Mangalore: Karavali Konkans to Confer Kala Award on Benna Ruzai
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Jun 14: City-based Karavali Konkans will confer its 'Kala Award' for the year 2012 on Benna Ruzai for his outstanding contribution to Konkani literature and theatre.

This was announced at a get-together organized by Karavali Konkans at Don Bosco Hall here on June 13.
 
Prior to the announcement of the award, a muhurtam ceremony of ‘Misther’ (mystery), a social play was held. The play will be staged on August 15 at Don Bosco hall at 5.30 pm as part of the annual programme of the association.

Addressing the gathering, Fr William Menezes, PRO of Mangalore diocese, said that Benna's talent had added greater stability to Konkani literature. "Let such talent grow, entertaining people and disseminating Konkani language across the globe," he said. He assured his prayers and support to all those who show special concern for the language.
 
Benna Ruzai, writer of ‘Misther’ expressed his deep sense of joy for being recognized for his efforts. "This award means a lot to me. I have used apt vocabulary, dialogues and my utmost knowledge in the play," he said. 

Presenting the synopsis of the social drama, Benna explained that the play is based on contemporary lifestyle. "Even though it was written 30 years ago, it is relevant to the present day and to the years to come. The drama is basically about a family dispute sprinkled with wit, suspicion and twist," he added.
 
Handing over a copy of the script to the artistes, Avitas Adolphus Cutinho, populary known as 'Dolla', director of the drama, explained the characters of the play.
 
Raymond Lobo, senior artiste, Meena Rebimbus, Minna, wife of Benna were present on the dais.

Leslie Rego, president welcomed and anchored the programme, while Claude D’Souza, secretery of Karavali Konkans thanked the gathering.
 
Karavali Konkans Mangalore, established in 1994, supports and promotes Konkani theatre activities in and around Mangalore. It has instituted the ‘Karavali Konkan Kala Award’ from last year to recognize veteran artistes who have made significant contributions to Konkani theatre. The award consists of Rs 50,000 in cash, a shawl and a memento.
 
The association led by ace compere Leslie Rego had conferred this award last year on J B D'Souza, Kulshekar for his contribution to Konkani theatre.
 

About Benedict Miranda
 
Popularly known as Benna Ruzai, Benedict Miranda is a playwright and journalist.
 
As a playwright, he has written and staged many social and religious plays. 'Shirap', 'Hanv Kunnigar Nhoim', 'Bernadett', 'Misther' are some of his plays.
 
Under the banner Benar, he staged many Konkani plays in and around Mangalore, during 80s and 90s and has encouraged many a upcoming talents.
 
He was the sub-editor of Maiganv in the 80s. He won the Konkani Kuttam Bahrain award in the year 2003.
 
His wife Minna Ruzai is also a stage actress.