Media Release

Bengaluru, Nov 13: Kalanjali 2023, the annual talent show of Konkani Catholic Association of Bangalore (KON-CAB) was hosted and organized on November 5 at Konkan Samudai Bhavan hall - Kalyan Nagar here. KON-CAB has been providing this platform in Bengaluru for the past 25+ years, for all the Konkani associations to promote the language and culture, and to keep Konkani history alive.

The programme began with a pious prayer to St Anthony, the patron saint of KON-CAB. Navya Monteiro, the secretary of Koncab, led the inaugural prayer along with the executive committee of KON-CAB and God’s blessings were invoked for the success of the programme. A prayer song was presented by the children of various organizations, under the guidance of Sharon Rego. KON-CAB president Vincent D’Souza formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp, accompanied by secretary Navya Monteiro, vice president Sylvester D’Souza, treasurer Harold Lewis and cultural secretary Arun Fernandes. Following this, Kalanjali 2023 was declared open by the president Vincent D’Souza. 

The programme started with Konkani singing competitions. Old and new melodies sung by the contestants of all ages took the delighted audience into the nostalgic grand era of the immortal melodies of Konkan Kogul late Wilfy Rebimbus, Henry D’Souza, Mic Max and Eric Ozario, while the latest Konkani heartthrobs like Kevin Misquith and Prajoth D’Souza’s too were invoked by the competitors. The Konkani group singing competition was a great hit among the audience, with the level of competition having raised up the bar to international concert standards with tenors, baritones and sopranos.

The singing competition was followed by fancy dress competition, showcasing new and innovative ideas, which literally took the audience agape with astonishment. Right from the tiny tots, up to 70-year-olds displayed mesmerizing outfits and props. A real treat for the eyes of the audience.

Soon after, a short Konkani comedy skit competition was held which was enjoyed by the packed crowd in the auditorium. The witty one liners and comedy element was brought out well by the performers.

Then came the much awaited, icing on the cake for all the Kalanjali programmes organized by KON-CAB from the past several years, the inter-association dance competitions for various categories which mesmerized the mood of everyone in the packed auditorium. Right from the dashing teens to the enchanting 35 years and the show stopper performances by high energy youth dancers left the audience in awe, as the dancers from different associations ignited the stage with their performances.

Kalanjali has just been improving by the years, in which children, the young and young and heart perform to the awe of everyone in the audience. This year too, the performances were a class beyond par excellence and the audience enjoyed every bit of it. There was a record number of participants and the program went on for a nonstop 11 hours.

The competitions were so nip and tuck that the esteemed panel of judges found it difficult to declare the winners. As every year, this year also, the competitions were judged by well qualified and experienced judges, who were masters in their respective categories.

The judges chosen by KON-CAB over the years for the programme are highly professional and have sound knowledge in the respective category of events. This year the panel of judges included:

Singing: Stan D’Souza, Edith surname and Peter Rebello

Fancy dress and Comedy skit: Sandeep Malani, Fr Francis Assisi Almeida and Charles Gomes

Inter Association Dance: Vijay Colaco, Stenita Lewis and Rishika

The chief guest for the programme was Silvian Noronha, a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and former chairman of Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations – FKCA. He was escorted to the dais by president Vincent D’Souza. The guest of honour Robert Cutinha, present chairman of FKCA, was ushered by secretary Navya Monteiro. The presidents of all Konkani associations of Bengaluru, were also present on the dais for the final leg of the function. President of KON-CAB Vincent D’Souza honoured the chief guest and also the guest of honour, and all the presidents of other Konkani Catholic associations of Bengaluru, present on the dais, which was followed by a welcome speech by him.

Silvian Noronha, in his speech lauded the efforts of KON-CAB in arranging such a mega event, for the past 25+ years. He also appreciated the performance of the participants and observed that the quality of the programme was getting better and better each year. He also stressed the need for parents to encourage their children to do whatever they are best at and also urged the younger generation to be more involved in sports and extra-curricular activities and not to indulge in alcoholism and drugs.

Robert Cutinha the guest of honour congratulated the KON-CAB president and his team for putting up such a grand event and wished KON-CAB the very best for all their future endeavours and also ensured all the required support from FKCA.

The chief guest, guest of honour and presidents of all associations distributed the prizes to the winners of the cultural competitions. About 16 associations from Bengaluru took part at Kalanjali 2023, and the auditorium was packed with a large number of participants from all Konkani associations from Bengaluru and even a larger number in the audience.

Last year’s title holders, KON-CAB yet again bagged the ‘Most Talented Team’ rolling trophy, this year too, by winning the highest points. BKCS Koramangala stood second, on the points table.

The programme was compered by N A D’Silva with support from Sunny, Kevin, Shailin, Mable, Sony, Rochelle, Alita, Praveen, Sylvia and Vinuthan.

Secretary Navya Monteiro proposed the vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude on behalf of KON-CAB, for their support and cooperation, as the curtains came down on the full house entertainment programme.

The winners of the various categories held at Kalanjali 2023 are as follows:

Konkani Singing Solo below 10 years: Rishita Crasta from SAKK Marathahalli

Konkani Singing Solo 10 -15 years: Cleon Furtado from Konkani Samudai Jayanagar

Konkani Singing Solo 15-20 years: Ranson Serrao KCA Mathikere

Konkani Singing Solo 20 years and above: Royston D’Souza from BKCS Koramangala

Konkani Singing Group below 15 years: Konkani Samudai Group – Jayanagar

Konkani Singing Group above 15 years: Royston D’Souza from BKCS Koramangala

Fancy Dress Solo below 5 years: Aiden Paul Pinto from KON-CAB

Fancy Dress Solo 5-10 years: Shanvi D’Souza from KON-CAB.

Fancy Dress Solo 10–15 years: Melroy Fernandes from BKCS Koramangala

Fancy Dress Solo 15-20 years: Jennifer Lobo from Konkani Samudai Jayanagar

Fancy Dress 20 years and above: Lawrence Fernandes from BKCS Koramangala

Inter-Association Dance above 35 years: Fairy Flamingos from KON-CAB

Inter-Association Comedy Skit: Steven D’Silva & Group KON-CAB

Inter-Association Dance below 15 years: Wonderkids from KON-CAB

Inter-Association Dance 15 years above: Pink Panther from KON-CAB