Pics: Steevan Colaco
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Feb 16: It was a musical evening with difference. Elite audience in Pamboor proved that they could be glued to their seats for a marathon of four-and-a-half hours if they were treated with the right content. That is the magic of Wilfy Rebimbus and that is what Parichaya, a forum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of art and culture, is known for.
The much awaited event, "Amar Wilfy, Ek Aatov" dedicated to the legend on his 5th death anniversary, by Parichaya at the Pamboor Holy Cross Church grounds on Sunday February 15 evening, was a first of its kind with a unique blend of prominent musical personalities and the eminent thinkers.
The programme started on dot, as the Parichaya tradition goes, with the members of Parichaya leading the honorable guests of the evening, the Rebimbus family, Meena, Vishwas, Charlene and Roger Rebimbus on to a stage specially created for them. Prakash Noronha, general secretary of Parichaya welcomed the gathering and gave a brief about what Parichaya, a group of like-minded people stand for, their achievements so far, and the unique concept behind this unique programme of the evening.
Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general of Udupi Diocese, Rebimbus family, Fr Paul Rego, Parish Priest of Holy Cross church Pamboor offered the floral tributes to the portrait of legend late Wilfy Rebimbus. Msgr recalled his association with the Konkann Kogull and mentioned that he never missed an opportunity to witness Wilfy Nites whenever they were staged unless it was deemed necessary. He also paid rich tributes to the legend, Wilfy Rebimbus.
What followed next for four-and-a-half hours was sheer fest to the senses, both entertaining and thought provoking. Many versatile personalities such as Fr Paul Rego, parish priest of Pamboor, Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor of Udupi diocese, Fr Pius D’Souza, director, Rishivana, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi diocese, Fr Chetan Lobo, editor of ‘Uzwad’ were present. It was perhaps for the first time the acclaimed Konkani musicians, singers and eminent speakers shared the musical stage.
As many as 16 songs selected on various themes, out of the innumerable Wilfy’s compositions were presented by top notch singers of Konkanni, Meena Rebimbus, Vishwas Rebimbus, Prem Lobo, Ivan Sequeira, Claude D'Souza, Babitha D'Sa, Glen Aroza, Munita Veigas, Olivera Rebello, Prajoth D'Sa, Anil D'Sa, and Shayon Almeida along with the reflections on those songs by eminent critiques. Even the grandson of Wilfy and considered his protégé, Roger Rembius was seen having a gala time who sang, danced and rejoiced in the celebration.
In addition 16 personalities drawn from different walks of life that had close association with the legend himself during his life time reflected on each song before it was presented to an august audience. They included Fr Valerian, Fr Pius, Fr Denis D’Sa, Fr Chetan, Dr Gerald Pinto, Hemacharya, Arun Raj Rodrigues, John Monis, Johnny Mariabhoomi, Eric Soans, Irene Rebello, Kishoo Barkur, Andrew Mathias, Alwyn Danthi, Lesile Rego and Eddie Sequeira presented their critical analysis of each song and assigned to them before the perfect performance by the singers to the music of the famous duo who were the musical breath to Wilfy Rebimbus throughout – Joswin and Pappan.
Vincent Alva, honorary president of Parichaya compered the unique evening in his amicable style, interacting with the audience who were given chance to air their opinions about the song being performed. Adolfus Cutinha, also known as Dolla, a long standing associate of Wilfy Rebimbus and a close friend presented some unique humorous anecdotes of the musical journey of the legend and Eddie Sequeira joined him too. Fr Paul D’Souza presented a special tribute song ‘Pranam tuka Kortam’ to the total thrill and amusement of the audience. Even the dancers from Pambur parish added value to the programme through their dances.
Though the programme was lengthened by an hour than the originally planned three and a half hours, the jam packed audience sat glued to their seats till the last performance, wanting for more, once again proved that there is no dearth of time or people when it comes to right theme and content.
Anil D’sa, president, Prakash Noronha, secretary, Peter Osta, treasurer, Pundalika Marate, PRO and members Lucas D’Souza, Ignatius D’Souza, Edward Menezes, Madusudan Rao, Fredrick Saldanha, Parthasarathi, Mable Menezes, Violet Castelino, Jenith Alva, and Saritha Alva of Parichaya left no stones unturned to make this mega event to be cherished for a long time, rightfully deserve all the credit and accolades for garnering the support of artistes and audience alike in organizing such a mammoth show in the scenic beauty of Pamboor which is surrounded by lush green plateaus and a sprawling coastal belt.
Daijiworld was the official media partner for the event.
About Parichaya
Parichaya, Pamboor is a forum started three years ago by lovers of art and culture to preserve and promote art, culture and literature in the rural areas. It was felt by the members of Parichaya that there was a kind of cultural dearth among the people not only due to the cheap entertainment provided by most TV channels but also due to lack of opportunities to people to witness and take part in cultural programmes of standard.
In order to fill this lacuna created in rural areas, especially among the younger generation, Parichaya organizes various cultural as well as literary programmes involving the general public, youth and the school children in three dominant languages of the costal belt – Tulu, Konkani and Kannada. It has so far conducted programmes like Tala maddale, Astavadhana, Sugama Sangeeta, Kannada, Tulu and Konkani dramas, Musical concerts, Quiz programmes, identification and information of great literates, Swara Bhava programme, introduction of Indian instruments to school children etc.
At the end of every year it conducts mega programmes. During its first anniversary internationally famous flutist Praveen Godkindi and equally famous Ustad Rafique Khan’s musical concert was organized which created a history of sorts in a rural area like Pamboor. Second anniversary was marked by three-days Natakotsava, featuring one play each in Tulu, Konkani and Kannada.