From the editor's desk:

Dear daijiworld.com browzers,

Of late, this 'Do..Re..Me..Fa..' music column has started climbing new heights and it looks as though sky is its only limit. Well, it was all possible because of your great support and never ending encouragement, which sparked new inspirations in me and surely and dearly prompted me to start this column in one of highly circulated Konkanni weekly 'Raknno' in our own 'Maaibhass' since last month.  I am sure thousands of music lovers who have no access to e-media in our Konkann towns and villages will benefit and enjoy the sweet chords by reading episodes after episodes. It will be a shame if I fail to offer my heartfelt thanks to Rev.Fr.Eric Crasta, the Raknno editor, for giving me such a wonderful opening. It is my  privilege and honour to thank you dear Fr Eric Crasta.

Yes, legends after legends beautified this music column and this month too it is up with another legend.  For twenty-five long years he was the choirmaster for 'Bendur Church Choir', one of the best choirs in the Diocese of Mangalore, I suppose! Even I had a great privilege to sing in the choir conducted by him together with great Konkanni personalities like Dr.Austin D'Souza Prabhu currently residing in U.S.A. and Shri Claud D'Souza of Bendur, a great composer and singer. He is very popular in Mangalore not only for his music talents, but also for his mastery in teaching, dramatics and in the field of social service.  This great legend blessed with multi-faceted talents and with his down-to-earth personality attracts everyone towards him.  This great legend whom I'm referring to, is none other than Prof. Alban Castelino, fondly known as 'Alban Maesthry'. I was so fortunate to be born in his neighbourhood and to have a close-knit relationship with him since my childhood and now it is my great privilege to present him in this unique Konkanni portal.

So enjoy reading, and do not forget and fail to catch up another sensational music episode next month on same portal and same column which will be an 'Easter Special Chord.'  Till then, bye!

Yours in Do..Re..Me..Fa..,

Gerry D'Mello

 

THE MASTER OF MASTERS!
PROF. ALBAN BERNARD CASTELINO

Professors are renowned for their absent mindedness, aloofness and other-worldliness!  Contrary to this impression, Prof. Alban Bernard Castelino, now an octogenarian is a versatile genius well known in Mangalore for his social, cultural and other amiable characteristics.  He is an intellectualist, educationist, editor, literary writer, stage actor, play director, musician, choir-master and instrumentalist.  All these talents and capabilities are harmoniously blended into