Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 3: The valedictory ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations of Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), Mangaluru, was held on Sunday, December 2 at Don Bosco Hall.
James Mendonca, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, graced the event as chief guest. Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais, provincial of Capuchin congregation, presided over the programme.
The programme began with a floral tribute to founders of KNS.
Addressing the gathering, James Mendonca lauded the mission of KNS and said, “I heard from majority of artistes in the Konkani world that they are the products of Don Bosco Hall stage. Everyone is aware of the mission of KNS and agrees to the fact that it has produced many artistes. In my childhood, I was a regular visitor of Don Bosco hall. I watched many dramas and cultural events here and I have sweet memories of this place. This is a joyful moment for all of us that KNS completed 75 years of its existence. The founders and later on, its leaders had put in great efforts to convert this into a well-known association. It is time to thank them all and pay tributes to them. On this auspicious occasion, I congratulate the current office bearers and members of KNS. A new building is an immediate necessity for the association. I hope, with the help of art lovers, it will be completed soon.”
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais said, “The founders of KNS had a great vision over art and culture. They also had the encouraging attitude for talents. Inspired by them, their successors followed the same path and made KNS a strong association. Thousands of singers, actors and musicians flourished from this stage. KNS is still engaged in the mission of encouraging talents and providing them suitable stage. I appreciate the team work of the association and wish all success for its future plans.”
Senior artistes Peter Furtado, Albert Peris, and Claud D’Souza were felicitated by KNS.
Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, president, KNS, welcomed the dignitaries. Judith D’Souza, secretary, and Jossy Theodore, treasurer, were present on the dais.
Sunil Menezes, vice-president, rendered the vote of thanks.
After the stage programme, ‘Aunkar Mestri’, a Konkani drama was staged. The drama is written by late Chafra D’Costa and directed by Denis Monteiro. The members of ‘Asthitwa’ troupe acted in drama.