Report by: Dr Eugene D’Souza
Udupi, Jul 12: Marking a significant milestone in its 15-year journey of cultural service, Parichaya, Pamboor, a voluntary cultural, literary and artistic organisation, laid the foundation stone for its long-cherished Parichaya Cultural Complex on Sunday, July 12.
Established in January 2012, Parichaya has nurtured a vision of creating a dedicated cultural centre with both indoor and outdoor facilities to promote literature, theatre, music, folk arts and other cultural activities. That vision took a major step towards reality with the foundation stone laying ceremony held in the presence of eminent personalities from the fields of literature, theatre and art.
The programme commenced with a brief account of the origin and growth of Parichaya by its managing trustee Dr Vincent Alva. Welcoming the gathering, secretary of Parichaya Prakash Noronha greeted Fr Roshan D’Souza, parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Pamboor; Fr Alwyn Serrao, renowned Konkani playwright; Joachim Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi; distinguished Konkani, Kannada and Tulu writers, playwrights, stage artistes and well-wishers.
Fr Roshan D’Souza led the prayer service and blessed the foundation stones.
Delivering the reflection after reading the Gospel passage from St Matthew (7:24–27) on the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, Fr Alwyn Serrao said the dream project of Parichaya had been founded on the "solid rock" of faith, conviction and commitment. He observed that Parichaya emerged as a cultural movement in rural Karnataka with the objective of creating awareness about the rich cultural traditions of Coastal Karnataka and preserving its artistic heritage.
Quoting Lebanese philosopher and poet Khalil Gibran, Fr Serrao noted that every great revolution begins as a thought in the human mind before transforming society. Likewise, he said, Parichaya was born from the vision of a few committed individuals and has since evolved into a vibrant cultural force serving rural communities.
Following the blessing, the foundation stones were ceremonially laid by Mary Noronha, mother of Prakash Noronha, who generously donated the land for the project, along with Fr Roshan D’Souza, Dr Vincent Alva, Prakash Noronha, noted Konkani poet, lyricist and travel writer Anil Pernal, and eminent artist Wilson Kayyar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prakash Noronha fondly remembered the late Eric Ozario, founder of Kalangaan, Mangaluru, acknowledging his invaluable guidance, encouragement and unwavering support to Parichaya since its inception. He also paid tribute to legendary playback singer S Janaki, the "Nightingale of South India," who passed away on July 11, recognising her immense contribution to Indian and Kannada music.
The planning and design of Parichaya Cultural Complex was done by Wilson Kayyar-eminent artist and painter. The construction of the Parichaya Pamboor Cultural Complex will be undertaken under the guidance of engineer Elias D’Souza of Civiteche – Civil engineering & project management.
The foundation stone laying programme was attended by Joachim Stany Alvares - president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, Navin Lobo Bajal-member of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, Udyavara Nagesh Kumar and Santosh Shetty Hiriyadka-Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Akademi members, Christopher Neenasam and Astitva Team members, Raju Manipal, Nellu Permannur, Roshan Belman, Anu Belle, Anil Pernal, CA Alwyn Rodrigues, Alron Rodrigues, Norbert Machado Shirva, Rajdeep Gomes, Arul D’Souza Shirva and other invitees
About Parichaya Pamboor
Founded in January 2012 by a group of like-minded cultural enthusiasts, Parichaya Pamboor has emerged as one of the prominent cultural organisations in the coastal region. The organisation is committed to preserving and promoting the literary, theatrical and artistic traditions of Karnataka, with special emphasis on Kannada, Konkani, Tulu and other regional languages.
Parichaya Pamboor has been managed by persons of vision and dedication lead by Dr Vincent Alva-managing trustee, Anil D’Sa - president, Prakash Noronha - secretary, Peter Osta-treasurer and members.
Over the years, Parichaya has organised numerous literary meets, poetry recitals, book releases, cultural evenings, lectures and interactions with eminent writers and artistes. Its flagship event, "Ranga Saptaka," a week-long multilingual theatre festival featuring Kannada, Tulu and Konkani plays, has earned wide appreciation across Coastal Karnataka.
The organisation continues to provide a vibrant platform for writers, artistes, dramatists and young talents while fostering communal harmony through cultural exchange and creative expression. Through its consistent efforts over the past decade and a half, Parichaya has significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Udupi district and strengthened the preservation of the artistic heritage of Tulunadu.
The proposed Cultural Complex is expected to become a permanent centre for literary, theatrical and cultural activities, further advancing Parichaya’s mission of promoting the rich cultural legacy of the region for generations to come.