SHIRVA WELFARE ASSOCIATION KUWAIT (SWAK)

SWAK MOTTO

In 1994 some of our dedicated Shirva Parishioners in Kuwait gathered together and came to a conclusion to help the needy and less fortunate people back in Shirva. After a careful study and organizing facts and figures we, decided to form an Association.

Thus Shirva Welfare Association SWAK was formed in December 1994. Today SWAK has more than 200 members.

HISTORY

The prime motto of SWAK is to facilitate primary education for the poor children in Shirva. There are many poor children who have to discontinue their studies due to the high costsand lack of funds in their family. Such students are aided from our SWAK education fund. On the other hand SWAK provides its members with assistance in times of need.

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

                      SWAK Vodlen Fest 2017

 Under the presidentship of Mr. Alban D’Souza celebrated its Patron feast (Vodlen Fest) on 3rd feb 2017 at the Indian Community School Auditorium – Khaitan, Kuwait.

Honorary member of SWAK

Mr. Lawrence D’Souza Founder of Caesars Group of Restaurants confectioneries around Kuwait, Bahrain,United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other parts of the world. Winner of "Rachana NRI Entrepreneur of the Year 2011".

Kuwait: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) is back with yet another musical extravaganza for Konkani Music lovers in this largest event of the year, “SWAK Rupyalo Sambram” slated to be held in Kuwait on 17th January 2020, at American International School, Maidan Hawally Kuwait at sharp 4:30 pm. contd..

Kuwait, May 26: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) unveiled the teaser for the upcoming SWAK Rupyalo Sambram’, a Konkani musical extravaganza slated to be held in Kuwait on January 17, 2020 at American International School, Salmiya (Maidan Hawally) Kuwait.

SWAK charity show

Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) celebrated Monthi Fest with traditional Joy & Gaiety.

Mangalorean Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as Monthi Fest (Feast), with religious fervor and joy.

SWAK congratulates Mr.Lawrence D’Souza for receiving a highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Papacy, “Cross of Honour”, Papal Honor the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for his meritorious and distinguished service rendered to the Church and to the society. We wish him good health & success in the future.

Mr. Lawrence Simon D’Souza and Mr. Valerian Maxim D’Sa were honored by Pope Francis with the Papal Honor the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" for their meritorious and distinguished service rendered to the Church and to the society. It is also known as the “Cross of Honour”.

Papal Honor the " Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice "

Monthi Fest celebration 2025

“Monthi” is the Konkani name for Mount Mother Mary. The Catholic Church assigns birthdates for feasts only to Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist, and Mother Mary. Other saints’ feast days are usually observed on the date of their death, or a day with special significance in their lives. The Nativity of Mother Mary is celebrated on September 8, exactly nine months after December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The Feast of the New Harvest coincides with Mother Mary’s birthday on September 8. In gratitude for the bounty of nature, the new crop is blessed, prayed over, and shared by families in unity.  Contd...

SWAK is engaging the Konkani singers of the different generations in one stage for the first time in Kuwait to bring more excitement among the Konkani music lovers. The performing superstars of this gala event are Sangeeth Samrat - Henry D’Souza, Yodling King - Melwyn Peris, Konkan Kalashree – Claud Dsouza, Heartthrob of Konkani – Prajoth D’Sa, Babita Pinto, Anitha D’Souza and Joseph Mathias.

Alban Dsouza handed over the charge of the event to musician Adrian Gomes and wished him and his team a grand success.

The proceeds of this event shall go towards the welfare funding of SWAK’s charitable activities in particular upbringing of poor children, in the field of education by funding school fees and uniform, providing financial help to improve the living conditions by repairing dilapidated homes and giving medical assistance by sharing their monetary burden to combat their illnesses.

President Alban Dsouza anticipated the whole hearted support of everybody associated with SWAK for this noble cause and to make the event an outstanding and memorable.

SWAK Rupyalo Sambram

Aid distrubution by SWAK  during COVID19

Catholic sabha shirva Unit, SWAK(Kuwait) and with generous donation from Shirva Parish individuals organised free food Kit distribution today (1st May) at 9.30 a.m. at Shirva Church premises for needy people and poor people of all religion of Shirva. Total of 125 Food kits worth Rs.93,500 distributed. Shirva Parish Priest Fr.Denis Dsa, Asst.Parish Priest Fr.Ashwyn Aranha, Shirva Punchayat PDO Anantha Padmanaba, Shirva VA,

Zilla Punchayat Member Wilson Rodrigues, Shirva Community Health Centre Dr. Santhosh, Shirva Finance Committee members and Secretary Leena Machado, Shirva Parish Ward Gurkars were present. During this occation, distributed leaflets on Corona Virus prevention and detailed about precautionary measures to be taken to control spread of disease and the facilities available in Community Health Centre, Shirva. Special thanks to Melwyn Aranha, Leena Machado, Joseph Castelino who worked selflessly to organise this programme and CD Shirva Unit members.

ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ್ ಸೆವಾ ಮಾತ್ರ್ ನ್ಹಯ್ ಆಸ್ತಾಂ ಅಮ್ಚ್ಯಾ ಇಗರ್ಜ್ ಮಾತೆಕ್ ತಾಣಿ ಆಪ್ಲೊ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ್ ಸಹಾಕಾರ್ ಅನಿ ಪಾಟಿಂಬೊ ದಿಲಾ! ತಾಂಚಾ ಹ್ಯಾ ನಿಸ್ವಾರ್ಥ್ ಸೆವೆಕ್ ಹ್ಯಾಚ್ ವರ್ಸಾ ಅಮ್ಚ್ಯಾ ಪಾಪ್ ಸಾಯ್ಬಾನಿ ಎಕಾ ಲಾಯಿಕಾಕ್ ಲಾಬ್ಚೆಂ ಪರಮೋನ್ನತ್ ಪದಕ್ ಮ್ಹಣ್ಜೆ "Cross of Honour" ದೀವ್ನ್ ಸನ್ಮಾನ್ ಕೆಲಾ. ಹೊ ಗೌರವ್ ಅಮ್ಕಾ ಶಿರ್ವಾಂಗಾರಾಂಕ್ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ್ ಜಾವ್ನ್ ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ಕುಟ್ಮಾಕ್ ಏಕ್ ಅಭಿಮಾನಾಚಿ ಗಜಾಲ್ ಜಾವ್ನಾಸಾ.

ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ತುಮ್ಕಾಂ ಉಲ್ಲಾಸಿತಾ! ತಸೆಂಚ್ ಬರಿ ಭಲಾಯ್ಕಿ ಅನಿ ತುಮ್ಚ್ಯಾ ವಾವ್ರಾಕ್ ಜಯ್ತ್ ಮಾಗ್ತಾ!.

                    ಅಭಿನಂದನ್!

ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ಪೋಶಕ್ ಅನಿ ಹಿತಚಿಂತಕ್, ರಚನಾ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ವಿಜೇತ್ ಅನಿ CAESARS GROUP AND RESTAURENTS CO. ಹಾಚೆ ಮ್ಹಾಲ್ಹಕ್ ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ,  ಹಾಂಕಾ ಸ್ವಾಕಚೊ "ಗೌರವ್ ಸಾಂದೊ" (HONORARY MEMBER) ಮಾನ್ ಫಾವೊ ಜಾಲಾ ಮ್ಹಣ್ ಸಾಂಗೊಂವ್ಕ್ ವೊರ್ತೊ ಸಂತೊಸ್ ಭೊಗ್ತಾ.

ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ ತುಮ್ಕಾಂ ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ತರ್ಫೆನ್ ರಾಸ್ ಉಲ್ಲಾಸ್ ಅನಿ ಅಭಿನಂದನ್. ಸಾವುದ್ ಮಾಯ್ ತುಮ್ಕಾಂ ಬೊರಿ ಭಲಾಯ್ಕಿ ದೀವ್ನ್ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದಾಂ ಪಾಟಂವ್ದಿ ಮ್ಹಣ್ ಮಾಗ್ತಾಂವ್.

Kuwait,13 Feb 2019: SWAK celebrates annual feast in grandeur

Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the presidentship of Alban D’Souza celebrated its pfeast (Vodlen Fest) at the Indian Community School Auditorium Khaitan on February 8.
Our Lady of Health Church Shirva

The SWAK programme began with a warm welcome by compere Manohar Prabhu and an opening prayer by Urban D’Souza, followed by a welcome song by the committee members. President Alban D’Souza formally welcomed the gathering, and Secretary Lona D’Souza presented the annual report highlighting SWAK’s achievements.

The felicitation session was graced by Chief Guests Fr. Noel D’Almeida and Vallie D’Sa, who inaugurated the feast by cutting the cake. Fr. Noel D’Almeida delivered the feast message, and meritorious students, sponsors, outstanding members, and media personnel were honored for their contributions.

Special recognition was given to Shelton Pinto for his achievement in Gulf Voice of Mangalore, along with musical performances and a variety of cultural programmes including dances, comedy, and beat-boxing. Games, spot prizes, lucky dip, and housie added excitement to the event.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice President Alwyn D’Souza, grace before meals by Fr. Noel D’Almeida, energetic music by DJ Alister Gomes, and a grand buffet dinner, marking a successful and joyful celebration.

