Daiji Darbar: Remarkable Evening of Awards, Music, Comedy
Report : Naveen Frank
Pics: Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Apr 30: It was an evening to remember as Daiji Dubai, the forum for Konkani writers in the Emirates, celebrated its 12 fruitful years with a grand 'Daiji Darbar' event at the Sheikh Rashid auditorium here on Friday April 29.
Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld.com, who was the master of ceremony for the evening, flagged off the proceedings with a brief introduction and welcomed the guests who had assembled from different parts of the world.
At the outset, eminent Konkani writer Dr Edward Nazareth from Mangalore, Richard Moras of Bahrain, Joseph Mathias of Dubai and Rohan Monteiro of Mangalore were welcomed on the stage and felicitated.
Daiji Dubai annual award was conferred to prominent Konkani writer Jerry Niddodi, which was accepted by Mark Dennis D'Souza on Niddodi's behalf. The honour included a citation and a cheque of Rs 50,000.
In a written message from Jerry Niddodi, he thanked Daiji Dubai for bestowing this honour on him.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Edward Nazareth praised the efforts of Daiji Dubai over the past 12 years in promoting Konkani language, culture and art in this part of the world. He also urged the Konkani community to encourage their children to speak in Konkani and make sure that Konkani culture does not dwindle.
Noted Konkani singer of "Ye Ye Katrina" and "Ami Dogi Sezaram" fame was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 45 years of contribution to Konkani music and language. He received a citation, a trophy, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 50,000. Michael Dsouza, Leo Rodrigues, Rony Pinto adn Francis Fernandes Cascia were on the dias.
Accepting the award, Henry D'Souza said that he was overwhelmed with joy and pride at being chosen for the prestigious award. He thanked all those who were with him in his journey over the last 40 years.
A Konkani book by Catherine Rodrigues was released by Alfred D’Souza on the occasion.
Daijiworld' Middle East Office Launched:
A short documentary on Daijiworld.com was presented to the audience.
Ronald Colaco officially launched Daijiworld Middle East FZE on the occasion, in the presence of Sudhir Shetty, CEO of UAE Exchange, Stan Ageira who heads Daijiworld's Middle East operations, Herman Lewis of Radio Spice and Melvyn Rodrigues, director of operations, Daijiworld.
Ronald Colaco said that contributions of Daijiworld.com have been of paramount importance to the society in the present times. He praised Daijiworld for being a powerful and impartial media portal that follows secular principles and carries authentic and healthy news. He also hailed charity initiatives undertaken by the portal, without restricting itself to coverage news and providing of information, like publication of appeals and generation of funds for the needy.
Sudhir Shetty said it was gratifying to note that one man’s idea has now won global recognition and acceptance. He hoped that Daijiworld will continue to expand its horizons by opening offices in many other parts of the world. He said that the quality and accuracy of news and information provided by Daijiworld is commendable, and that its dedicated team effort has catapulted the portal into one of the finest websites in the media today.
After the formal stage programme, it was time for a rich dose of entertainment by renowned Konkani artistes who swept the audience off their feet with some scintillating performances.
Ocean Kids set the stage on fire with a brilliant dance, followed by a beautiful rendition of melodious Konkani numbers.
It was a package of complete entertainment for the packed audience at Sheikha Rashid Auditorium. 'Sangeeth Samrat' Henry Dsouza's evergreen songs, including Katrina, Ami Dogi Sezara, Sivnthi Abolim.. etc were the highlights of the event, and at least thrice during the show, the audience asked for repeated performances.
Nephie Rod was the star attraction, and her scintillating performance was cheered by the audience through out the event.
The first comers to Dubai, Antony Tauro from Mumbai and Munita Veigas from Mangalore, exhibited their singing talent in front the crowd, and proved that they have the potential to become promising artistes for Konkani music in the coming days.
Kenny Zuzarte, who donned the role of a female singer on the occasion, stole the hearts of music lovers. He received thunderous applause every time he made an entry on the stage.
Dubai-based singers, Rony Baindur and Joseph Mathias, presented duets and proved their talent in music.
‘Comedy Circus’ presented by Jerry – Joseph duo gave rise to peels of laughter in the auditorium as their superb acting talent and wit thoroughly entertained the audience. Their fantastic performance was well-appreciated by the audience. Dubai based artistes Santosh Dsouza and Sunitha Menezes also presented a comedy skit.
Ramiro Mascarenhas with his band accompanied the singers and dancers with lively music.
All the sponsors were recognized and felicitated.