Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 17: Scores of talents converged at St Antony Ashram ground, Jeppu here on Saturday December 16 as Athmajoythi Ashram, Kadri and Mogachi Lahran Creations jointly organized inter-parish Christmas choir competition.
Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld, Fr Onil D'Souza, director, St Antony Ashram, Jeppu, Fr Herald Mascarenhas, parish priest, Cassia, and Melvyn Rodrigues, Central Sahitya Academy award winning poet, were the chief guests
On behalf of the organizers, 'Konkan Maina' Meena Rebimbus, philanthropist and NRI businessman James Mendonca, politician Pius Rodrigues, musician Simon Pais, and singer Ivy D'Souza Vamanjoor were felicitated by the chief guests.
Fr Cyprian Peter of Athmajyothi Ashram and Vincent D'Souza of Mogachi Lahran team welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the gathering, Walter Nandalike said, "I feel delighted to share the stage with well-known personalities Fr Onil, Meena Rebimbus and others. I am thankful to Vincent Fernandes for this wonderful opportunity. Vincent is one of the pioneers of Konkani programmes in Dubai. He initiated a variety of programmes there and the Konkani world accepted it with an open heart. After settling down in India, he has continued his zest to host cultural events and his passion for music, and already conducted a number of events. I salute him for his passion and dedication to Konkani music and art.
"I congratulate the participating choir teams and wish them all the best. Winning is not important but to participate in such events is equal to an honour," he added.
He released the music albums of Vincent Fernandes which had earlier been released in Dubai.
'Dancing Stars' enthralled the gathering with scintillating performances while members of Mogachi Lahran and Cassia church performed a musical dance about the birth of Jesus.
Thereafter, Christmas choir competition was held under the supervision of Fr Dolphy Devadas Serrao. Team after team rendered their melodious voices to beautiful choirs, stirring up a magical evening filled with Christmas joy. At the end, Jeppu Choir team bagged the first prize while Bajjodi Choir team secured the second place. Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Sr Silvia Mendonca, and Ivan Sequeira were the judges. Mementos were awarded to all the participating teams.
Jossy Theodore rendered the vote of thanks. Floyd D'Mello Cassia, Lavita Menezes and Shiny Viva D'Souza compered the event.