|
The Nairobi Institute festivities commenced
for the Goan Association London group with the Bar-b-que
on Saturday 4 June 2005. Back came the memories of the wooden
spring floor as all danced into the very early hours of
the morning. A delicious bar-b-que meal was served on the
roof top of the NI washed down by several cold Tuskers and
other alcoholic drinks!
By
Wednesday 8 June at the Out of Africa Cocktail event, the
rest of the London group who had arrived were in attendance
in full force to this African themed party created by the
dress code and the spectacular decorations.
The
Chief Guest was the Vice President of Kenya, His Excellency
Hon Moody Awori and other Guests included Surendra Kumar
High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Julio Fransico de Sales
Mascarenhas Ambassador of Portugal in Nairobi. Various representatives
of overseas and local Sister Institutions were also present
together with their members and guests.
The
Vice President hailed the Institute a recreational facility,
for producing prominent personalities and sportsmen who
have played a key role in the country's development.
"The Goans have remained at the forefront on all development
matters, especially in uplifting the lives of many poor
Kenyans" Mr Awori said.
A
little later on that evening there was a chance to try one's
luck at the Casino.
The
Variety Concert "Typical Joao" held the following
day was thoroughly entertaining and 11 year old Perpetin
excelled in portraying the story of a Kenyan Goan covering
three generations over the century. As expected there was
plenty of humour and song.
Whilst
I did not personally attend the 'the good old' sing along
Karaoke Nite, I am reliably informed by those that attended
that the multitude of voices that contributed to singing
made it a night to remember.
The
main centenary celebrations peaked on Saturday 11 June with
the Thanksgiving Mass in the morning preceded by the blessing
of the cars. The Chief Celebrant was Rev Fr Pelin D'Souza
and with his Con-Celebrants offered Mass with hymns in English
Kiswahili and Konkani. The N I Centenary Introduction was
composed by Agnelo Carneiro. Traditional grams sorpotel
and sanaas were served after Mass.
The
Anniversary Ball at the Kenyatta International Conference
Centre with the striking decor, Big City Band - Goa's Top
Band set the scene for the evening. The Chief Guest was
Mr & Mrs Surendra Kumar High Commissioner of India to
Kenya. A delicious dinner was served, the anniversary cake
modelled to the N I building was cut and a magnificent cabaret
show was performed by the Safari Cats. Dancing carried on
until the early hours of the morning with breakfast served
for those who required this to boost up their energy.
Farewell
Soko on Sunday 12th was a chance to catch up on unfinished
shopping no matter how bleary eyed or hung over after the
week's festivities. There were many market traders with
display of wares and in susegad fashion there was an opportunity
to sample meals from the food court, a few Tuskers and enjoy
the outdoor Show that was laid on for those who chose to
recover after the night before!
Heartiest
Congratulations go out to the Chairman of the Centenary
Celebrations Committee Ian Fernandes and his team, Chairman
of the Nairobi Institute Vincent Azavedo and his Managing
Committee for the warm hospitality, the superb organisation
of the festivities, the daily spectacular decorations -
this truly was the "Mega Party of the Century"
- we will all have lasting fond memories of these sensational
celebrations. |
Printer
Friendly Version