How We Celebrated The Centenary of the Kampala Goan Institute (KGI)
A year in the planning, but over in what seemed to be no time at all, the three days of the KGI centenary celebrations were much anticipated and looked forward to, and absolutely thoroughly enjoyable!
Members of the KGI from around the globe gathered in Toronto - they came from Australia, USA, UK , Germany, Switzerland, Uganda and other Provinces of Canada - to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the KGI in 1910, and it was wonderful to meet and greet them and hear their comments on recognition (or not!). The 3-day celebrations included a 3-hour cruise around the Toronto harbour, a Gala Dance and Holy Mass followed by the Closing Ceremonies. About 450 people attended each function and it was a great delight to see and meet the seniors who came to the Closing celebrations on the Sunday, to meet old friends and reminisce about "them good ol' days"! All the action over the three days was caught on video by Uvy Lopes of Shooting Stars and a copy will be made available Free of Charge to (each couple) members requesting a copy. Extra copies of the DVD will be available at $15 per copy, plus shipping and handling charges.
Harbour Cruise: The Celebrations kicked off with a Cruise aboard the 3-deck Northern Spirit which steamed around the Toronto harbour on Thursday June 24th and luckily all the hype and anxiety of getting to Queens Quay due to the G20 Summit scheduled to start the next day, did not disrupt our travel plans. The KGI Banner was prominently displayed on the ship and people enjoyed meeting friends they hadn't met for 38 years...some had difficulty recognizing each other - no need to mention why! As members came aboard they were treated to a glass of punch - alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and while some members socialized, others sat down to the first sitting of a very tasty four course hot dinner with all the trimmings, while the Rhythm Nation Band and DJ, led by (Ugandan) Chris Lobo, played old and new favourites for their dancing pleasure.
The music started off with the theme song, "KGI Forever"; lyrics, composed by Tom and Joan Francis, to the old tune "Forever and Ever"; sung by Tom, Joan, Errol, and Delphine Francis with piano accompaniment by that popular and talented pianist, our own William Fernandes. The weather for the cruise couldn't have been better; laughter and shouts of joy could be heard throughout the ship! Coming in to dock at around 10.15 PM members caught an extraordinary sight of the beautifully-lit Toronto skyline and lights in the several high rise buildings gave all aboard a grand view of Toronto by night - a city of fun and entertainment!
As people disembarked from the "Northern Spirit" they were handed a copy of the action-packed Souvenir Brochure painstakingly put together by John Nazareth and Al Mathias and edited by John Nazareth. Those who came in on specially arranged transport had to hurry to get back on their busses, but others who drove, seemed reluctant to leave and hung around chatting and catching up with the intervening years!
Gala Ball: The Grand Gala Ball was held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton - a large, beautiful venue, well-suited for such a special occasion!
People started gathering in the foyer at 5.45 PM. What fashion! What glamour! What glitz! Everyone - men and women alike - dressed to the nines and looked resplendent in fitting style for this once-in-a-hundred-years event! With the help of some alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch and appetizers, continued their meetings with friends of yore, and with those who weren't able to make it to the boat cruise, until 7.00 PM when the doors opened and members entered the hall to the sounds of the Dixie Land Brass Quartet. Although the wait in the foyer was a little crowded, once in the hall, members were very impressed and were heard to comment on the ambiance as being totally awesome! The anniversary cake, in the form of the KGI building, was crafted by Osbert Remedios and decorated by Eurema Colaco and Greta Dias. As soon as the Champagne was poured, Chairman Antonio Mascarenhas, in his speech, recognized and thanked all the members of his committee - Denis Pereira, Greta Dias, Eurema Colaco, Seira Furtado, Bertilla De Souza, Almir D'Cunha, Norman D'Souza, Nick D'Mello, Al Lobo and Al Mathiaswho all worked hard to ensure the success of the three days events. He then raised the toast to the occasion. This was followed by a heartwarming speech by Hon. Rajni Tailor, Secretary to the KI in Kampala. Unfortunately, the current President of the KI, Mr. Sudhir Ruparelia, could not attend. Three former Presidents of the KI - Neru Rodrigues, Mark Vaz and Al Lobo - joined Antonio and Ruby in the cutting of the cake. Eurema Colaco said grace and members were then treated to a sumptuous Surf & Turf meal - Shrimp and New York Steak - with all the vegetables and trimmings and every table was provided with complimentary Red and White wines. At midnight we were treated to a table of delicious late night snacks and refreshments. Dancing, to the multi-lingual band of Goa Amigos and DJ Logan, continued until 1.30 AM and again, there were lots of photographs taken especially with the KGI Banner & large Building photograph in the Hall as a backdrop, and lots of catching up with old friends. Once again, some found it hard to recognize old friends after so many years but were visibly happy when they were identified! Perhaps name tags would have been a good idea but would also have detracted from the "wow" element of eventual recognition!
Mass & Closing Ceremonies: The following day, this event was also held at the Pearson Convention Centre and about 450 people attended. We were honoured that many of our seniors graced the event. Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joe Rodrigues assisted by (Ugandan) Deacon Dr. Terry Da Silva (son of Remy and Mabel Da Silva). The Mass and Choir were extremely well organized by Delphine Francis and Elma D'Costa, who made sure that non-Torontonians participated in the readings, offertory gifts and collection baskets, and Michelle Coutinho, who designed and made the beautiful candle holders in the Uganda flag colours. A fine and eloquent reminiscence by a grandson of one of the Founder members, Mr. E A Pinto, was delivered by Deacon, Dr Terry Da Silva. In remembrance of our founders who sang the Konkani Blessing 100 years ago at their first meeting, the choir sang the same Goan Blessing, Uddon Guellem, with enthusiastic participation by all the attendees!
After Mass there was another sumptuous lunch catering to vegetarian and non-vegetarian needs, followed by dancing and the Closing celebrations. One senior - probably the oldest attending - was that great and popular sportsman and international hockey and cricket legend, Michael Teixeira, who completed 92 years a few days later - on June 30th.
Thank you Speeches by Chairman Antonio and ex-tempore speeches by former KGI President Neru Rodrigues and by Dolly Braganza, all of whom recognized and applauded the three wonderful occasions and thanked all who worked so hard towards the success of the 3-day celebrations. In her comments Dolly Braganza very clearly made the point (loudly cheered by the attendees!) that, regrettably, the women were not featured at the podium! Point well taken and noted for the future! And a final speech by Al Lobo (the executive member responsible for the website) who, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, thanked Denis Pereira for the fine job he performed as emcee for all three events, and also thanked all the Committee members and their spouses . A special thank you to the Chairman, Antonio Mascarenhas, for all his hard work over the year that it took to plan the celebrations and his 24 hour, seven day a week commitment to the "project"; he also thanked Antonio's wife, Ruby and their daughter Maria Renata, for all the support they provided our Chairman. Secretary, Bertilla D'Souza, then presented a lovely bouquet to Ruby on behalf of the Organizing Committee.
All in all, several people who were not initially keen to attend were very glad that they changed their minds and came. By a consensus this was acclaimed to be an absolutely wonderful celebration of the KGI's centenary, and one that will be remembered for a long long time!!
P. S. Brochures & Video:
Those seeking additional copies of the Brochure (at $5.00 each), should contact Antonio Mascarenhas or Al Mathias. Those wanting copies of the Video should submit their request in the appropriate area on the website One copy will be given Free of Charge to every couple who attended...extra copies may be purchased at $15 each plus the cost of mailing.
Al Mathias
