Pics: Sonu Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Apr 27: ‘Mamma Retire Zatha’, a social drama with a powerful message, directed by Dayan D’Souza Mukamar, marked the grand celebration of the 20th anniversary of Daiji Dubai Konkani Writers' Forum. The play had the entire audience glued to their seats till the end, with every drama buff expressing appreciation for the entertainment provided by Dubai's popular artistes.
It was a day to remember for the group of Konkani writers who had initiated the forum called 'Daiji Dubai' back in 1999 with the intention of promoting Konkani language, culture and art. Founded under the leadership of Dayan D’Souza Mukamar with the support of four others, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, Stany Nirude, Hemacharya (Stephan Mascarenhas), and Melvyn Rodrigues, today the forum consists of more than three dozen Konkani writers who reside in the UAE.
The 20th anniversary celebration was organised at the Emirates Theatre on Friday, April 26 from 6 pm onwards. Ronald Colaco, philanthropist and NRE entrepreneur was the chief guest, Ronald Pinto of Hysnna International and Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight Systems were guests of honour. The event began with lighting the lamp with founder members, Daiji Dubai coordinator Dinesh Correa and past coordinators. Dinesh Correa formally welcomed the gathering.
Eight-minute long audio-visual documentary was presented to showcase the 20-year long journey of Daiji Writers' Forum.
Walter Nandalike in his welcome address narrated the initial days, how the forum was created and later how it grew bigger due to the support of well-wishers across UAE and elsewhere.
Vally Vagga, veteran Konkani writer from Mysuru was awarded Daiji Literary award 2019 with cash prize of Rs 75,000, memento, shawl and citation. Ronald Colaco presented the memento, Ronald Pinto presented cheque and Joseph Mathias presented the citation. In his thanksgiving address, Vally Vagga expressed his deep gratitude to the Konkani speaking people in the UAE and all Konkani activists who promote the language here. He gave special appreciation Daiji Forum for choosing him for the coveted award.
Ronald Colaco, in his address as chief guest said that, credit should go the Konkani artistes and activists who devote their time and energy to keep the Konkani art, culture and language alive. Instead of felicitating the sponsors, all such artistes should be honored on stage. It is easier to give money than, spending the time for such causes. He lauded the growth of Writers Forum who stood united in last 20 years and promoted the language here in UAE. He made a special mention of Daijiworld.com which he inaugurated back in 2001 in Dubai during a similar programme, and after 18 years now how it has grown by leaps and bounds, and appreciated the different wings of media that created after Daijiworld.com website. He appealed Konkani loving people to support the cause of Konkani whenever and wherever possible.
Sweeny D’Souza of Naach Nara Naach Nari fame and Rony Byndoor, senior member of Daiji Dubai forum, compered the event.
Twin Konkani CD of Apolinaris Muscat was released during the event by Nelson Rodrigues and Walter Nandalike. Joseph Mathias was also on the dais.
Daiji senior writer and member Linus Moras' Konkani book was released by James Mendonca.
The event sponsors have been felicitated during the programme.
The center of the attraction of bi-decennial celebration was ‘Mamma Retire Zatha’, Marathi origin drama translated by Maxim Rodrigues Bondel, directed by Dayan D’Souza Mukamar. The well groomed artistes from Dubai performed the play in a complete professional manner to entertain the audience throughout three-hour long duration.
The crystal clear message to the children about how a mother sacrifices her everything, and how children will struggle if mother retires from her day-to-day responsibilities was narrated effectively in the play. Dayan D’Souza, who also played a major role, led the team by example in his usual witty dialogue delivery and action. Asha Correa, who has vast experience of acting in Kannada, Tulu and Konkani languages, excelled in her role, and perhaps presented her best performance of her career. Both the lead roles managed to create laughter as well bring tears in the eyes of the audience.
Kalakul products Darrel Vamanjoor and Melvyn Kalakul used their full experience n this social drama, their act along with Lavina Fernandes and Ranjitha Lewis was par-excellence, and provide perfect justice to the roles.
Senior actor and writer Nanu Marol Thottam appeared in social worker’s role has also made a significant contribution to the success of the play.
Adlin D’Souza, incidentally who is expecting her first baby in few weeks, did a natural role of the pregnant daughter of 'Mamma', with not showing that she was acting in the play but put her sentiments and skills naturally giving full life to the play.
It was Rohan Kalakul who provided the music with his artistic skills, which was one of the key reasons for the success of play.
At the end, all artistes and support team were felicitated with memento. Ronald and Jean Colaco couple presented the mementos to the artistes. Delighted by classic Konkani drama, Ronald Colaco has offered cash prize to the artistes and drama support team for their sheer dedication and talent exhibition in order to encourage them to take up similar efforts in near future.
Sandeep D’Souza, mastered the entire play with his co-ordination skills and efforts, supported by Sharmila Mendonca, Wilfred Lobo and Ashok Menezes.
Joel Abu Dhabi, whose Broadway Sound Systems once again proved that, he is the best service provider for events across the UAE, his team made laudable efforts in keeping entire event without a single failure of sound or light.
Naveen Sequeira of Maibhas.com provided audio-visual assistance, Reny Kumar Fernandes was the coordinator for sounds.
Alwyn Pinto took the entire responsibility of coordinating the event.
The event was held under the banner of Mastro Event management Dubai.