fr Wilson Vitas D’Souza, who said ‘its duty of every child to remember teaches and respect them. At least once in a life time they should honour teachers. And teachers should upgrade themselves for the current scenario of education with advanced skills.

The entire program was compeered by Mr Robin Cutinho, and vote of thanks was derived by Mr Sylvester Lobo. The stage was graced by Mr Augustine Rodrigeus, ex Vice President of Bejai Parish Council, Mr Nirmal D’Souza, Vice President of Bejai Parish Council, Mrs Charlotte Patrao, Secretary Bejai Parish Council, Mr Prem Salian, owner – Prem Associates, Mr Lancelot Pinto, MCC Cooperator, Mr Arun Rodrigues, Secretary United Friends Bejai.

Mangalore: United Friends spreads laughter with comedy show 'Hasyancho Pavs'

Date : 13/07/2014

It was a laughter riot at Don Bosco hall here on Sunday July 13 as 11 teams from different parts of the city took part in 'Hasyancho Pavs' comedy show organized by United Friends Bejai. The opening ceremony was done in an innovative fashion by dropping a smiley ball into a vase.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Roy Castelino, president Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy, Nelson Pereira, president DK Bus Owners' Association, Fr Ajith Menezes, assistant director, SJEC and Joel Pereira, musician were the guests of honour while Fr Wilson D’Souza, parish priest of Bejai Church presided over the event.

The hall was filled with Konkani enthusiasts and United Friends supporters. President of United Friends Bejai Rajesh D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Secretary Arun Rodrigues was also present. Alwyn Pinto, treasurer conveyed the vote of thanks.

'Phugetyo Kalakar', Nainad won the first prize along with trophy and cash prize of Rs 33,333 while 'Sangathi Kalakar' of Angelore won the second prize along with trophy and cash prize of Rs 22,222. 'Time Pass Kalakar', Permannur won the third place with trophy and cash prize of Rs 11,111. It is worth noting that the teams of Nainad from Beltangady, Pernal from Udupi participated and reminded one of the glorious days of the Konkani drama industry.

Addressing the gathering, one of the judges of the competition, C G S Taccode, appreciated the organizers' efforts in organizing the competition. He said, "We can buy many commodities today but not laughter. In our professional life we find time to smile only in front of the photographer. Such programmes help to increase the health of the community by serving laughter and the work of Bejai United Friends in this regard is appreciable.” As per the judges it was really tough to choose the top three among the eleven teams.

President of United Friends, Bejai, Rajesh D’Souza expressed his happiness at the overwhelming response to the competition and the success of the show. He said, "We are overwhelmed with joy because of the response we received. We had teams from distant places like Pernal and Nainad which is noteworthy. The crowd which packed the hall has motivated us to organize such competitions in future too." "We wanted to have a competition like the famous stand-up comedy reality show in Tulu. Today our dreams have come true," he added. The punch lines and witty dialogues along with some remarkable presentation skills served to provide a laughter therapy to the audience. Treasurer Alwyn Pinto, proprietor of Flora Travels Christopher D'Souza, Bejai ward corporator Lancelot Pinto and proprietor of Milan travels Benedict D’Souza were present on the occasion. Sheldon Crasta compered the programme.

Blood Donation Camp

Date : 08/06/2014

“Enhancing Lives And Spreading Smiles“ is the motto of United Friends Bejai and they have been spreading the smiles of many in and around Bejai by organizing many social and charitable events. Based on this motto and to help out to save a few lives, United Friends Bejai organized a blood donation camp on 8th June 2014 at St. Francis Xavier Kannada Higher Primary School, Bejai in association with Blood Bank, KMC Hospital.

The distinguished guests present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Michel Lobo – Chief Guest, Mr.Prakash Salian – Corporator -Kadri Ward, Mr. Lancelot Pinto – Corporator- Bejai Ward, Dr. Vidyasagar, Leading Anaesthologist, Dr. Rohit – KMC Blood Bank. The club president Mr. Rajesh D’Souza welcomed the guests and other dignitaries present during the blood camp.

The programme was inaugurated by the guests by lighting the lamp. The Chief Guest and other guests spoke a few words about importance of blood donation and appreciated the services rendered by UNITED FRIENDS, BEJAI, to the society in the fields of Education, Healthcare and Social welfare and wished them success in their future endeavours. Dr. Rohit of KMC Hospital expressed views on donation of blood, and also said that there is a scarcity in blood donors. Most of the hospitals are running short of blood during handling of emergencies. He called on the young to come forward in large number to donate blood to save precious life and urged to create awareness in the general public.

The response for the Blood Camp was spontaneous as 60 donors from different parts of DK district participated and 51 units of blood obtained from these generous donors. It may be noted that 25% of the blood will have to be given to Red Cross Society as per prevailing rules. United Friends, Bejai have expressed their gratitude to those who have donated blood during the camp and also hoping to hold such blood donation camps in future too in larger scale.

