Janet D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mississauga/Canada
Mississauga/Canada, Sep 18: The pièce de résistance on the evening of the traditional Monthi Fest on Sunday, September 11 at the Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga was the presentation of a much-deserved tribute and accolade in the form of a Mann Pothr and the title of “Konkani Ratn of Canada” to Gerry D’Mello Bendur. Gerry, as he is popularly known, is a humble, hugely talented, multi-dimensional, and generous individual who has devoted his life, time, and energy to promote and encourage our Konkani culture. From translating and writing Konkani scripts for dramas to composing exceptional lyrics and music, cheerfully volunteering his talents for any event, coordinating religious ceremonies, working tirelessly, and investing countless hours while sacrificing family and personal time to assist MAC’s Cultural coordinators and being an ardent staunch advocate of MAC, Gerry is hugely respected and admired by everyone within and outside of the community. Led in a procession to the stage by MAC members and accompanied by his wife, Lucy D’Mello, Gerry was draped with a shawl as a sign of respect and admiration by Maxim D’Mello.
Ronald Fernandes, former president of MAC presented Gerry with a memento to commemorate his numerous accomplishments and Fr Roshan D’Souza offered Gerry a basket of delicious fruit. Manohar Pais did an exceptional job of reading the Maan Pothr offering everyone in the audience a glimpse and insight into the meaningful and outstanding achievements of Gerry and then presented him a framed copy of the Maan Pothr. In this thank you address, Gerry in his unpretentious and humble way, thanked the association his for bestowing this honor on him and vowed to continue his work towards strengthening and solidifying the presence and influence of the Konkani language, traditions, and culture.
Gerry is was also lauded for penning and composing the first ever unique and original MAC theme song dedicated to late Fr Edwin D’Souza which was released on the occa by Fr Roshan D’Souza, the spiritual director of MAC. At the helm of the release was Manohar Pais, a tremendously talented personality, who highlighted the vision and the creative efforts behind the theme song. The evocative and profound lyrics and tune were set by Gerry D’Mello Bendur, music programming, audio recording and mixing was done by Ashith Glen Pinto, harmony was done by Alwyn Noronha and the cinematography and editing was done by Aman Chandak. Using beautiful locales and settings such as Niagara Falls, CN Tower, various parks and beaches, the theme song enveloped its listeners with warmth and accentuated the fundamental principles and accomplishments of MAC.