Feast of Divine Mercy celebrated at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore - 4/11/2010
Fr Steve OCDThe Feast of Divine Mercy was celebrated with devotion and gusto at Infant Jesus Shrine Mangalore on 11th April, 2010. The festal Eucharistic celebration which was held at 5.15 pm was preceded by an hour long Eucharistic Adoration and intercessory prayers for the needs of the world and humankind. Christian faithful who had gathered in great number received the sacrament of Confession and there by experienced the unbounded mercy of God. Rev. Fr. John Sequeira, Director of Ryshivana, International Institute of Spirituality and Yoga presided over the Mass. In his homily he stressed on the need of believing in the unconditional love of God and his mercy towards humanity and he appealed the faithful, to be merciful as the Almighty is to us.
The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Octave of Easter (the Sunday after Easter Sunday), is a relatively new addition to the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. Celebrating the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ, as revealed by Christ Himself to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, this feast was extended to the entire Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000, the day that he canonized Saint Faustina. Concerning the Feast of Mercy Jesus said: Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina 300)
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Mataro Charbela 44th Show of Konkani Drama at Bandra-Mumbai - 4/11/2010
Rons BantwalMumbai, Apr 11: The 45th show of ‘Mataro Chorbela’, the Konkani comedy play by playwright and dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia, directed by Joy Paladka, was staged at Ranga Sharada Auditorium, Bandra Reclamation Grounds, Bandra (West), on Sunday April 11. Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus was remembered prior to the start of the programme, with compere of the event Clement Lobo mentioning Wilfy’s contribution to the success of the play.
The title song has been composed by Wilfy and sung by him and Meena. A minute’s silence was observed to pay respect to the departed legend.
The play was staged during the 40th annual day celebration of Frank Productions Mumbai, promoted by Cascia.
The play is fast approaching the record of being the highest staged Mangalorean Catholic play in history. The 50th show will be staged at Udyavar after shows in Kaikamba, Nirkan, Mudarangady, and Puttur.
‘Hasanathlo Piso’ by Sunny D'Souza’s is the only other play staged 33 times in six years in Mangalorean Konkani history, but Cascia’s play is heading towards its golden jubilee show within a span of just 30 months.
Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld.com, was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, Nandalike said that dramatist Cascia has played a vital role in promoting Konkani worldwide.
“Cascia is a role model for today’s younger generation. He smiles and keeps others smiling with his jovial nature and comical acting, whether it is on or off stage. He keeps tension away and entertains people wherever he goes”, he added.
He complimented team Mataro Chorbela for nearing its golden jubilee show and for preparing to stage the play in Israel.
Noted advocate Pius Vaz of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the guest of honour. He commended Cascia’s lifetime commitment to Konkani theater and also his organizational ability in nurturing the drama troupe.
Frank Productions Mumbai founder and convener Francis Fernandes Cascia welcomed the gathering. Director Joy Paladka proposed the vote of thanks while Clement Lobo Nakre compered the programme.
Despite several shows in Mumbai in the past two years, there was a packed audience and additional scenes and dialogues kept the audience focused though there were many who were not watching the play for the first time.
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GRAND SUCCESS OF U.A.E.KEMMANNU FLOWER’S OUTDOOR PICNIC PARTY AT ‘SAFA PARK’ 2010-04-09 - 4/11/2010
Media Release
GRAND SUCCESS OF U.A.E.KEMMANNU FLOWER’S OUTDOOR PICNIC PARTY AT ‘SAFA PARK’ 2010-04-09
Dubai-April 11: Long awaited out-door picnic party of ‘Kemmannu Flowers in Dubai, U.A.E was indeed a great success. The day started with a beautiful, cold winter wind, under the warm pleasant sunshine weather in Safa Park-Dubai. The events began at around 12:15 p.m. With the introduction speech by Mr. Stany D’cunha, followed with a prayer by Miss. Hazel Machodo. The President, Mr. Sydney D’Souza welcomed the crowd and explained the purpose of arranging this kind of family get-together. Around 90 Kemmanites and their friends attended the outdoor picnic. Team games for adults & kids games were conducted by Mrs. Clarice D’Souza, Mr. Donald Saldanha and Ms. Hazel Machado.
