News & Pics by Ancy Paladka & Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 28: Mangalorean kids under Mandd Sobhann banner presented a fabulous Konkani musical extravaganza full of songs, dance and hilarious skits on Sunday April 27 here at the Sacred Heart church compound, Mahakali, Andheri East. The programme was organized by the Canara Welfare Association, Mahakali.
The highlight of the programme was that each and every cultural activity including singing, dancing, acting and compering were performed by the kids themselves. The kids troupe called the "Manglurchim Mannkam, Konknnechim Motean" were trained by Eric Ozario jointly with his Mandd Sobhann team, as part of the summer training camp during the children's holidays.
The songs presented during the occasion were Magnne Voresanv, Tik Tik Pan, Sallkachi Paklli, Daranv Daranv, Zolma Disa, Festa Santek, Abolea, Dorea Kushin, Rozlin, Jai Konkani, Chandamama, Gitarachi Tar, Dis Te Bhurgeaponnale, Munshea Munsheak, Ang Mhojem, Nillya Gaganant, Ho nhoi mhozo ganv, Nirantari and Hindu Zanv Muslim.
The singers were Arthur Lobo, Rosanne Gomes, Disha Pasanna, Chrismitha D'Costa, Lovita Lobo, Lenoy Lobo, Rosanne and Deonna Pais. The dancers were Tina Mishal, Deepa Maria, Radika Castelino, Rolvin Carlo, Dheeraj Deepak and Suraj Pinto. The skits were performed by Colan, Clarence, Praveen and Foyal. The master of ceremony was Amora Monteiro.
The entire troupe was directed by Eric Ozario. Sweety D'Cruz was the choreographer. Nellu Permannur trained the troupe for skits and jokes. Stany Alvares was the team leader. Roshan D'Souza (gumtam), Sunil Kumar (violin), Richard Monteiro (keyboard), Ashith Pinto (bass guitar) and Sachin Sequiera on drums provided background music.
During the stage programme Eric Ozario said that "It is a false saying that there is no future for Konkani. If we strive to bring a future for Konkani, definitely there is going to be one. Konkani activities are more lively in Mumbai. I was surprised and happy to see that Mumbai children speak even the numerals in Konkani. As the parish priest Fr Cyprian Lewis is getting transferred to Mangalore, he said that though you will feel a loss, it is we Mangaloreans who will gain. We will take the profit from it. Let Konkani live long," he concluded.
Fr Cyprian Lewis was honoured during this occasion by the president of Canara Welfare Association, Francis Tony Almeida. Speaking on the occasion Fr Cyprian said, "It is sad that people use more words from other language while speaking Konkani. But seeing the enthusiasm of the Konkani people over here, I feel young and get a feeling that I have regained my lost hair. Konkani is a great language. It has already entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. We all need to support Konkani workers. Elders have built the bridge and (now) the new generation should make the best use of it," he exhorted.
Fr Lawrence, Fr Kuriakos and the president Francis Almeida too were present on the dais. The stage programme was compered by Stany Alvares. Vice-president Glen Rebello, secretary Lenny Fernandes, joint secretary Juliana Almeida, treasurer Richard Peris, assisatant treasurer Daisy Vas and the committee members Pius Fernandes, Joseph D'Souza and Lancy D'Silva were also present on the occasion.