Dubai: Splendor of Konkani comes to fore at Maa Creations event

By Deepak Paladka
Bellevision Media Network

Dubai, 16 Jun 2014: ’Konkani Sobhann’ a Konkani variety programme organized by Arthur Pereira along with his brother Allan Pereira and his dynamic team under the banner of Maa Creations enthralled the gathering at Bangalore Empire Hotel in Karama, here on Friday June 13.
 
It was a programme with a difference. Well-known singers of Konkani Donald Correa and Preema Rodrigues announced the beginning of the show with a golden Konkani number in their melodious voice.
 
Children performed a wonderful prayer dance to invoke God’s blessings while Meghana Bhat, a young and budding singer from the GSB community sang invoking the blessings of different deities.
 
Konkani litterateur Dr Edward Nazareth was the chief guest of the occasion.
 
Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld, Spray Tech Contracting LLC director Ramachandra Heggade, Chilly Willy director Satish Venkataramana, MCC Bank former chairman Melwyn D’Cunha and Mangalore Konkans president James Mendonca were present on the dais.
 
Senior writer Tony Mendona (Antonam) welcomed the gathering in a traditional way by offering ’Paan, Pod.’
 
 
Walter Nandalike in his address congratulated Maa Creations and Arthur Pereira on taking this initiative in an innovative manner and applauded the efforts taken by the team for the betterment of Konkani. He also assured his wholehearted support to the team in their cause towards Konkani.
 
He appealed to all the Konkani Associations to think differently to promote the rich language and culture. Walter launched ’Sahithya Sobhann’ by opening a pack which comprised various books and CDs of different authors and singers, which were later freely distributed to the audience so they could choose the best.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Ramachandra Heggade said, ‘We should respect our beautiful mother tongue. The initiative taken by Maa Creations is commendable and I extend my full support to them.’
 
Dr Edward Nazareth in his presidential address, commended the risk taken by Arthur Pereira and team and said that he was very happy to note that Konkani language has a strong presence in this part of the world, even more than in Mangalore, and declared the programme open.
 
A unique programme ’Bhashe Sobhann’ was presented by versatile writer Sannu Monis Boliye. Preema D Souza, Dubai, Sudarshan Hegde, Dubai, Wilson Pinto Abu Dhabi and Sannu Monis presented their essays on various subject on sustaining Konkani.

 

 

Preema D’Souza presented her essay comparing the older generation and the present one which spoke Konkani, while Sudarshan Hegde presented his essay on the need for speaking Konkani, Wilson Pinto presented his essay on the richness of Konkani Language while Sannu Monis gave a brief history of Konkani language.
 
The second session ’Sangeeth Sobhann’ after lunch started with a beautiful song by Noufal in Navayat Boli, while Goan singers Raphael Rodrigues, Goa and Savio Fernandes, Goa entertained with their Dekhni songs.The rich tradition and heritage of Konkani music ’Gumtan Podan’ presented by Wilson Pinto mesmerized the audience and brought back golden memories of Konkani’s rich culture.
 
’Kavya Sobhann’ - poetry reciting session was held under the leadership of Robert Fernandes Udyavar. Distinguished poets Syed Aboobacker Malaki Bhatkal, Harish Shenoy Havanje, Nakesh Borkar Goa, Stany Bela - Kerala, Arthur Pereira Omzoor and Pius James Karugalnade, Barkur recited their poems.
 
Melvyn Rodrigues, Central Konkani Sahitya Academy award winner who was not able to make it sent a beautiful message explaining the richness of poetry which was read by his wife Averyl Rodrigues who came from Mangalore.
 
 
Syed Aboobacker Malaki, Bhatkal for poetry and Pradeep Barboza for drama were honored by the distinguished guests on behalf of Maa Creations.
 
Community leader Dayan D’Souza in his address stressed on the importance of preserving Konkani culture, and lauded Arthur Pereira for taking the initiative in this regard. He called upon Konkani enthusiasts to support such causes. ‘So far we did not have a proper platform to portray our rich culture and heritage to the world,’ said Dayan.
 
’Sangeeth Sobhann,’ under the direction of Arun Carlo and the versatile singers Dony Correa, Asha Corera, Preema D’Souza, Godwyn D’Souza and Joshua entertained the audience.
 
Roshan D’Silva Vamanjoor compered the programme.