UAE Agnesian-Aloysian Alumni Contribute to Alma Maters

UAE Agnesian-Aloysian Alumni Contribute to Alma Maters

Report : Oswald M D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jun 26: The alumni of Mangalore's St Aloysius and St Agnes Colleges in UAE, contributed INR 7,50,000 each towards their alma mater from the proceeds collected during the "Agnesian-Aloysian Alumni Re-union" held on February 10 this year at Al Jazira Hotel and Resort in Ghantoot, which lies on the Dubai - Abu Dhabi Highway.

During their recent visit to Mangalore, on behalf of the Agnesian Alumni Shobha and Jacintha Mendonca handed over the Indian cheque to St Agnes College principal Dr Sr Marie Prem D’Souza. Likewise on behalf of the Aloysian Alumni, James Mendonca handed over a cheque for Indian rupees to Fr Walter Andrade and the principal of the College Fr Swebert D’Silva.

The managements of both the colleges thanked the Agnesians and Aloysians for their support and regards towards their alma mater.

To date the Agnesians have contributed Indian rupees 22,52,432 since 2001. As specified by the UAE Agnesian Alumni the interest earned from the amount placed in a trust is utilized for the education of underprivileged deserving students in the college.

The funds contributed by the UAE Aloysian Alumni has been utilized as follows:

1997 :Rs 137,800 towards mid-day meals to poor students of college
1999 : Instituted 12 scholarships amounting to Rs 150,000 in St Aloysius College and 5 scholarships amounting to Rs 50,000 in St Aloysius High School, towards education, sports, and extra curricular activities
2001 : Rs 200,000 towards IT building under the name of Aloysian Alumni in the UAE
2005 : Rs 20,000 towards sports kits. Rs 200,000 towards the acquisition of computers and overhead projectors for the college.
2007 : Rs 455,781 towards sponsorship of 5 students and 5 undergraduate students with good academic background.
2009 : Rs 550,000 towards scholarships to poor children
2011 : Rs 7,50,000 towards scholarships to poor children

In total the Aloysian alumni in the UAE have contributed IRS 25,93,581 towards various schemes outlined above since 1997 till to date.

The concept of alumni movement was started in the UAE way back in 1997 with the initiative of Jerome Pereira - veteran Konkani writer along with like-minded Aloysians based in the UAE. This concept has now spread all over the Gulf and other countries.

The first re-union of the Aloysians was held on November 22, 1997 at Al Jazeera Resort in Ghantoot, Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway under the chairmanship of Jerome Pereira:

The second re-union was held on January 22, 1999 under the chairmanship of Robert Rego at Al Mafraq Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

In 2001 onwards the Agnesians in the UAE joined the Aloysians and the first combined re-unioin was held under the chairmanship of Ronald D’Cunha and Obaida Shawkat. Following a lull for three years the next re-union was held at Al Jazira Resorts under the chairmanship of Shobha Mendonca and Oswald M D’Souza. In 2007, another re-union was held at Al Jazira Resort wherein Marissa Bidappa and Johnson Samuel were the chairpersons. In 2009, for the first time the venue was shifted to Sharjah at the sprawling Sharjah Wonderers Club under the chairmanship of Geanette and Sydney D’Souza.

This year under the chairmanship of B M Ashraf and Joyce Menezes, the event was once again held at Al Jazira Resort and was a huge success.

Generally, the re-unions are held once every two years and generate a lot of interest amongst the alumni. The ex-students enjoy the day out meeting old friends and reminiscing on the days spent in the colleges.

The tradition since inception has been to send all the proceeds after deducting expenses to the colleges.

