Pics by Sohan Castelino, Shankarpura
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 9: Spark Dubai, a like-minded group of family and friends from Mangaluru and Udupi diocese in UAE celebrated ‘Christmas for cause' in advance. About 100 people gathered at Smana Hotel Apartments, Bur Dubai on Friday, December 6 for the celebration.
The highlight of the event was surprise felicitation to Nelson Rodricks, who always kept a low profile throughout his life by helping the needy and acting as Good Samaritan whenever needed. Nelson, who hails from Mangaluru, originally is from Barkur and resides in Dubai for nearly three decades. He has never come to the forefront for any kind of attention or publicity. But his caring and sharing qualities have won the hearts from many back home and in Dubai. To his surprise, his childhood friend, currently, Mandd Sobhann president and entrepreneur in Mangaluru Louis J Pinto and his wife arrived exclusively for the event to be part of this memorable event.
Dayan D’Souza, well-known community leader, introduced Nelson and said, why a person like him should be identified. "He is a silent social worker. If that silence is broken, he can be a role model to many people who will voluntarily come forward to extend the helping hand to the needy. It is not just money that is everything today, Loving and caring attitude also equally counts, Dayan said.
Dayan described Nelson Rodricks as extremely down-to-earth personality who will reach out to anyone with consideration of caste, creed and religion.
Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld welcomed the gathering and introduced Louis J Pinto and Patsy Pinto.
Wilfred Menezes of Omnitech and Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight, Spark Dubai coordinator Anil Prakash D’Souza were also on dias during felicitation.
Lavina Rodricks, Nelson's wife, Bianca and Betina, daughters were also present.
"Whatever I did was without expecting anything return. I do not deserve this, but you people showered your love and I humbly accept it. Hope this will encourage many others to do good things." said Nelson in his thanksgiving words.
Spark Dubai, every year celebrates ‘Christmas for cause’ to support the needy people. Visual presentation was screened to provide the details during the event.
Singing, dance, skits, jokes, and games were part of the event.
Dony and Asha Correa performed special numbers to entertain the gathering.
Anil Prakash D’Souza, who was the main coordinator of Spark Dubai compered the event.
Michael Castelino, Joel, Sohan from Pangla, Edwin D’Souza, Godwin Castelino, Leo D’Souza of Canara Restaurant, Jhoncy Monteiro, Alwyn Pinto and many other invited guests were also present.
Lancy-Anil duo had provided sound and DJ music.