The fun filled day started with a warm up game for all, ‘the fruit salad’ and then followed by all exciting team games and kids games which thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The adult’s games were very exciting. Five groups were made amongst the crowd comprising of almost 12 members each. Several games were introduced to the groups like, Passing the ball, sack race, one legged relay race, cake eating, items game, advertisement skit game and tug of war. For children, lemon in spoon race, 3 legged race, passing the ball and running race were conducted. Points were given according to the group’s achievement in the respective games. Two groups that scored the highest were declared winners and runners up. Housie Housie was also the last item organized by the members.
All children and adults participated in the games with lot of enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Guessing of bananas in the “Gadai” was another fun filled game. Even though there was one winner for this ‘gadai’, bananas were eaten by all.
The entire day’s events were filled with enthusiasm and there was an atmosphere of enjoyment, smiles and laughter everywhere.
Fabulous prizes for the winners were given away and also some fantastic prizes like, blenders, mixers and ovens were sponsored by Kemmannu Flowers supporter, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Saldanha & Family, Dubai/Kemmannu. Mouth watering mangalorean food …yummy….along with ‘Goli Baje’ for tea, was served by Canara restaurant. Lunch was sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Crasto and family, Nairobi, Kenya/Kemmannu and sponsor for T-shirts was Mr. Sathish, CHILLY WILLY, Dubai.
Respected guests from Kemmannu, Mrs. Lilly D’Souza and Mrs. Alice Vegas were also present for the picnic. Vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Ida Fernandes
‘The kemmannu flowers - Outdoor Picnic 2010’ came to an end around 6.00pm. By the grace of almighty God and by the hard work of Kemmannu Flowers Committee members, Wow… the outdoor picnic party in Safa Park, Dubai was indeed a Grand Success!!!
Team Members ‘Kemmannu Flowers-UAE’
Photo Album 1: Kemmannu Flowers Picnic - 2010 Click Here
Photo Album 2: Kemmannu Flowers Picnic Click Here
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Mangalore Cricket Club KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Enthralls Doha - 4/11/2010
Vijay R Saldanha
The long wait of the Konkani community of Qatar came to an end at 5:30 in the evening of Friday, 9th April, 2010 with the staging of Mangalore Cricket Club’s annual mega show ‘Konkan Dabaazo- 2010’ in association with Al Saai Group, at the Al Ghazal Club auditorium. The program kicked off with the introduction by the cultural secretary Reena Castelino followed by the welcome song, composed and conducted by Remy D’Souza and sung by MCC members.
MCC President Alwyn D’Souza welcomed the gathering and spoke about the various activities of the club and invited the gathering to observe a minute’s silence in memory of ‘Konkan Kogull’ Sri Wilfy Rebimbus. As a mark of respect a condolence card, signed by MCC’s committee members was presented to his daughter Veena Rebimbus Pais and her husband Arthur Pais. A ’Condolence Book’ was also opened to the audience.
A well known social worker, a renowned actor and a past president of MCC, Mr Vivian D’ Souza was honoured with a memento by the Guest of Honor Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino, in recognition of his service to the community. Vice President Mr. Rocky Fernandes introduced Mr. Vivian to the gathering. Mr.Vivian thanked the community for giving him the opportunity to serve them.
‘Mr. World’ Raymond D’Souza , the first ever Indian to win the prestigious title and numerous other accolades was felicitated by the Chief Guest, Mr.M.R.Qureshi, Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy, Doha. General Secretary Mrs. Riana Pinto introduced Mr. Raymond D’souza to the gathering.
Mr.Siraj Ahamed of Inland Builders, Mangalore, the event sponsors was also presented with a memento. Later Siraj Ahmed released the relaunch of MCC’s new website www.mccqatar.com
Chief Guest, Mr Qureshi also released the souvenir of the program and lauded the good work of MCC and thanked MCC for keeping India alive in Qatar.
