ICYM Pangla all set for the Mega 14th Diocesan Konkani Singing Competition on 29th October

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 Oct 2017: Pangla Parish is well known and very famous for the Jasmine Flowers which spreads its fragrance all over the globe.    Likewise the Parishioners of St. John the Evangelist are also involved in dozens of activities through the various associations of the parish. One among them is ICYM Pangla Unit. The Pangla ICYM unit involves with loads of service to the parish and helps out on many events organized on Udupi diocesan level as well. It participates and encourages its members to involve actively by enrolling themselves many sports and other competitions held every year.

 

 

One of the mega events that ICYM Pangla is well known for its Konkani Singing Competition which is held every year and this year being the 14th year in succession the unit is all geared up for this grand event wherein singers from most of the parishes are participating in this very popular singing competition.

 

This year being the 14th year, everything is prepared well in advance, the invitations have been sent to all parishes, the response was very good as almost 20 parishes have enrolled themselves so far and a few more last moment entry are expected. On the spot registration is also available if the participants of the parish decide last moment to participate in this mega event and they are most welcome. The dazzling championship trophies have already arrived for the lucky winners.. Everything is in place and just waiting for the golden moment for the singers is awaiting for the competitions to be held on this Sunday 29th October 2017.

 

On this special occasion a brief press meet was held at its premises. The committee members were present along ICYM spiritual Director and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rev. Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, St. John’s Academy), Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes (Asst. Parish Priest).

 

Speaking on the occasion ICYM President Nihal Dias said that the response from the Parishes of the diocese was very good. More parishes as far as Byndoor will be participating in this completion. Though the cut off date is 15th October, still we welcome last moment on the spot registration if singers from any parish who have not enrolled as of now. He is also said that the provision is made for a new category i.e. solo and group singing for children in two categories i.e one below age group of 10 and second from 11 to 15 age group. He said due to large number of children participating this year, the competition will be held at two venues ie.. for the children up to 15 years it will be held at the Community Hall located at the church compound and for the senior group the competition will be held at the Sabha Bhavan. He further said that the registration for all children as well adults will be done only in Sabha Bhavan and Inauguration will also be done at Sabha Bhavan and then the children will be taken to the community hall.

 

Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves is very much upbeat about this program the reason is this is the first time he is witnessing and involved fully as a new parish priest of the Pangla St. John the Evangelist Church. On this auspicious occasion our representative spoke to him and asked about his feelings and opinion about the mega event.

 

In reply Fr. Ferdinand said that he is very happy to be a part of this mega Konkani singing competition.  ICYM Pangla is doing a yeoman service by encouraging Konkani language by holding the Konkani Singing Competition for the 14th year in a row.  First of all I congratulate them for their initiative year after year and especially this year under my guidance I’m very happy to be part of their dedication and hard work.

 

“I congratulate the President and office bearers of ICYM for their great efforts in organizing this mega event for the last 14 years.  It is not a easy task but a lot of dedication, hard work and follow ups required to organize the event at the diocesan level. What I feel is that the Pangla people firmly believe in giving prominence to Konkani Language and give lot of encouragement for Konkani singing.  It is also a occasion to give lift to the talented singers of Udupi diocese a platform to enhance their talent.  Great efforts have been made by ICYM and Pangla Parishioners in organizing and encouraging many budding talents to exhibit their talents.   I also feel after organizing several this type of events, it is also an effort to bring all parishioners of the diocese together for which I have lot of appreciation for ICYM unit of Pangla church.

 

I have also known by now after spending a few months with ICYM members their dedication, spirituality and determination for any tasks they are  assigned to and also a lot of social work they are doing.  I really thank them and congratulate them for their service to the parish and wishing them all success.  I also wish for the mega event all the best and blessings on them for the grand success of the event. “

 

President Nihal Dias informed that the Inaugural function will begin at 1: 30pm and hence requested all singers those who are participating to come in time and register their names prior to the inaugural function.  The competitions will begin sharp at 2:00pm at both venues. 

 

 

There will be 6 judges this year three each for both categories.  The competition will be held simultaneously at the community hall and at the Sabha Bhavan.  However, the registration, the Inauguration and the valedictory functions will be held at the Sabha Bhavan.