As United Friends Bejai have been doing various services from the year 1989 and as a part of recognising achievers in the field of education, On the occasion Ms. Lavanya was felicitated with a citation and cash prize for securing First Rank in Dakshina Kannada Dist., by scoring 611/625 marks in SSLC board exams in Kannada Medium. She is the student of Lourdes High School, Bejai, Mangalore and daughter of Mr. Balasubramanya Padakanaya and Mrs. Poornima; residents of Bejai.

United Friends Bejai® Vision-Enhancing Lives And Spreading Smiles.

Mangalore: Patrao Nite - An evening of music, dance, and much more

Date : 21/04/2013

The mood was festive at Lourdes Central school grounds in Bejai here on Sunday April 21, with 'Patrao Nite' presented by United Friends taking the audience through a delectable musical journey.

The evening saw a delightful blend of peppy as well as sentimental songs by some of the well-known names in the Konkani music world, complemented by scintillating dances and a generous dose of comedy, together with felicitations to four personalities for their achievements in their fields of expertise.

Anil Patrao, John Patrao, Rony D'Cunha, Rony Crasta, Robin Sequeira (Soad International, Mangalore finalist), Carol Monteiro, Zeena Pereira, Meera Crasta, Denora Fernandes and Mohammed Iqbal entertained the audience with beautiful numbers. 'Ho sonsar', 'Hein geeth', 'Ye go baye', 'Maka saireek zali' were some of the songs rendered at the programme. Zeena Pereira and Rony Crasta presented the duet 'Mogarpodonn kazaar zaali', while Robin and Carol entertained with 'Johny ani Raani'.
Another song presentation, 'Dhon thuji duka' narrated the brutality and pain of the infamous Delhi gang rape victim. One of the most sentimental song of the evening along with the chorus and lead vocals by Robin and Carol was 'Amchein kaathir, sanne udela' 'Naari-naari, thu sundari' sung by Meena Crasta and Mohammad Iqbal was one of the superhit songs of the musical nite. The high voltage performance consisted of a fast paced dance and background voice by other artistes.

Mangalore's renowned musician Roshan D'Souza Angelore was the music director of the entire show. 'Silver Steppers' led by Gavin Rodrigues added colour to the show with their excellent dance performances.

Jokes by Nellu Permannur and group brought in a dose of laughter with meaningful and satirical comedy. The jokes related to the ongoing election campaign and teacher-student classroom situations drew a loud applause from the audience.

'Pisole' a short skit by two children was also presented, along with a song by four children who danced to its tunes.
Melita Sequeira, ace MC was the host for the evening who kept the audience engaged throughout with lively and peppy compering.

Felicitations

During the programme United Friends, Bejai felicitated four personalities for their distinguished and selfless service in music and other fields - 'Sangeeth Guru' Joel Pereira, F M Lobo, veteran violinist; Silvian D'Silva, senior choir master and young Arjun Adappa, famous chess player and student of Lourdes Central School Bejai.

Joel Pereira, who spoke on behalf of the recipients, said, "When we move away from family for any reason we tend to relish on food like pizzas and burgers, but when we return home, love the home-made food like 'ganji oota'; similarly, to be recognized by my parish is a greater honour than any other award I have received outside." He also congratulated the other recipients. Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Bejai Church, Fr Peter D'Souza, parish priest of Derebail Church, Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, director of Sandesha Foundation, Prakash Salian and Lancelot Pinto, corporators were the guests of honour.

Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, Sandesha director said, "There is a need to encourage art and talent among the youth of our generation." He appreciated the efforts put in by the United Friends in presenting the Patrao Nite and suggested that this should be extended to other arts as well. Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Bejai church appreciated United Friends group for organizing unique programmes in the church regularly over the past couple of years and encouraged them to continue the same.

Former MCC commissioner J R Lobo who attended the event addressed the gathering briefly and said, "I am happy to know that the concert is being held for a noble cause. This kind of gesture by the organizers is required to take our society to greater heights." United Friends president Kenneth Menezes welcomed the gathering. The organizers expressed their gratitude with a lucky draw and three lucky people received gold coins.

We have successfully organized various activities ranging from Cricket Tournaments to Beauty contest. Although at first our activities were restricted to development of sports, as we grew, we took up works of immense responsibility.

Over the years we have conducted

• six Inter parish Cricket Tournaments,
• Chess Tournaments,
• Football Tournaments,
• Mega Events like FaNtASiA-98 consisting of a Baby Show,
• Beauty Contest and Inter Parish Variety Competition and FaNtASiA-2000 consisting of a Baby Show,
• Dance Competition and a Beauty Contest'
• two Mega events like “FaNtASiA-98” and “FaNtASiA-2000”

the first time in the history of Mangalore that anyone had Organised these three events together on a single day under a single roof.