A Generation Walk the Ramp event at the Forum Fiza mall on Kannada Rajyothsava had 130 golden girls of Mangalore out in their best colours, strutting down the ramp with their children and grandchildren in tow. They then sang and danced to their heart’s content before taking their turns on the Chair of Honour, where they received gifts and prizes.
Mamatha Rebello was declared Mrs Photogenic, Shivakanya became Mrs Stylish. Prof Dr Olinda Pereira all of only 96 years was the Chief Guest and called upon all members of this one family to be happy and make others happy.
Devika Purushottam, international yoga trainer, examiner and coach, demonstrated pranayamas and mudras for healthy and happy living.
4-year-old Eshani Baliga stole the show with a lovely song after which her mother Pramila Baliga sang ‘My heart will go’ from the movie Titanic.
The event was the brainchild of Maria D’Costa, Director, UXCEL Institute of Excellence, Mangalore and sponsored by Rotary Bantwal and Rotary Mangalore Downtown. Seminarians from St Joseph Inter diocesan Seminary-Jeppu, Mangaluru volunteered, and event management was by Team Hisrar Events and Celebrations.
Rotary Governor-Elect Ranganath Bhat presided over the event and appreciated the community spirit of Maria D’Costa and the team of sponsors and organisers for arranging the event. In his own words “As a Governor of these two Rotary Clubs joined in this event, I am overwhelmed to be associated with this unique event, where we made the elders happy and send them home smiling”. Florida Almeida sang ‘Waving Flag’ and the vote of thanks was given by Savitha Salian of UXCEL.
Living out their youth again, the golden girls showed off their skills at oration, singing, and other stage performances.
The evening ended with the elders dancing to the beat of traditional Mangalore bailas.