Ronald Colaco Unveils Souvenir of First World Konkani Convention
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jun 5: NRI businessman and philanthropist Ronald Colaco on Sunday June 5 released the souvenir in commemoration of the first World Konkani Cultural Convention conducted under the auspices of Mandd Sobhann in November-December 2010, at a function in Kalaangann this evening.
Ronald Colaco was also the chairman of the first World Konkani Cultural Convention that presented 25 days of cultural bonanza to the world.
Speaking on the occasion Ronald Colaco saluted the Gurkar, president and other office-bearers of Mandd Sobhann for giving the world community a glimpse of the richness and splendor of Konkani’s unique culture and tradition. "Even the former deputy Prime Minister L K Advani who witnessed the opulence of our culture was shell-shocked to see the richness and diversity of the cultural extravaganza of 25 days executed with such precision and extravaganza. This was possible only because of Mandd Sobhann and full credit goes to the office bearers for their persistent efforts in showcasing our unique cultural diversity and for their efforts of making every Konkani proud of his language and culture," he stated.
Ronald Colaco also congratulated Mandd Sobhann for coming out of the negative balance sheet for the first time in its 25 years history and said this would embolden them further to work for spreading the flavor of Konkani all over the world. He acknowledged the financial help Mandd Sobhann had received from the state government as part of its contribution for the first World Konkani Cultural Convention.
He pointed out that the state government has also accepted the request they had submitted to the government by releasing Rs 50 crore recently for the welfare of the Christian Community. These funds are meant for the poor Christians for education, development of art and culture, handicrafts, agriculture, health and hygiene and other areas aimed at the development of the community as a whole. “There are people who term it as an effort to appease the Christian community. Such acts on the part of the government should be viewed positively as this is for the first time a government has released funds meant exclusively for the Christian community”, he declared.
He opined that the cultural extravaganza of 25 days organized by Mandd Sobhann to mark its 25 years was innovative, unique and something which was not attempted by any organization or institution in any language. “I have lived in many countries and toured the entire world but have not come across a cultural programme spread over 25 days. The unique achievement was possible only due to the concerted efforts of Mandd Sobhann”, he opined.
Rony Gomes, editor of the souvenir, Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann Eric Ozario and President Louis Pinto were present on the dais.
NRI businessman James Mendonca, who was the chief guest on the occasion, felicitated the Choreographers of Dance Workshop 2011 conducted by Kalaangann from May 23 to 29, 2011. He also gave away certificates to the 20 participants who took part in the workshop. He also felicitated outstanding dance group, outstanding student and student of the workshop. The students of the workshop presented a dance number to showcase their dancing prowess acquired as a result of the workshop they attended. James Mendonca also felicitated the writer and director of the play “Kistu Purana” John Permannur. The play was staged at Kalaangann soon after the release of the souvenir as part of the 114th Maynyali Manchi (monthly forum). Vernon D Souza, one of the participants presented his views on the workshop on behalf of all the students. The students were trained by well known choreographers Pramod Alva and Merula D Silva.
The play that followed the release of the souvenir was both entertaining and educative emphasizing religious harmony with subtle hints and also questioned prevalent societal taboos. It also dealt with the delicate and highly relevant topic of the plight of the aged. All the characters played their roles with aplomb sending the audience in a peel of laughter every now and then. It was a good effort on the part of John Permannur to keep the audience glued to their seats for nearly two hours. The indoor hall was jam-packed and many enthusiasts preferred to watch the entire drama standing. It was worth all the effort.