UAE : Aloysian - Agnesian Reunion

Daijiworld Media Network

Report by : Oswald M. D’Souza

Pictures by: Naveen Frank
Abu Dhabi – Feb, 11: It was a day of nostalgic mixed feelings for the former students of St. Aloysius and St. Agnes College/Schools of Mangalore on Friday 11 February 2011 when they met together for a long awaited reunion held at the picturesque Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel and Resort after almost two years.It was a moment of joy, laughter and tears for the former students to reminiscence their golden past they spent at the corridors of their respective institutions. They gathered along with their families for a day of fun and frolic from all over UAE and some travelled from other gulf countries.
The bright sunny day with a fantastic cool weather interspersed with chilly winds added extra glamour to the day’s programme.
The ambience of the location, the stunning stage gave the event an added attraction. The day’s proceedings started with All Aloysian-Agnesian band playing soft music to raise the tempo of the day.
It was arrival of the live wire Master of Ceremony Errol Goveas, gave a boost to the event when he took over as the main anchor of the event.
The eye-catching opening ceremony with young children with lit lamps, followed by Agnesians and Aloysians carrying the flag of their respective colleges marched towards the dais as part of the inaugural ceremony.
B.M. Ashraf – the current Chairperson for Aloysians for 2011 event, welcomed the gathering and explained the path they tread since the start of Alumni movement in the UAE. He appreciated the efforts and hard work put in by his dedicated committee members since the past months. Much to the delight of the audience , Ashraf equated the importance of St Aloysius Institutions of Mangalore to that of the Burj Kalifa of the UAE.
Joyce Menezes read out the message from the Principal of St. Agnes College, Mangalore Rev Sr Marie Prem D’souza. In her message, Sr Marie Prem sent her blessings and good wishes and expressed her gratefulness to the Alma Mater for all the help and support to the Institute.
Fr Swebert D’Silva - Principal of St. Aloysius College Mangalore, who had arrived especially as the guest of honour to the event also thanked the old students for moral and financial support. He also updated the gathering on the steady development of the Institute. Rev Fr. Denzil Lobo, the Director of AIMIT, delivered his message to the alumni gathered of this prestigious college. He also updated the gathering on the college facilities including the new campus at Beeri, which has come up beautifully.
College Anthems of both colleges were sung by the former students of the respective colleges.Just after the formal ceremony it was time for fun.
The live music provided by All Aloysian/Agnesian band proved to be an instant success. The combination of eastern, western including English, Hindi, Konkani, Tulu, Kannada, Sri Lankan songs catering for the taste of both young and old raised the pulse of the event.
The Valentine theme provided an extra glamour to the already glamorous event. As an ice breaker a valentine game for the couples was held which was hilarious adding fun to the occasion.
During course of the programme a tug war contest was held between Agnesians and Aloysians and turned out to be the ultimate winners.
The eventful day also witnessed variety of entertainment including the dance competition for the youngsters. It was a competition with a difference, that kept the audience spell bound . Various teams brought in their best, displaying flair and grace.
There were three groups who participated in the dance competition showcasing their talents and was a treat to watch. Variety of dance forms were on display including salsa, disco, jive, baila, cha cha, line dancing etc. Every group competed with each other for supremacy and was a delight to watch. It was fun all the way.
The judges had a tough task to select the best performers. CAPITAL STEPPERS from Abu Dhabi bagged the first place while NAKA MUKA of Sharjah came second and THE FEET BEET of Dubai came a close third.
The Main Sponsors, Associate Sponsor, Co-Sponsors, Support sponsors were were felicitated. Housie housie, Lucky draws, Raffle draws and spot prizes kept the crowd eager and alert right throughout the day. There were lot of prizes for grabs.
The Novelty dance too had attractive prizes, it was an excellent opportunity for the attendees to mingle with each other.
The foot tapping music provided by Aloysian Agnesian band kept the audience on their toes and gave ample opportunity for the young and old to dance to their hearts content.
The children kept occupied throught the day by means of face painting, clowns and jumping castles with lot of gifts and goodies to take home.
Joyce Menezes – Chairperson for Agnesians proposed the vote of thanks.
Errol Goveas, the charismatic Master of Ceremony did a splendid job by his unique style keeping audience on their toes.
The last session of the day – the ever popular Baila session stole the show and was the ultimate, wherein the crowd became ecstatic and wanted more as the final number was played. The whole crowd joined for the dance swaying and dancing to the tune of the fantastic music provided by the band.
It was indeed a memorable event and a day to remember for long time to come. The organizers had worked hard to make this event a great success and have to be applauded.

