Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 19: Three-day ‘Niranthar Konkani Natakotsav' by Niranthar Udyavar, was inaugurated at St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar on Friday, January 18.
The programme was set in motion by Fr Stany B Lobo, Chancellor of Udupi diocese and parish priest Udyavar church by beating African djembe, a musical instrument.
In his inaugural address, Fr Stany said, “I feel very glad to be part of this programme. I thank you for giving me this opportunity. Organizing Konkani drama festivals is very often done in Mangaluru. But rarely it is done in Udupi in Konkani language. A person should have interest in art. Characters of drama can bring changes in a person’s life. The drama fest is organized not only for entertaining the people but for encouraging Konkani. Niranthar Udyavar is working towards promoting Konkani and it is appreciable. This is a good development too. Today’s play was originally written by writer P Lankesh. He wrote the story with farsighted views. The theme is still relevant,”
“Let more such programmes come up in future. Each person one encourage and promote Konkani. Only then, Konkani language will live forever and it will develop. Let us keep up the same spirit,” he added.
Renowned poet Wilson Kateel said, “I feel proud to be an audience of the programme. Earlier we had role models in different fields. But today’s generation is following politicians as their role models. It is very disappointing thing. This shows our failure and there is need for us to realize this fact. Let more Konkani programmes come to overcome the stereotypes. Let all promote Konkani dramas to promote Konkani. Only then, we can bring changes. We should appreciate the good work done by Niranthar Udyava
Roshu Bajpe, who translated the drama into Konkani said, “People post fake news on social media these days and it goes viral within no minute. Media plays a crucial role in publishing accurate news and it must be careful. Some television channels are telecasting exaggerating and senseless news,”
Lyricist Melwyn Noronha, vice president, parish pastoral council, Ronal D’Souza, correspondent of the drama fest, writer Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Rolwin Aranha, assistant parish priest Udyavar church were present during the stage function.
On the first day, ‘Home Sweet Home’, a play directed by Clanvin Kalakul was enacted by the drama troupe, which touched the audience.
Rohan Adkabare, Jackson D’cunha, Dona Sharon, Christi Ninasam and Zeena Brags have acted in this play. The drama was presented by Asthithva ( R) Mangaluru in association with Paduva Rang Adhyayan Centre.
'Ankvar Mestri' directed by Denis Monteiro and written by Amar Chafra will be staged on Saturday January 19.
'Salgi…..Morna Sangi' written by Fr Alwyn Serrao and directed by Christopher Ninasam will staged on Sunday, January 20.
The show will commence at 6.30 pm on all three days.
All three shows are free.
The main sponsor of this programme is Ronnet Mendonca and family in memory of Victor Mendonca.
President of Niranthar Udyavar Stevan Colaco welcomed. Anil, D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. Michael D’Souza compered the programme.