Report: Nanu Marol
Pics: Deepak Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 15: 'Konkani Sobhann' a Konkani variety programme organized by Arthur Pereira along with his brother Allan Pereira and his dynamic team under the banner of Maa Creations enthralled one and all at Bangalore Empire Hotel in Karama, Dubai on Friday June 13.
It was a programme with a difference. Ace compere Roshan D'Silva kickstarted the programme in his customery style with a warm welcome. Well-known singers of Konkani Donald Correa and Preema Rodrigues announced the beginning of the show with a golden Konkani number in their melodious voice.The dignitaries of the programme for the opening ceremony were welcomed with a standing ovation.
Children performed a wonderful prayer dance to invoke God’s blessings while Meghana Bhatt, a young and budding singer from the GSB community sang invoking the blessings of different deities.
Chief guest of the function, Dr Edward Nazareth who was specially flown in for this event from Mangalore was given a grand welcome while he was entering the hall along with Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld, Ramachandra Heggade, director, Spray tek Contracting LLC, Sathish Venkataramana, director, Chilly Willy, Melwyn D'Cunha, former chairman, MCC Bank and James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans. Senior writer Tony Mendona ( Anthonaam ) welcomed the gathering in a traditional way by offering 'Paan, Pod'.
On behalf of Maa Creations Arthur Pereira Omzoor welcomed the dignitaries on to dais and honoured them with garlands and shawls. Walter Nandalike in his address congratulated Maa Creations and Arthur Pereira on taking this initiative in a new and different way, and applauded the efforts taken by the team for the betterment of Konkani. He also assured his wholehearted support to the team in their cause towards Konkani.
He appealed to all the Konkani Associations to think differentlty to promote the rich language and culture. Walter launched 'Sahithya Sobhann' by opening a pack which contained various books and CDs from different authors and singers, which were later freely distributed to the audience so they could choose the best.
Chief guest Ramachandra Heggade said, "We should respect our beautiful mother tongue. The initiative taken by Maa Creations is commendable and I extend my full support to them."
In his presidential address, Dr Edward Nazareth commended the risk taken by Arthur Pereira and team and said that he was very happy to note that Konkani language has a strong presence in this part of the world, even more than in Mangalore, and declared the programme open.
A unique programme 'Bhashe Sobhann' was presented by versatile writer Sannu Monis Boliye. Preema D Souza, Dubai, Sudarshan Hegde, Dubai, Wilson Pinto Abu Dhabi and Sannu Monis presented their essays on various subject on the of preservence of Konkani.
Preema D'Souza presented her essay comparing the older generation and the present one which spoke Konkani, while Sudarshan Hegde presented his essay on the need for speaking Konkani, Wilson Pinto presented his essay on the richness of Konkani Language while Sannu Monis gave a brief history of Konkani language.
The second session 'Sangeeth Sobhann' after lunch started with a beautiful song by Noufal in Navayat Boli, while Goan singers Raphael Rodrigues, Goa and Savio Fernandes, Goa entertained with their Dekhni songs.The rich tradition and heritage of Konkani music 'Gumtan Podan' presented by Wilson Pinto mesmerized the audience and brought back golden memories of Konkani’s rich culture.
'Kavya Sobhann' - poetry reciting session was held under the leadership of Robert Fernandes, Udhyavar. Distinguished poets Syed Aboobacker Malaki, Bhatkal, Harish Shenoy, Havanje, Nakesh Borkar, Goa, Stany Bela, Kerala, Arthur Pereira, Omzoor and Pius James Karugalnade, Barkur recited their poems.
Melvyn Rodrigues, Central Sahithya Academy winner who was not able to make it sent a beautiful message explaining the richness of poetry which was read by his wife Averyl Rodrigues who came from Mangalore.
In the concluding session, along with Dr Edward Nazareth, Walter Nandalike, Joseph Mathias, director, Merit Freight Systems Co LLC, Dayan D'Souza, founder, Daiji Dubai, Frank Fernandes, director, Mosaco Shipping and Forwarding LLC, Mark Denis D'Souza, director, Fortuna Engineering and Energy Services LLC and Abdul Rahman, director Saibeen Complex, Mangalore shared the dais.
Syed Aboobacker Malaki, Bhatkal for poetry and Pradeep Barboza for drama were honoured by the distinguished guests on behalf of Maa Creations.
Community leader Dayan D'Souza in his address stressed on the importance of preserving Konkani culture, and lauded Arthur Pereira for taking the initiative in this regard. He called upon Konkani enthusiasts to support such causes. "So far we did not have a proper platform to portray our rich culture and heritage to the world" he added.
Dr Edward Nazareth in his presidential address said that he was surprised to see a such a variety programme in this part of the world. He thanked all the large hearted donors for supporting this cause and such programmes not only in the Gulf but also in Mangalore. He explained the importance of speaking Konkani and said that respecting one's mother tongue is equal to respecting one's mother. He wished the organizers all the best and hoped that more such programmes would be organized in the future.
'Sangeeth Sobhann' under the direction of Arun Carlo and the versatile singers Dony Correa, Asha Corera, Preema D'Souza, Godwyn D'Souza and Joshua entertained the audience.
Ace compere Roshan D'Silva Vamanjoor wonderfully and skillfully compered the entire day's programme.