Our Nurses Our Future. The Economic Power of Care
Konkani Cultural Association – UK (KCA UK) organized a heartfelt Nurses Day event on 11th May 2024, celebrating the dedication and hard work of nurses within our community. The event, meticulously planned and delivered by the dedicated men and women of KCA, was a testament to the profound impact of nursing on society.
The event, held at Krystal Banquet Hall in Urmston, was a lively and memorable occasion, filled with gratitude and admiration for the noble profession of nursing.
The festivities commenced with a Roman Catholic thanksgiving mass, offering gratitude for the selfless service of nurses. The choir, led by Stan Mendonca and accompanied by Sujith Rodrigues on piano, filled the air with soul-stirring hymns. Notably, the choir consisted solely of men, adding a unique and powerful dimension to the proceedings.
The evening commenced with a grand catwalk, as nurses gracefully entered the stage, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to honoring their invaluable contributions. Master of Ceremonies, Joseph Sequiera, delivered a touching introduction, expressing profound respect and admiration for the nurses' unwavering commitment.
Following the introduction, Stany Rodrigues led a prayer, invoking blessings for the nurses and their tireless service. The President of KCA UK, Sujith Rodrigues extended a warm welcome to all attendees, setting a welcoming atmosphere for the evening's festivities.
Vinod Barboza, dressed as a nurse, took the stage to pay tribute to the nurses, highlighting their dedication and sacrifice through an ode delivered with heartfelt sincerity. A series of captivating slide shows showcased the experiences and journeys of each nurse present, providing a platform for them to share their inspiring stories.
The highlight of the evening came with the cake-cutting ceremony, where all nurses were invited on stage to commemorate their collective achievements. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, a lively TikTok session led by Sonal Mendonca added an element of fun and camaraderie to the event. The nurses were gifted with wrapped and personalized mugs made by Tariq and Flavia Lodhi and sponsored by Ajith Rego.
As the cocktails bar opened, nurses were treated to a guided dance led by Sonal Mendonca, adding a touch of elegance and entertainment to the proceedings. Dr. Gajanan gifted self-care books and delivered an insightful speech, emphasizing the importance of self-care for nurses. Ajith Rego was the DJ and Vinjoy Rego did the photography.
A variety of Indian cuisine was served, followed by captivating performances by the trio Sarah Barboza, Richelle Rodrigues, Raizel Rodrigues. Sonal Mendonca choreographed a rib-tickling performance, depicting the humorous patient-nurse relationship danced with grace and personality by Stany Rodrigues, Dominic Kumar, Vinjoy Rego, Santhosh Pinto, Sujith Rodrigues, and Vinod Barboza.
The evening continued with an engaging game led by Vivek Cutinha. Santhosh Pinto delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all nurses for their invaluable service and dedication.
As the event drew to a close, attendees were invited to dance the night away, celebrating the spirit of nursing and the bonds of camaraderie forged throughout the evening. It was a night filled with appreciation, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude, honoring the selfless heroes who tirelessly serve our community.