MANASA PAMBOOR

Pamboor 11 Nov 2017: SWAK President Mr. Alban D’Souza is presenting aid collection amount to MANASA during their 20th Anniversary event at MANASA Pamboor.

Shirva, Nov 8: On the occasionof the 20th founders’ day celebrations, members of Shirva Varado Samithi of Catholic Sabha visited mentally-challenged children’s school, ‘Manasa’ at Pamboor on November 6. The school was started 20 years ago by the Shirva and Pangala units and later was handed over to Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh.

Members of the Varado Samithi conducted various entertainment programmes for children at the school. Alban D’Souza, president of SWAK-KUWAIT of Shirva parish, conducted a mega event in Kuwait on 20 nov 2017 to aid the school during the Bi-decennial Project.Shirva Varado Samithi felicitated Alban D’Souza on the occasion.

ಸೂಚನ್

ಕುವೈಟಾಂತ್ ವಾವ್ರ್ ಕರುನ್ ಆಸಾಯ್?.

ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ಸಾಂಧೊ ಜಾವ್ನ್ ದುಬ್ಯಾ ಭಾವಾ ಭಯ್ಣ್ಕಿಕ್ ಕುಮೊಕ್ ಕರುಂವ್ಕ್ ಆಶೆತಾಯ್?ವೆಗಿಂಚ್ ಸ್ವಾಕಚೊ ಸಾಂದೊ ಜಾ! ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ಕಾರ್ಯಕಾರಿ ಸಮಿತಿಚೊ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ್ ಕರ್!.

SWAK PICNIC 2015

Kuwait, Nov 26: Mr.Alban Francis D'Souza has been elected as the new president of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) for the year 2017-2018 during the annual general body meeting held on 2 Dec 2016 at Sara complex Salmiya in Kuwait.

Earlier, after the welcome prayer by Mr. Felix Serrao, outgoing president Mr.Alwyn D'Souza welcomed the members present at the AGM and thanked for the excellent support provided by them and expressed his happiness over the association getting stronger day by day. General secretary Mrs. Doris Veena Lobo presented the annual report and treasurer Cleven Fernandes presented the financial report of the year. The new office bearers were elected for various positions. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the vice-president and a delicious buffet breakfast.

Mr. Alban Francis D'Souza has been elected as the new president

MEETING OF ASSOCIATIONS IN KUWAIT FROM UDUPI DIOCESE WITH VICAR GENERAL OF UDUPI DIOCESE

Rev. Fr. Baptist Menezes ,Vicar General of Udupi Diocese,during his visit to Kuwait in the second week of September, met the representatives of various Associations of Udupi Diocese in Kuwait and briefed about the Mission of Udupi Diocese and its Pastoral Plan 2025.

SWAK to host a charity show Wilson Olivera Nite

Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait has unveiled the teaser for the upcoming “Wilson Olivera Nite”  a Konkani Musical extravaganza slated to be held in Kuwait on October 20, 2017 at American International School, Salmiya (Maidan Hawally) Kuwait.

ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಹಾಂಕಾ ಸನ್ಮಾನ್

Rev. Fr. Xavier Gomes with SWAK Managing Committee during his recent visit to Kuwait

The recipient of SWAK award for the Year 2011 is Mr.Archie Meneges for his dedicated work to the Community . SWAK has awarded him for the various services rendered.

The recipient of SWAK award for the Year 2010 is Mr.Paul D'souza for his dedicated work to the Shirva Parish & Mangalore Diocese . SWAK has awarded him for the various services rendered.

The recipient of SWAK award for the Year 2010 is Mr. Simon Pinto for his dedicated work to the Shirva Parish. SWAK has awarded him for the various services rendered.

In 2009 SWAK honored Mr. Pascal Pinto .Social Worker, prominent leader as well as Senior NRI in Kuwait, for his community service.

2011 ವರ್ಸಾಚ್ಯಾ ರಚನಾ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ವಿಜೇತ್ ಅನಿ ಸೀಜರ್ಸ್ ಗ್ರೂಪ್ ಅನಿ ರೆಸ್ಟೊರೆಂಟ್ ಹಾಚೆ ಮ್ಹಾಲ್ಹಕ್ ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ, ಹಾಂಕಾ ಸನ್ಮಾನ್ ಕರ್ಚೆಂ ಕಾರ್ಯೆಂ CAESARS DAKSHIN RESTAURENT, ABBASIYA ಹಾಂಗಾ ಚಲವ್ನ್ ವ್ಹೆಲೆಂ.

