Media Release
Mangaluru, June 4: Kalaangann was abuzz with cultural energy on the evening of June 1 as Mandd Sobhann hosted a unique triple treat— the inauguration of Sur Sobhann - 2, the 282nd Monthly Theatre presentation, and the launch of the e-Book Rickshaw Diary. The evening unfolded as a vibrant celebration of Konkani music, drama, and literature.
Sur Sobhann - 2 inauguration
The event began at 5:00 p.m. with the formal launch of the Sur Sobhann Grade 1 and Grade 2 programs. Renowned Konkani Abolem Joyce Ozario unveiled the specially designed textbooks from a floral basket in a symbolic inauguration.
"In our younger days, we had a voice and talent, but lacked formal training. We simply sang. Today, structured learning is essential. Sur Sobhann provides that invaluable training—embrace it. Through you, I hope to see accomplished Konkani singers emerge," she said, addressing the gathering.
The ceremony was attended by Sur Sobhann trainer Shilpa Cutinha, Mandd Sobhann gurkar Eric Ozario, president Louis Pinto, and Sumell coordinator Raina Sequeira. The event was compered by Keron Madtha.
This year, 102 students have enrolled in the program. Grade 1 classes will be held on the first and third Sundays, while Grade 2 will be conducted on the second and fourth Sundays. Each student will undergo 60 hours of training, followed by an examination, with monthly opportunities to showcase their talent through the Monthly Theatre.
e-Book launch and monthly theatre
At 6:30 p.m., the second segment of the event commenced—the 282nd Monthly Theatre. Eric Ozario unveiled the e-Book edition of Rickshaw Diary, authored by Rony Arun and digitised by software engineer Keron Madtha. The book, published by Mandd Sobhann, is now available globally on the Google Play Books platform, becoming the eighth e-Book in its digital library. Alron Rodrigues compered the segment.
Click here to read the e-Book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=FB1gEQAAQBAJ
The evening's theatre performance was inaugurated by actor, organiser, and compeer Roshan Kamath Vamanjoor, who rang the ceremonial bell.
The highlight of the night was the staging of Bonket (Banquet), a suspense thriller written and directed by Arunraj Rodrigues. The gripping performance featured talented artistes Anisha, Ashley, Darvin, Royston, Vijoy, Vinoy, and Wilton—all students of the Kalakul Theatre Repertory, co-sponsored by Michael D’Souza and family, Dubai. The production featured lighting by Vikas Kalakul and music by Sandeep Kalakul.
The triple-header event concluded with accolades from the audience, reaffirming Mandd Sobhann's steadfast commitment to the promotion and preservation of Konkani language and culture through diverse art forms.