Aloysian - Agnesian Reunion : Entries Invited for Group Dance Contest

Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabiby Oswald M. D’Souza
UAE – Feb 2: As the countdown begins for the eagerly awaited Agnesian-Aloysian Reunion 2011, the organizers are all geared for an electrifying event on Friday, 11th February 2011 at the picturesque Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel and Resort , with loads of entertainment befitting the past students of the two prestigious colleges.
The organizers have selected “Red” colour as their theme to coincide with the forthcoming Valentines Day and have made known that a special prize will be awarded for the best dressed Agnesian / Aloysian who participates in the event with an attire to suite the theme and occasion .
To make the event more exciting and pleasurable, the Organizers have planned a group dance competition, the rules of which are as follows:
The Rules
1. The participants for the Group Dance Competition will dance to a Medley of 3 songs of their choice Participants can dance to the tune of - Disco / Cha cha cha / Jive / Baila / Bhangra / Bollywood / Dandhiya / Salsa / Fox trot/twist/ line dance etc.

2. Each group must consist of minimum 6 participants and a maximum of 10 only.

3. Age group - above 16 years only.

4. Prepare and bring your own music CD.

5. Each team will perform for 3 minutes.

6. Performance will be judged on synchronization and costumes.
Please register before the 8th of February 2011.
For registration and/or any queries, please contact Mariel Andrade on 050 7888461 or Anita Lobo on 050 3627381or send your queries to : agaloy@gmail.com
All Aloysian/Agnesian band with their scintillating foot tapping live music and songs interspersed with DJ music are sure to capture the hearts of the audience with ample opportunity for the audience to dance to their hearts content. The musicians have put in lots of efforts to entertain their fellow past students showcasing their extraordinary talent. There will be English, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani songs to cater to the taste of young and old.

Errol Goveas the dynamic Master Ceremony will hold the audience spell bound with his unique style and wit.
A delicious spread is being arranged to cater for the taste of each and everyone.
The children will be kept engaged by the face painters, jumping castles, clowns with loads of gifts hampers, goodies etc.
Fr. Swebert D’Silva and Fr. Denzil Lobo of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore will be the guests of honour.Remember this thrilling event comes once in every two years and missing this will be a great loss for those who do not attend.
This reunion is for the Alumni/Alumnae and by the Alumni/Alumnae to the Alumni/Alumnae of St.Aloysius and St. Agnes Colleges/Schools of Mangalore, which will surpass all previous records set earlier. The experienced and enthusiastic organizing committee members are working hard and leaving no stone unturned to make this event the most memorable one.
It is worth noting that the first re-union was held in 1997 in UAE – the brain child of Jerome Pereira, who initiated the concept of Alumni get-together in UAE - , the reunion held for the first time outside India, which paved the way for others to follow in others parts of the Gulf and around the world - the credit of which goes entirely to the Aloysian Alumni in the UAE.
Invitations are available with committee members and are being grabbed like hot cakes. Organizers urge the Agnesian / Aloysian Alumnae and Alumni not to miss this golden opportunity before it is too late as there are only limited seats available..
Transport from Abu Dhabi is being arranged. Transport from Dubai & Sharjah may be arranged subject to no. of people need to avail the facility by prior arrangement. Interested people may contact the representatives at their respective locations.
All queries may be referred to : agaloy@gmail.com
Entry coupons are available with :

Abu Dhabi

Abdul Majeed 050-5680210

Anoop Moras 050-4198094

Jerome Pereira 02-6214092

Oswald M. D'Souza 050-6175600

Victor Sydney D'Souza - 050-6521104

Colin D’Souza – 050-3844130

Dubai

Joyce Menenzes 050-4588172

Anita Pinto 050- 5353284

Deepali Kamath 050- 5455419

Desmond Goveas 050-4555727

Elizabeth Noronha 050-8457701

Jacintha Mendonca 050-6518094

James/ Shobha Mendonca 050-6453861/6541494

John Samuel 050-6531382

Marissa Lobo Biddappa 050-4591773

Paul Saldanha 050-7647908

Rajesh Sequeira 050-8456858

Ronald/ Aboline D'Cunha - 050-6588383 / 050-4943295

Roshan Chacko 050-6577280

Wilson Samuel 050-6466503

Sharjah and Northern Emirates

Ashraf Bolar 050-6261786

Geanette D'Souza 050-5539492

Anita Lobo 050-3627381

Mariel Andrade 050-7888461

Olin D'Souza 050-3957400