ಹ್ಯಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಾಂತ್ ಶಿರ್ವಾಂ ಫಿರ್ಗಜೆಚೆ ವಿಗಾರ್ ವಾರ್ ಮಾನಾಧಿಕ್ ವಿಗಾರ್ ಬಾಪ್ ಸ್ಟೇನಿ ತಾವ್ರೊ ಹಾಂಚ್ಯಾ ಸಾಂಗಾತ ಸ್ವಾಕ್’ ಚ್ಯಾ ಆಡಳ್ತ್ ಸಮಿತಿಚ್ಯಾ ಸರ್ವ್ ಸಾಂದ್ಯಾನಿ ಪಾತ್ರ್ ಘೆತ್ಲೊ.

ಆದ್ಯಕ್ಶಾನ್ ಸಯ್ರಾಂಕ್ ಫುಲಾಂಚೊ ತುರೊ ದೀವ್ನ್ ಯೆವ್ಕಾರ್ ಕೆಲೊ. ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಎಡ್ರಿಯನ್ ಗೋಮ್ಸ್ ಅನಿ ಮಾನೆಸ್ತ್ ಅನಿಲ್ ಮಿನೇಜಸ್ ಹಾಣಿ ಲಾರೆನ್ಸ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ ಹಾಂಕಾ ಶಾಲ್ ಪಾಂಗ್ರುನ್ ಉಲ್ಲಾಸ್ ಪಾಟಯ್ಲೊ. ಉರ್ಬಾನ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ’ನ್ ಮಾನ್ ಪಾತ್ರ್ ವಾಚ್ಲೆಂ. ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಶ್ ಆಲ್ವಿನ್ ಡಿಸೋಜಾ’ನ್ ಸ್ವಾಕ್ ತರ್ಫೆನ್ ಸ್ವೀಟ್ಸ್ ದೀವ್ನ್ ಅಭಿನಂದನ್ ಕೆಲೆಂ. ಉಪ್ರಾಂತ್ ರುಚಿಕ್ ಜೆವ್ಣಾ ಸವೆಂ ಕಾರ್ಯೆಂ ಸಪ್ಲೆಂ.

Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) is pleased to invite all its members and families residing in Kuwait to the Yearly Feast of the Patron of our Native Church, Our Lady of Health, Shirva, which is celebrated on February 6, 2026.

Our members, children, and relatives will present their talents during the festival, offering wholesome entertainment to the gathering. This also reflects the prime motto of our association of promoting education and extending assistance to needy people.

We request your gracious presence along with your family and relatives to join us in prayer and fellowship and make this feast a meaningful and joyful occasion.

Our members will contact you personally this week.

If anyone is missed in the calling list, kindly contact our Secretary or President to reserve your seats.

Patroness

Kuwait: Clifford D'Souza Elected New President of SWAK 2012-2013:

Kuwait, Nov 26: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK), elected its new office bearers for the year 2012-2013.during the annual general body meeting held on 25 Nov 2011 at "The Village Inn Hotel" Kuwait City.

SHIRVA WELFARE ASSOCIATION KUWAIT (SWAK) – HOSTS FUN FILLED FAMILY PICNIC: 07 NOV 2014:

It was a pleasure excursion by members, families and friends of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) on Friday, November 7th at the Messilah Beach, Kuwait.

Year after year, SWAK has consistently staged this calendar event with oneness of mind. This was an opportune moment to spend quality time together as well as a much needed relaxation after much hard work all through the year for the cause, ideals and motto that Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) unflinchingly commits itself to Committee member Mr. Felix Serrao led the gathering in prayer and thanking Almighty God for all his blessings for uniting the SWAK family together.

President Alwyn D’Souza was enthusiastic in his welcome address and wished one and all an enjoyable picnic. In his address he felt ecstatic about the fact, this year picnic has been organized at Messilah Beach which is one of the most favorite outings place in Kuwait.Snacks and soft drinks were served earlier in the day to energize the participants. The turnout for the picnic was significant in numbers.

SWAK CELEBRATES ANNUAL PARISH FEAST 2014:

Kuwait, Feb 8: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the leadership of Alwyn Naveen D’Souza celebrated its Patron feast (Vodlen Fest) at the SalmiyaIndian Model School (SIMS) Auditorium, Salmiya, on Friday February 7.

The programme commenced with the introduction of Dr Manohar Prabhu, MC of the day by Clifford D'Souza, followed by a prayer by Regina Serrao. Committee members sang a welcome song for which lyrics were written by Lancy Rodriguesand music was provided by music maestro Adrian Gomes. President of SWAK Alwyn D’Souza officially welcomed the guests and thanked all themembers for their support. Secretary Doris Lobo read out the annual reporthighlighting the achievements of SWAK. During the felicitation ceremony, Fr Noel D' Almeida and Tressy Sanctis were thechief guests. The committee members along with Fr Noel and Tressy Sanctis cut thecake to symbolically start the feast, after which Fr Noel D' Almeida delivered the feast message.

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