Daijiworld News Network
Canada, Feb 16: Lying in the Western coast and touching the Arabian Sea, Mangalore is best known for its places of worship, green fields, water falls, stunning beaches and, most importantly, its rich culture and heritage.
Today Mangalore is a fascinating blend of the new and old. The classic Yakshagana, an elaborate dance to the beats of drums and the Hulivesha (Tiger dance) comfortably mingle with the jives and the bollywood Hindi entertainment. Different languages, festivals and traditions make their home in Mangalore. Konkani is one of the popular languages of Mangalore together with Tulu, a beautiful Dravidian language and Kannada.
The traits of culture of coastal Karnataka are so ingrained in the people of this stretch of land that even when they go abroad on employment or migrate for permanent settlement, they would still try in every way to keep the culture from their roots alive and keep it fresh in memory.
Under the able leadership and initiative of Max Mendes Group, a strong champion of Konkani culture, events have been organized to revive and promote interest and curiosity about this wonderful heritage in a distant place. Max Mendes Group and friends have established a platform and presented a golden opportunity for artistes in Canada to demonstrate and exhibit their talents and skills. This platform is none other than "Konkan Kala Sanz".
The mandate of this programme is to inspire and instill a sense of belonging and identity within the people of Konkan region living in Canada and more importantly, a sense of pride in the children who strive to find their roots in a foreign land.
Children and adults are encouraged to be enthusiastic participants on this wonderful occasion. Categorization of different disciplines like dancing, singing and acting is guaranteed to provide a myriad of possibilities for people of all age-groups and proficiencies.
This event promises to be entertaining while presenting an avenue to learn more about the country of our ancestors. While Konkani will be in predominant focus of the function, participants are welcome to involve themselves in a language of their choice. Details of "Konkan Kala Sanz" are posted on the website www.canaraworld.com.
Max Mendes spoke to Daijiworld.com about the impending show:
What is the purpose of holding a talent show of this kind?
To keep our heritage and to promote our culture and also to bring the youth together.
What other goals do you want to accomplish through this?
These types of events also provide an opportunity for our youngsters to mix and mingle together and display their talents. It also provides an opportunity for the Mangloreans to show their talents.
Was the Wilfy Nite show able to revive the spirit and bring together the Mangloreans?
Yes, it was a platform for the artistes as well. It was indeed a good cause for the Mangloreans to join together for cultural events.
What are your future plans?
We intend to keep the Konkani light burning and plan to have at least one programme a year to promote our language and community together.
What category of talents will be in your show?
It depends on the participants, and the features might include singing, dancing, acting, fancy dress, skits, drama etc. Ours is a platform to exhibit the talent for the community.
How do you organize and finance the show?
It is a group effort. I have good friends who are talented as well as proud of our language and wish to give time to help to promote the our culture and heritage. We also have very good Manglorean business community who support the cause with full heart to supplement any shortfall.
The expenses being heavy apart, what if you are left with surplus money?
It goes to charity as may be decided by the organizing committee.
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