Uttam Menezes from Dubai then kept the show going with his unique style of compering by rightly introducing every artiste, song and joke.
To the melodious music of lead guitarist and the band leader Roshan D’Souza and his teammates Richie Monteiro on the keyboard, Ashith Pinto on base guitar, RaviKumar on Rhythm guitar. Melwin Fernandes on drums, Adolf Jayathilak of ‘Ye Mana’ fame burst on to the Doha stage for the first time with the number ‘Volu Volu Pavlam kandun Ye…..’ which was rendered so effectively that it laid a perfect foundation to the program which ran for almost five hours. Adolf went on to sing many of the popular songs including ‘Yore pavsa yo’,’Abolya’, ‘Dingri Dinga’ during the show.
Who’s fault is it? – probably no one knows, that without our own Ronnie D’Cunha, no show is a show, no CD is a CD. He loves singing and people love him. The unparalleled singer in a class of his own, opened with the ageless number ‘Kontaar Korun Dis Mhoje Saartham …’ originally sung by legendary Mohd Rafi and scored by Chris Perry, and took the older generation in the audience down the memory lane, to their childhood, to the HMV time. Rony also rendered beautifully, as he always does, songs like ‘Angelina’, ‘Nil nil Gaganar’, ‘Ago baye tuja rupak pisvola’ to the delight and satisfaction of the huge crowd. Later on, during the show, Rony D’Cunha paid tribute to his ‘Guru’ Late Mr.Rebimbus by singing two lines of a song, in his honour.
Rony and Adolf set the tempo with the hugely popular duet ‘chedvam borim amchea gavachim’ by MickMax to the much delight of the crowd and there was not looking back as the mood just got better and better.
There was no dearth of talent on the stage. The twinkling star in the Konkani music horizon, winner of ‘Soad 2’ ‘Rani Kogull’ Lavita Lobo with her opening number, mesmerized the gathering, young and old, and succeeded in holding them mesmerized throughout the show, demonstrating that she has matured in singing much beyond her small age.
Reshma Cutinho from Dubai, with her melodious voice captivated the hearts of many with some beautiful numbers “Aashethali hanv’ and ‘Dees te Nenthyaponale’ . Reshma & Lavita in their duet numbers were a perfect blend and also matched well with Adolf and Rony.
King of comedy Jerry Rasquinha and Duje (Joseph) this time appeared in changed roles – the role of the comedians. Within the span of five hours Jerry became a child, a monkey catcher, became pregnant and delivered the comedy which had the crowd in splits. Duje had transplants and could not decide on what gender he wanted to be. Nevertheless, they proved one thing – the best of comedy could be the simplest one – it is only how you time and deliver it.
The famous ‘Ocean Kids’ from Dubai Farah Pinto, Sarah Pinto, Shilpa, Rithesh Rosario, Anoop & Pullikunnu with Choreographer Vinod Sequeira added colour and glamour to the melody of songs with perfectly choreographed and executed dances, which were hugely appreciated. Doha’s own teenagers Sana Britto, Cybil D’Souza, Rhea Castelino, Rupal Aroza, and Nicole Pinto beautifully performed the dance to Adolf’s ‘Yore Pausa yo’.
On the star studded stage was another bright star, a star that has been shining for more than two decades – the one and only – Raymond D Souza, the muscle man who put India on the world map of body building by winning the prestigious ‘Mr World’ title in 1990. He inspired the youth with the show of his still flexing muscles to have fitter bodies while he proved to the old that age is no barrier where there is a will. At 49, after more than 25 years of bodybuilding, he still had every crease in every muscle deep and sharp. The demo spoke for itself why and how Raymond became ‘Mr. World’.
Mr Sunil D Silva proposed the vote of thanks. The evening concluded with more than 15 minutes of non-stop Baila to which boisterous young and old danced to their hearts’ content.
Mr Franky Quadros of Al Amer Garage was the Main sponsor, Inland Builders from Mangalore were the event sponsors. while Integral Food Services and Construction Development Co. (CDC) were the Associate sponsors of the evening.
