Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Sep 25: Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangaluru Diocese, graced the 80th annual day celebrations of Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) as the chief guest. In his address, he praised KNS as a nursery of talent and emphasized the transformative power of participation in KNS competitions for young talents.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza: "Konkani Natak Sabha is celebrating its 80th annual day, which means it has reached a stage of complete maturity. The competition conducted by KNS has helped thousands of talents to find their excellence in various art forms. Every year, KNS conducts the competitions without fail. At the same time, it is our parents' duty to send their children to these competitions. These competitions will be a game-changer in their lives. I congratulate all prize winners and the management of KNS for their 80th annual day."
Leo Rodriguez, an NRI entrepreneur and businessman, attended the event as the guest of honor. He lauded KNS for its selfless service spanning 80 years and recognized its role in nurturing and launching the careers of numerous artists, including those who achieved international recognition.
Leo Rodriguez said, "When I received the invitation for the annual day, I was a little confused about whether I would attend or not. But within a few minutes, I decided to attend the event because of the selfless service rendered by KNS over the last 80 years. The organization provided a stage for thousands of talents. A number of artists who started their musical or acting journey from Don Bosco Hall have conquered the entertainment world with a bang. Some of them have made names at the international level. The 80 years are not just counted; I can say the years have been successful. Today is the success party of 80 years."
Fr Paul Melwyn, the former president of KNS, also attended as a guest of honor and commended the organization for its focused mission and achievements. He expressed a desire to see KNS expand its reach internationally, promoting Konkani culture and nurturing budding talents abroad.
Fr Paul Melwyn said, "Don Bosco Hall, owned by KNS, is a visual achievement of KNS. I can say the organization is completely focused on its mission and has achieved its goal through its slogan. The report itself says KNS has expanded its area of activities to Udupi and Mumbai. It is my wish that in the upcoming days, KNS should go abroad while holding the flag of Konkani and the mission of nourishing budding talents."
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Network, praised KNS for honoring artists and recognizing their contributions. He commended KNS for setting a new precedent by acknowledging its own members and partners, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating service within the organization.
Walter Nandalike expressed, "By honoring the three eminent personalities of the Konkani stage, KNS has proved that it always recognizes the artists and remembers their service. Today, KNS also honored eight various personalities who rendered service for KNS. Many times, we forget to recognize the service of our own members and partners. But by felicitating our own members, KNS has started a new gesture."
In his presidential address, Fr Rocky D'Cunha, OFM, highlighted Don Bosco Hall as a cultural and religious hub for Konkani talents. He spoke of KNS's mission, its expansion to Mumbai, and its plans to reach out to Gulf countries in the future. He expressed gratitude to the office bearers and members for their unwavering support of KNS's mission.
Fr Rocky D'Cunha said, "Don Bosco Hall, owned by KNS, has turned into a religious place for all Konkani talents. Through this stage, they are proclaiming the blessings of God showered on them. We are working with a mission. Now we have reached Mumbai and are planning to fly to Gulf countries. I thank all office bearers and its members for their constant support of our mission. I am assuring KNS will come with unique events in the upcoming days too."
During the event, KNS presented the Kalakar Puraskar of the Year 2023 to renowned playwriter Fr Rony Serrao, theater artist Francis Fernandes Cascia, and musician-actor Prem Kumar Lobo Nandigudda. Additionally, the organization honored eight associates for their outstanding contributions.
The vice-president of Konkani Natak Sabha, Liston D'Souza, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Floyd D'Mello, Cascia Secretary of KNS, presented the annual report, and Gerald Consessao, the treasurer, proposed a Vote of Thanks. Joint Secretary Cletus Lobo was also present on the stage, and Manu Bantwal served as the event's emcee.
The celebration culminated with the performance of the play "Carmel Second Street," written by Stany Bela and directed by Mellu Valencia, providing a delightful conclusion to the evening's festivities.