Pics: Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (KR)
Kundapur, Jan 8: The 278th Wilfy Nite presented by the Karaval Milan in association with Varado Pastoral Council, Kundapur enthralled scores of Konkani music lovers at Government Junior College grounds on Sunday, January 7.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese presided over the formal function, while Fr Anil D’Souza, dean, Kundapur deanery, ‘Konkan Maina’ Meena Rebimbus, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld media, James Pius, president, Karaval Milan, and Wilson D’Sa, director, Karaval Milan were present on the dais.
Walter Nandalike in his address expressed his feelings towards the association which was started by the members of Kallianpur and Kundapur residing in Dubai and said, “I have seen the team from day one. They have sacrificed the time they could have spent with their family members for working for the needy whenever required. When Fr Denis D’Sa met various organizations in Dubai, Karaval Milan raised their hands first and promised Rs 10 lac to the diocese. I can proudly say that within a short span of time, the diocese of Udupi has reached greater heights now.”
Fr Anil D’Souza thanked Karaval Milan for organising the programme in Kundapur and also for reaching out to the needs of the diocese.
Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo in his address said, “This event is being organised to support the diocese. I am one among the fan followers of late Wilfy Rebimbus. He made Konkani language proud. I knew Wilfy for 45 years and saw how he contributed to Konkani. Wilfy worked towards the enrichment of Konkani. He gave his service in Konkani films, poems, drama, articles, and specially, his songs which make us all proud.”
The bishop recalled his meeting in the Gulf few years ago after the new diocese came into existence. “Walter Nandalike had taken the initiative to bring all associations under one roof to support the diocese which was just started then. Karaval Milan promised to give Rs 10 lac towards the cause. They were the first to support the needs of the diocese. Today, they are fulfilling the promise,” he said.
The bishop in addition thanking all associations and donors for helping the diocese also thanked Walter Nandalike for being like a spokesperson of Udupi diocese.
During the event, Wilson Olivera, and Bernard J Costa were recognized and honoured for their music and writing in the region.
Meena Rebimbus was also honoured on the occasion. She thanked Karaval Milan profusely in her address.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr Anil D’Souza, and Walter Nandalike honoured the sponsors of the event.
Johnson Almeida, Joy Carhvalo, B Kishore Kumar, Gerald Crasta, and Jackson D’Souza were honoured by Karaval Milan for lending help to organise the event here.
A cheque of Rs 10 lac was handed over to Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo by the members of Karaval Milan.
Rony Byndoor compered the stage function. He briefed the gathering about the 17-year-old journey of Karaval Milan. He also informed that nearly help worth Rs 40 lac had been given to the needy through the organisation. James Pius welcomed the gathering. Nanu Marol rendered the vote of thanks.
In a heart-touching moment, Roger Rebimbus, the youngest grandson of the late Wilfy Rebimbus, expressed his feelings towards his grandpa by singing 'Muzo Aba' penned by his parents.
Konkani comedy king Dolla Manglur had the audience in splits of laughter with his well-timed humour. Team Expressions led by Alwyn Andrade entertained the audience with their skits and comedy acts. Thunder Guys from Bajpe and Gavin Rodrigues of Dance Plus3 fame, gave some memorable dancing performances.
Shabir (tabla), Ashith Pinto (bass guitar), Raju (saxophone), Joswin, and Manikantan provided the music under the direction of renowned music director Pappan.
Ace compere Eddie Sequeira compered the event.
Lucky games were conducted during the programme. Various surprise gifts were also distributed. Joy won the mega draw to bag a gold coin. Fr Denis D’Sa handed over the gifts to the winners.
Wilfy Nite, which was being organised in Kundapur after a gap of 38 years, witnessed a number of melodious tracks by the performers. A range of songs from ‘Dev Boro Dees Divndi’, ‘Mogachem Geeth’ and ‘Mujya Bangara’ to ‘Muzo Desh Maka Mogacho’ in the end mesmerized the crowd. Action songs by Nihal Tauro, Munita, and ‘channyachi Raath Aaichi’ by Clement supported by Gavin by his dance left the crowd asking for more.