Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Mar 19: 'Prem Ragini, Melody of Love' musical ballet based on Biblical themes from creation of the universe to the resurrection of Lord Jesus was performed by Sangeeth Abhinay Academy, Mumbai directed by Fr Dr Charles Vas, on Monday, March 18 at Basel Missionaries Memorial auditorium. It was organised by Udupi Communications Centre, Big J TV.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese in his presidential address said, “The team of Fr Dr Charles Vas stood top at the global level fest. He is doing a noble work of spreading the messages of Jesus Christ through devotional songs and dance. He has created history by presenting 1,500 artists on one stage. Fr Charles himself directed 32 dances and skits. He has presented more than 500 stage shows.”
Recollecting the memories with Fr Charles, the bishop said, “We have known each other since 40 years. He composed lyrics. Most of the playback singers rendered their voice for songs. Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Parsi people are there in the troupe. What more can be an example for unity and devotion?”
The bishop thanked and wished the team all the best.
Steevan Sarvothama, Udupi district area chairman, CSI, KSD addressing the occasion said, “It is a very meaningful programme. Music makes us feel fresh and gives us peace of mind. It gives us happiness and increases spiritual power. People listening music forget their pain. Dance and music is part of everyone's life. Music will change our lives.”
The guest of honour, Jayaprakash Simons, chairman United Basel Mission District Church Board SK Coorg and Udupi district said, “God has created us in different forms. Christianity is about practicing religion. Our work should speak. When we work with honesty, others also will start loving our religion.”
Appreciating the works of Charles, Steevan said, “He portrays stories very effectively. Let God bless him with good health and live long years.”
Fr Charles, who was felicitated by the organiser, he said, “I do not deserve this honour. Credit goes to my dedicated team.
I am much privileged to be here in Udupi. Many of the songs’ lyrics are written by Fr Valerian Mendonca. Many of the playback singers rendered their voices to my song without any difference of religion. Some people do not ask charges, because they believe that it is God's work. There are artistes in the team who is working in diverse professions. I am very much glad to be part of this event and grateful to the organisers.”
Around 50 artistes from Sangeeth Abhinay Academy, Mumbai performed 'Prem Ragini'. They performed Koli form of Maharashtra, Mando of Goa and Bharathanatya.
The show was a complete visual treat and sent the spectators into a different world with superb blend of music and songs.
Fr Dennis D’Sa read the citation.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, director UCC Udupi, extended warm welcome and Prakash Jathanna, director Big J Tv rendred the vote of thanks. Suchith Kotian compered the programme
Fr Charles Vas is popularly known as bhajan chanting Christian priest who conducts his missionary work through song and dance. Sangeet Abhinay Academy Mumbai is a religious institution of song and dance. Fr Charles Vas currently serves as director of this institution. More than 40 religious album songs in Kannada, Konkani have been released by the institution.
About Prem Ragini troupe
The ballet 'Prem Ragini' is a beautiful sound and light programme which has completed more than 500 shows in India and abroad. Thirty artistes from different religions and languages from Mumbai participate in the show which is a beautiful presentation of communal harmony too. Sangeeth Abhinay academy has been training the youth identifying their musical talents and bringing them up for the last 35 years. Fr Charles Vas is the main architect of the ballet.