Sponsorship announcements we managed by Mr. Bonaventure D’souza, Mrs. Dephney Lobo, Mr.Ronnie Fernandes and Mrs. Prafulla Sequeira.
Overall, the show was a mega Konkani variety entertainment event like never before in Qatar and had something for everyone present. However, It was sad to realize that a lot of people had to go back for lack of parking space.
The organizers take this opportunity to thank the Al Sai Group, all the sponsors, benefactors, well wishers, guest artistes from Mangalore, Dubai and Kuwait, our own local artistes, the excellent audience and all those who have helped in organizing this , one of its kind mega event, involving 19 guests and 21 local artistes, for their support and co-operation. MCC especially thanks the Indian Embassy, Qatar for their support in all its activities.
Photo Album 1: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
Photo Album 2: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
Photo Album 3: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
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Mangalore Cricket Club KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Enthralls Doha - 4/11/2010
Vijay R SaldanhaDoha, 11 April 2010: A rare and unique opportunity for all Konkani music lovers in Qatar Mangalore Cricket Club MCC Qatar in association with Al Saai Group proudly presents KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 on Friday 09 April 2010, evening at the Al Ghazal Club, Doha a Show with a difference, a one of the kind Konkani variety entertainment like never before in Qatar.. The evening was a complete package of high class music, scintillating Dances, rib tickling Comedy of the highest order with professional artistes from Mangalore , Kuwait and Dubai.
Guests of the event Mr. M.R. Qureshi, Second Secretary of Indian Embassy and Mr. V.N. Goel, Attache of Indian Embassy and Fr. Anand Castelino, Asst. Parish Priest Doha Parish and Mr. Vivian D’Souza, Secretary of Parish Council Doha and Mr. Raymond D’Souza, ‘Mr. World’ and other guests were called upon the stage along with MCC President Mr. Alwyn D’Souza by Cultural Secretary Mrs. Reena Castelino.
Mr. Vivian D’Souza, who is also the MCC advisory committee member, was felicitated on this occasion and his contribution to MCC and the community in general was praised. Konkan Kogul Late Wilfy Rebembus was remembered. A condolences book was placed which was signed by the guests and audience.
The whole program was compared by Mr. Uttam Menezes
The team from Mangalore comprising of singers Adolf Jayathilak, Lavita Lobo, musicians Roshan D’Souza, Ashith Pinto, Melwyn Fernandes and Richard Monterio and comedians Jerry Rasquinha and Joseph Pinto performed.
The Star attraction of the show was ‘Mr. World’ Raymond D’Souza. Crowd get crazy about his body building show.
From the Gulf there were singers Rony D’Cunha from Kuwait and Reshma Cutinho from Dubai along with the MC Uttam Menezes from Dubai . Popular Dance troupe from Dubai ‘Ocean Kids’ comprising of Sarah Pinto, Farah Pinto, Shilpa, Rithesh Rosario, Pullikunnu, Anup along with the choreographer Vinod Sequeira rocked the audience. The show was a big bundle of sheer, wholesome entertainment of the highest quality.
The event sponsors In-Land Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd, Mangalore will be represented by the dynamic Siraj Ahamed, the proprietor along with his three member delegation. Mr.Siraj, a workaholic, after serving The Grindlays Bank, Doha for a couple of years had a humble beginning in real estate business in the name of IN-LAND REAL ESTATE, Mangalore. His relentless efforts and hard work and most of all the trust placed in him by his clients resulted in the rapid growth of the company which turned out to be one of the most reliable real estate consultant firms in South India.
After gaining vast experience in the field of real estate, Mr.Siraj stepped into the construction business in the name of IN-LAND BUILDERS and has not looked back ever since. This actively involved him in the construction of many top class commercial and residential projects, thereby making him one among the top reputed builders. With the increasing success in Mangalore the company widened its area of operations taking Bangalore and Mysore into its fold. Over the past two decades, the company has grown from strength to strength, significantly both in terms of assets and turnover, establishing a considerable presence in the Construction industry in the cities of Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore.
In-Land Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd, Mangalore made a 15 minutes presentation on construction industry at the Konkan Dabaazo-2010.
