-News n Pics : Antony, Barkur
In a delightful display of community spirit and holiday cheer, the youth of Kudru Ward organized a memorable Christmas tree celebration at the Fr Alfred Roche Memorial of Honor. The two-hour event, which drew approximately 60 ward members, featured a series of engaging activities that captured the true essence of the Christmas season.
The festivities commenced with a warm welcome address by Gurkarn Margaret D'Souza, setting the tone for an evening filled with joy and camaraderie. The highlight of the celebration was the Christmas tree gift selection, where children experienced the magic of Christmas firsthand. Each child was given the opportunity to choose their gift by pointing to their preferred package on the tree, with their faces lighting up with excitement and anticipation – a sight that perfectly embodied the Christmas spirit.
The celebration continued with an energetic balloon-blasting competition. Initially planned exclusively for young children, the overwhelming enthusiasm prompted organizers to extend participation to all age groups. The competition saw impressive performances across various categories, with winners including Rovina Martis and Niyol Futardo in the below-first-standard category. In the junior kids' section, Lieshel Branes and Angel DSouza claimed the top spots, while Rishael DSouza and Ancia Dsouza dominated the senior kids' category. The women's competitions were equally competitive, with Usha DSouza and Reshma DSouza winning in the below-45 category, while Sharmila Pinto and Gretta Lewis emerged victorious in the 45-plus category. A special prize was awarded to Priya Lewis Rodrigues for her participation.
The traditional "breaking the pot" game (ಮೊಡ್ಕಿ ಫುಟoವ್ಚೊ) proved to be a highlight of the evening, with participants being blindfolded as they attempted to break the pot. After several near-misses that kept the audience entertained, Mrs. Reshma DSouza successfully completed the challenge, earning cheers from the gathered crowd.
The evening concluded with an exciting game of Housie-housie, where luck favored Sarosh Andrade (First Line), Sunitha Andrade (Second Line), Raina DSouza (Third Line), and Calista Dais (Full House). Throughout the event, attendees were treated to delicious snacks and refreshments, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The success of the celebration can be attributed to the seamless coordination between Master of Ceremony Jakson DSouza and his capable supporter Wilfred Fernandes, who kept the audience engaged throughout the proceedings. The event was made possible through the collective efforts of numerous volunteers including Kevin, Roshan DSouza, Aresene, Rohan, Praveen Barnes, Nelson, Roshan Picardo, Joyson, Rahul, Wilfred Fernandes, Jackson, Melroy, Rishon, Movin, Praveen DSouza, Feddy, Rollwin, Reuban, Vinod, Jeevan Peter, and Robinson, with additional contributions from Priya Lewis Rodrigues.
The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by distinguished community members including Gurkarn Mrs. Margaret DSouza, Stephan Lewis, Gretta Lewis, and Leera Furtado, who presented the awards to the worthy winners.
This community celebration not only provided entertainment but also strengthened the bonds within the Kudru Ward, bringing festive cheer to both children and adults alike. The event stands as a testament to the strong community spirit and organizational capabilities of the ward's youth members.