Mangalore: MMCA confers Vishwa Ratna Award on Colaco, Dr Shantaram Shetty
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Nov 25: ‘Kala-Sangam 2013’, a 24-day musical and cultural event with a series of competitions organized by Mangalore Musical and Cultural Association (MMCA) concluded with an award ceremony at Gitanjali, Lower Bendur here on Monday November 25.
Variety of competitions such as Chitranjali – drawing; Hastanjali – handwriting; Kalaanjali - singing, dance and drama; Vesha Bhooshanjali - fancy dress; Varnajali - mehendi; Jananagali – quiz; Vachananjali – elocution, Pushpangali – flower arrangement; Likhangali – essay writing and others were organized over the past 24 days and prizes were awarded to the winners on Monday.
On the occasion, MMCA conferred ‘Vishwa Ratna Award' on NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr Shatharam Shetty and on cashew importer/exporter Walter D’Souza. On behalf of Ronald Colaco, the award was received by Austin Peris.
The 'Kala Ratna Award' was conferred on the late Swarun Raj for his contribution to Indian art and culture. The honour was accepted by his parents. MMCA’s ‘Nightingale Award’ was also conferred on various singers who have contributed to the enrichment of devotional music.
The awards were conferred by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza along with Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu, Beatrice Pereira and Fr Pradeep.
Bishop Dr Aloysius D’Souza began his address by singing a song as MMCA is a musical association. Lauding Adolph Lobo of MMCA, the bishop said Lobo has immensely contributed towards church music. "He also trains bands whenever our diocese holds procession," he said.
"The city is full of music talents as most of the children and youth get trained by Adolph Lobo here at Gitanjali, and hence, we have many budding musicians and singers. I have come here mainly to express my gratitude to him as he has shared his talent among others and inspired many people to pursue music."
On the occasion, children from various schools entertained the audience with a colourful cultural programme.