Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Pics by Prakash Braggs
Dubai, April 22: It was a day of entertainment with music and comedy along with felicitation to noted personalities at the venue of Emirates English Speaking School near Jumairah on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of Daijidubai Konkani writers' forum.
The event began thirty minutes late because of technical reasons, although the crowd had gathered by 4.00 pm.
A splendid 'Gumttam' performance by Pernalites, with a traditional flavour, gave the programme a perfect start. The audience, irrespective of age, could recall the memories of good old days with it.
Award presentation to Victor Rodrigues:
As announced earlier, Victor Rodrigues was the seventh author to receive the prestigious Daiji Dubai Literary Award with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation and a memento.
A well-known journalist, former editor of Sunday Mid-day and Savvy Magazine, and current editor of Emirates Evening Post, Saira Menezes, was the guest of honour along with Eric Ozario, singer, composer and the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy.
"It's the biggest honour in my life to receive a prestigious award from Daiji Dubai. I consider this award carries much more weight than the one from Central Sahitya Academy. I am indebted to the office-bearers and the members of Daiji Dubai for choosing me for this award and will continue my service towards Konkani language and literature for the future," said an overwhelmed Rodrigues.
Saira menezes, though born and brought up in Mumbai, started her speech in Konkani, and she gave a call to all parents to teach their children Konkani, the mother-tongue, thereby keeping alive Konkani language and culture. Speaking further, she hailed the work done by Daiji Dubai in the Emirates and elsewhere.
She presented the citation to Victor, and a cheque of Rs 50,000 was presented by Joseph Mathias, main sponsor of the event.
Eric Ozario presented the memento to Victor. In his address Eric Ozario stressed the need for the people around the world to support the 'Teach Konkani' mission in schools. He said that this June onwards, all Catholic schools in the three coastal districts of Karnataka would adopt Konkani as an optional subject.
Earlier, Daiji Dubai's in-house bulletin 'Daiji Ghor Potr' was released by Saira Menezes. The bulletin was edited by Stan Ageira, assisted by Sunil Fernandes. The bulletin contains the history of Daiji Dubai and its achievements in the past six years.
Daiji Dubai convener Hemacharya was also present on stage along with other dignitaries.
CGS, Eric Ozario
Walter Nandalike , Annada
Melvyn Rodrigues, Saira Menezes
Rony D`Cunha, Dr Rashmi
Mandd Sobhann Steals the Show:
Perhaps, Mandd Sobhann was one of the most qualitative musical programmes presented in recent times in Dubai. The crowd support and encouragement to each song was index to its success. Each number selected for the programme was popular.
Eric along with Joyce, Dr Rashmi, Alwyn and Rony D'Cunha, the man in demand who was specially flown in from in Kuwait for this show and the one who was termed by Eric Ozario as a truly professional singer. All the singers sang with absolute control over their voices, with every number presented by them exceptionally well and appreciated by the audience.
The song 'Rosalin Mhojea Mogachem' inspired the audience to sing along with the Mandd Sobhann singers, followed a loud demand from the audience for repetition. Dr Rashmi and Allwyn too sang and kept the audience spellbound.
A striking feature of the show was the playing of flute by Annada, a renowned Bollywood artiste, who has played flute in many corners of the world. Alwyn Fernandes was on lead guitar. The impact he made proved why he is in heavy demand in Indian music for Bollywood, Sandalwood and many major albums. Ritesh, Manoj and Sharma father-son duo supported the music with other instruments
Melwyn Rodrigues, master poet and co-founder of Mandd Sobhann 19 years ago in Mangalore, had the rare privilege of being a compere for Mandd Sobhann, while he himself had penned many poems for Mandd Sobhann, which have been set to music by Eric Ozario. He paid rich tributes to his mentor, the late Cha Fra, who had outstanding compering skills, and used to compere MS shows in characterstic style and with brilliant wit and humour.
Felicitation to Dayan D`Souza:
Dayan D'Souza, the man who was responsible for forming Daiji Dubai writers forum in the year 1999 and thereafter taking the lead for five consecutive years, was felicitated with the 'Daiji Vavraddi' award along with a memento and citation. It was not only in recognition of his having served Konakni language and bringing about a Konkani revolution in Dubai, but also supporting social causes and helping the needy people.
CGS Taccode, a long-time associate of Dayan who specially came from Doha for the occasion spoke on Dayan and his work and achievements. He described Dayan as best leader in the current era who works not only for Konkani cause but helping everyone.
Dayan, in his thanksgiving speech, said he never expected any returns for his contribution to the society, but would stick on to the words he delivered and continue his work for the betterment of the society. He thanked his wife and kids for the sacrifice and support which had helped him to do more for community.
Felix Lobo, a community leader and entrepreneur from Doha was on the dais and he presented the citation and memento to Dayan. He had flown in from Doha specially to attend the event.
Stan Ageira's 'Tambddi Mirsang' released:
Noted writer Stan Ageira's second book in the last three months was released by CGS Taccode. 'Tambddi Mirsang' is a collection of short Stories published by Ujwal Prakashan.
His earlier book 'Bindas' had been released early this year in Mangalore during daijiworld.com's fifth anniversary. The books will be on sale in Dubai and Mangalore.
Lekh Tem Lekch-ch - Konkani Play:
As the final part of entertainment, Konkani play 'Lekh Tem Lekh-ch' written by Mick Max and directed by Hemacharya was enacted with some new and experienced talents.
Before the play, director and key actor of the play Hemacharya, offered prayers for the quick recovery of Mickmax who has been ailing for about a month in Mangalore. He requested people to pray for him and support his family in best possible ways.
The other actors who participated in the play were Sannu Monis, Dony Correa, Janet, Robert Fernandes, Johnson, Master Gavin and Master Ishan.
As the play came to end, the programe concluded at 9.00 pm. Walter Nandalike, also a co-founder of Daijidubai and editor-in-chief of Daijiworld.com, compered the entire event.