The Mangalorean community members and the Konkani music lovers in Qatar attended this event in large numbers..
Vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Sunil D’Silva. It was a memorable evening filled with great entertainment. Mangalorean Cricket Club (MCC) needs a big round of applause for organizing such a wonderful event and the crowd would definitely look forward to more and more events like these in the future too.
Photo Album 1: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
Photo Album 2: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
Photo Album 3: MCC KONKAN DABAAZO 2010 Click Here
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Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industries Organised an enlightening Seminar - 4/10/2010
Rons BantwalChristian Chamber of Commerce and Industries Organised an enlightening Seminar on “MARKET OUTLOOK 2010 & WEALTH CREATION THRU’ EQUITIES AND MUTUAL FUNDS” The details of the program is as follows:
PROGRAMME
Date : Friday 9TH April, 2010
Time : 7.00 p.m. Registration and fellowship
: 7.30 pm - Seminar
Venue : Atithi Hotel, Vile Parle (E)
Speaker : MR. WINSTON NORONHA
Renowned speaker and trainer from IDFC MF.
Mr. Henry Lobo (President)
Mr. Vincent Mathias (Founder & Immidiate Past President)
Mr. John D'Silva & Mr. Antony Sequiera (Directors)
Mr. Alphonsus Corda & K.Swamy (Executive Secretaries) were on the Dais
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2500 crowd gatherd for the retreat of Fr. Franklins at Vasai - 4/10/2010
Ancy PaladkaMumbai, Apr 1: "What more happiness can a bishop get than attending a gathering in his diocese where people are joined for a retreat or for prayer ?" asked Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, Bishop of Vasai on 21 March 2010 at Sainagar ground, Vasai west during the concluding session of of a Konkani retreat organised by Vasai Konkani Welfare Association. The association had organised a two day Konkani Retreat of Fr. Franklin DSouza, Regional Youth Director of Karnataka on 20th and 21st in the open ground. 2500 Konkani people gathered for the retreat.
The concluding programme was organised on 21st March. Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado was the chief guest. Mr. Albert W DSouza, Chairman of ALDEL EDUCATION TRUST, Chairman of MODEL BANK and the Chairman of Printannia group was the guest of honour. Fr. Ozy Gonsalves, Parish Priest of St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Fr Valentine Pawkar, Parish Priest of Gonsalo Garcia Church and Sr. Celine of Nallasopara were the other guests. Mr Albert W DSouza spoke on the importance of education in bringing up our society. President Stephen Fernandes was present at the dais. Secretary Ancy S DSouza Paladka compered the programme.
Speaking during the occasion the Archbishop further said that "I appreceiate the effort of Vasai Konkani Welfare Association for arranging this retreat to meet the desire of people of one language. It is a good thing to be proud of our language because that is the window or the goal through which you believe in the marvelous creation of God. When people born and brought up in one language and that person moves to a place where nobody speaks their language. What loneliness they must be feeling. What sacrifice they were making. I wish such association is there during that time. Because I could see your joy while singing and listening to the word of God in your language."
Speaking about the imporance of unity the archbishop said that "I am happy to see the unity of Konkani speaking people. I am very happy that the Vasai Konkani Welfare Association has united Konkani People. Because we need to be united. If I am not united within myself. If I am not united within the place I live. How will I united with the church with the body of Christ ?" the archbishop questioned.
The retreat started at 4pm and ended at 9pm on both the days. The concluding ceremony started at 9pm and ended at 9.30pm. Archbishop Honoured Fr. Franklin DSouza with a Shawl. Br. William the musician of the group was also honoured with a memento.
The Bishop was received at the entrance and was taken to the stage by the committee members. The bishop blessed the gathering.
The theme of the Konkani retreat was "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."- (Psalm 147:3), "whoever comes to me I will never drive away"- (John 6:37b)", "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" - (Mark 1:15)
Fr. Franklin gave four talks during the retreat. They were 1. "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10), 2. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21b), 3. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:1-11), 4. "Jesus liberates us from the curse" (Sirach 3:1-17). Fr. Franklin in his talks gave more emphasis on strengthening the family bonds. Br. William enthralled the crowed with his melodious music and singing. On both days the hot cross buns were blessed and served to the entire crowd. The retreat was so touching that the tears fell from the people who attended the retreat.
