Mangalore: Gavin-Vaishnavi, Silver Steppers win Yaya Ind-Ya Mayaya dance contest
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, May 20: The much-awaited grand finale of Yaya Ind-Ya Mayaya, the first all-India Konkani dance contest, held at Kalaangann here on Sunday May 19, saw electrying performances that won the hearts of not only the judges but the audience too who enjoyed every minute of the evening.
At the end of four fascinating rounds, two each in duet and group categories, the contestants from Mangalore made a clean sweep of the contest in both categories.
The pair of Gavin Rodrigues and Vaishnavi Pavithran rocked the stage with their stupendous performances in baila and ultimate dance rounds, and went on to win the top honours in the duet category. They were followed by first runners-up Pavinta Monteiro and Puneeth Monteiro from Kasargod, second runners-up Nayana Prasanna Prabhu and Shwetha Bilgikar, Kumta, Honnavar, Akash Telgu and Aaditi Morajkar, Goa who bagged the third runner-up spot, and Shilpa Gonsalves and Shwetha K Naik, Honnavar who were the fourth runner-up.
The winners were presented with Rs 50,000 cash prize, while the first runner-up received Rs 15,000 and second runner-up Rs 10,000. The third and fourth runners-up were given Rs 5,000 each. The top three pairs were also presented with trophies, gift hampers, certificates and bouquets.
In the group category, it was the Silver Steppers group from Bejai, Mangalore that walked away with the top honours, showcasing their prowess in folk and contemporary styles of dances in the two rounds. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lac, a trophy, a gift hamper, certificate and bouquet.
Drishti Art Centre, Bangalore impressed the judges with their moves and bagged the first runners-up spot, followed by Adwitiya Dance Company, Vasai, Mumbai. Both these teams received Rs 30,000 each along with trophies, gift hampers, certificates and bouquets. Team Kayyar from Kasargod and Nayana Prasanna & party, Kumta, Honnavar came fourth and fifth, and each took home a prize money of Rs 10,000.
Addressing the gathering during the stage function that followed the contest, main spoonsor of the event Ronald Colaco, entrepreneur and philanthropist, lauded new MLA J R Lobo, who was also present, and said, "All our dreams have come true as have got a highly deserving candidate. Our main aim is to live with dignity and peace, without which there is no meaning to our living. I hope henceforth we can live with peace and dignity."
Commenting on the contest, he said, "The performances by the Konkani artistes have been amazing. I feel fortunate to be associated with Mandd Sobhaan for the last 22 years. Eric Ozario and his team have beenbreaking all records with their activities. We can say they have taken Konkani to new heights. Never before has any organization contributed so much to Konkani. In every activity they come up with innovative ideas. There was a time when Konkani programmes were not much liked by people, but now people have started liking them because of programmes organized by Mandd Sobhann. They brought about a transformation in Konkani and shown to the world what Konkani is."
He further added, "This show has created a platform for artistes from four states. Mandd Sobhann can do anything, undoubteldy. I feel previliged to be part of the show."
Launding Mandd Sobhann, J R Lobo in his address said, "I feel proud to witness this all-India level event. The Konkani flag is flying high and the credit mainly goes to Mandd Sobhann."
He added, "I am standing here before you mainly because of people's support, and I wish to use this platform as the right moment to thank the people. Many people have supported me in my victory, including Ronald Colaco who holds a large share of the credit. I will try to fulfil all your dreams."
Ronald Colaco honoured J R Lobo on the occasion. Sponsors were also felicitated. Colaco also handed over the prizes to the winners.
Judges for the contest were Pramod Alva, finalist of national reality show India's Got Talent, Ramesh Nair, dance director and choreographer, and Chethan Salian, dancer, director and choreographer.
Eric Ozario, who announced the winners, thanked everyone who supported the event and worked for its success. "This success is the fruit of nine months of effort," he said.
Fr Vincent D'Souza, parish priest of Bela, Ronald Mendonca, chairman of governing council, Kalanngann, wife Loreen, Stanly Fernandes, chairman of MCC Oman, poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Stany Alvares, president of Mandd Sobhann, Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, Avil D'Cruz of Nach Sobhann, Louis J Pinto, and Eric Ozario, convener of the event organizing committee were present.