Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (EP)
 
Mumbai, Dec 3: Lawrence Saldanha, Konkani singer and lyricist from Mumbai has been chosen for this year's Sandesha Cultural Foundation award for Konkani music.

Titled as `Konkani Keer' Lawrence Saldanha had migrated to Mumbai from a village and being a government servant has rendered invaluable service in Tulu, Kannada, Marati and English music spheres. 

Being a composer and director of Konkani, Tulu and Kannada songs he has penned more than 1,000 songs, rendered music for them and has become famous.  He has presented more than 25 Lawrence Nites in India and abroad and has been shining in the music world for nearly five decades.

 
He will be awarded the honor along with CGS Tacode, who has rendered yeomen service for Konkani literature, Vydehi (Kannada), Lata Rai (Tulu literature), B K S Verma (painting), B V Rajaram (drama), P Sheshadri (film director), Abdul Rashid (columnist), Sr Irene Mascarenhas (best teacher) and White Doves (best social service organization).
 
Lawrence Saldanha:

Lawrence Saldanha was born in Siddakatte in Bantwal Taluk and loved music from childhood.  The school teachers who encouraged him enabled him to excel in it, he says.  Lawrence formed a music group of his own in Mumbai and gave programmes.  As his popularity spread, All India Radio called him.  His programmes are also shown in Mumbai Doordarshan especially during Christmas.  He has rendered music for several Konkani dramas.
 
75 years old Saldanha is known to be a evergreen hero.  He has presented his first programme on Mumbai stage at the age of 16.  He never looked back after its success.  He won the hearts of the audience by his dedicated work.  During the time of audio cassettes, his cassettes were the talk of the town both in India and abroad.

Konkani society had awarded him Konkani Keer and Kalarathna award recognizing his achievements.