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Up, up and away! Solar-powered plane that aims to fly around the world Takes off - 4/9/2010
Daily Mirror Solar Impulse slowly takes to the air after trundling along the runway at a maximum speed of 28mph
A solar-powered plane that has been built to fly around the world took to the skies yesterday on an historic 90-minute flight using not one ounce of fuel. Four propellers lifted the massive 'Solar Impulse' off the ground at a maximum speed of 28mph on the runway at a Swiss military airport.
The test flight by Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard's team was to see if the plane, which has the wingspan of a Boeing 747 and the weight of a small car, could keep a straight path. The team plans to fly it around the world in 2012.
Test pilot Markus Scherdel took the prototype plane to 3,280 feet before descending at a snail's pace and touching down smoothly to cheers from spectators.
 Members of the Solar Impulse team run along beside the plane as it takes off
Piccard, who in 1999 copiloted the first nonstop round-the-globe balloon flight with Sir Richard Branson, said: 'To fly without fuel, we have to make it fly in line.
There might be things that go wrong - maybe a technical problem, engine failure or a part breakdown.'
The £70 million project has been conducting 'flea-hop tests' since December, taking the plane no higher than 2ft in altitude and 1,000ft in distance. A night flight is planned later this year, and then a new plane will be built based on the results of those tests.
Using almost 12,000 solar cells, rechargeable lithium batteries and four electric motors, Piccard and co-pilot Andre Borschberg plan to take the plane around the world with stops to allow them to switch over and stretch after long periods in the cramped cockpit.
 The plane has the wingspan of a 747 and weighs the same as a small car
With the engines providing only 40 horsepower, the plane will fly almost like a scooter in the sky, at an average flight speed of 44 mph. The trip will be split up into five stages - keeping the plane in the air for up to five days at a time.
Solar flight isn't new but Piccard's round-the-world project is the most ambitious.
In 1980, the fragile Gossamer Penguin ultra-lightweight experimental solar plane flew short demonstration flights with one pilot on board. A more robust project called the Solar Challenger flew one pilot from France to England in a five-hour trip in 1981.
 Test pilot Markus Scherdel gains altitude in his cramped cockpit, taking the plane to 3,280ft before landing after his 90-minute flight
Solar plane technology recalls the early days of manned flight, and the slow ascent of the Solar Impulse was reminiscent of the Wright brothers pioneering experiments over a century ago.
'It's a very important moment after seven years of work,' said Borschberg.
Piccard comes from a long line of adventurers. His late father Jacques plunged deeper beneath the ocean than any other man, and grandfather Auguste was the first man to take a balloon into the stratosphere.
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Thunga Hospital Pvt. Ltd Inaugurated at Meera Road-E - 4/8/2010
Rons Bantwal
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Priyanka unveils Levi's ‘Change Your World’ campaign - 4/7/2010
photographs by Rons Bantwal Levi's completes 15 years in India. And we're blue in the face with joy. It's been a journey of discovery, of grand plans and humble learnings. Of ups, downs, trials and triumphs. We've gone a long way, from a pair of divinely crafted fabric that hugs the Indian youth with more passionate ardor than their lovers do, into something symbolic of essential style. It's evolved from a garment to the preferred college uniform, the rockstar's other label, a diva's oomph factor, the suit's cooler avatar and the geek's entry pass to cooldom. Levi's is, to most Indians, much more than a pair of trousers called out by a different name.
The Levi's heritage, its rich history, its legendary status has struck a chord in every country and continent, which has youngsters who aspire for freedom of expression and wish to belong to a truer, real, unfussy and unchained global community. This history is palpable even today. And who appreciates and understands history better than Indians.
After our eventful stay in India, we're sharing our joy, this feeling of achievement with the young people who dress in our jeans, and wear our philosophy with our latest and biggest ever campaign “Change Your World” which reaches out to our consumers on several levels be they music, art, or symbols of Americana.
Levi's has always stood for being original, for being the definitive statement for the free willed, able, strong, resilient, courageous, glorious and spirited. We plan to identify 15 youngsters who will embody our personality, and will bring about change in their own way, in their own worlds. We will then support them with grants of Rs.1 lakh each to help turn their Change Your World dream into reality.
 
As a part of this initiative, is a parallel effort to bolster the young rock scene in India. We plan to identify one promising band who will get a shot at fame and glory, by getting them a Levi's produced music video featuring Priyanka Chopra, and a chance to perform at a 3 city tour. Priyanka's support signals a new age of collaboration - with two icons coming together to give new music in India a fillip.
Commenting on the occasion, Levi's Brand Ambassador Priyanka Chopra said, “It’s great to be associated with an iconic brand like Levi's and be a part of the 'Change Your World' campaign. My life is a reflection of how we can change our life, and the amazing ideas & dreams we have when we turn 15! As much as it is about providing a platform to express yourself, Levi's CYW is also about inspiring & empowering people to follow their dreams!”
We’re also promoting new age musicians on our website, www.levi.in, where surfers can tune into a new brand of sound. The chart-topping band will be selected by the people of India - through an innovative new technology based on the platform of Music Cards - a part of the free celebration gifts consumers will get at Levi's stores this season.
Customized Chevy Beats, iPhones, MacBooks & iPod Shuffles up for grabs On another front, we’ve associated with Chevrolet and Apple to give youngsters who wear our jeans the coolest accessories from America, Levi's home country. These 'gifts' are not just incentives for those going shopping for bargains. They're quintessentially cool statements that mirror Levi's high design quotient, its effortless stylishness, its awe-inspiring simplicity and cult stature. Furthermore, they're supported by additional gifts that will be available to consumers in Levi's stores.
At the launch event, Shyam Sukhramani, Marketing Director, The Levi's Brand - India, said, “The journey over the last 15 years has been absolutely great. Levi's has had memorable moments that are etched in our minds. The ‘Change Your World’ campaign is truly a marvelous way to mark this milestone in the company's history. We owe our success to the army of Levi's wearers who choose and wear the brand with a great sense of passion. The Change Your World movement seems like the most appropriate way to give back to them.”
Here's to the next 15 years. We hope the world will have changed for the better by then. And that we'll have contributed in our own tiny little way.
Campaign Details
The grand prize of the customized Chevy Beats are part of a special collaboration between Levi’s and Chevrolet. A first of its kind collaboration in India, between two iconic American brands, the Levi’s + Chevy Beat custom-cut vehicles promise to define cool when it comes to changing your ride.
The Levi's Change Your World campaign was conceptualized by JWT, and shot and directed by renowned photographer Bharat Sikka. The music leg of the campaign is being managed by OML Records one of India's largest independent music labels. The digital leg of the campaign has been conceptualized and managed by Interakt Digital Solutions.
How it works is that as part of the campaign, customers of Levi’s this season will get a bonus card for every Rs.1000 spent at Levi’s. E.g. if a customer spends Rs.500, he/she gets 1 scratch card. If a customer spends Rs.1200, he/she gets 2 scratch cards. If he spends Rs.2300, he/she gets 3 scratch cards & so on…!
The customer would have to SMS the code on the scratch card to 54646 to get a chance to win from the amazing customized gifts on offer.
Over the next 10 weeks, the following gifts are up for grabs…
7 Levi's customized Chevy Beats
50 Levi's customized Apple MacBooks
150 Levi's customized Apple iPhones 3Gs
1500 Levi's customized Apple iPod Shuffles
And if you thought the celebrations stop at that, you're wrong!
There are slab-based gifts going too at Levi's stores across the country! These gifts include Levi’s Music Cards, Levi's Wristbands, Levi's Mobile Pouches, Levi's Drawstring Bags, and cool Levi's Clocks.
Levi Strauss (India) Pvt. Ltd.
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