Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 13: The audition round of the 62nd Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) Elders Singing Competition was held on Sunday, July 12, from 9:30 am onwards at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru. The competition is part of the prestigious annual events organised by the Konkani Natak Sabha, one of the oldest and most respected organisations working for the promotion of Konkani language, music, and culture.

The programme began with the KNS Anthem, followed by a warm welcome by Dr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, president of KNS. In his address, he encouraged the participants to perform with confidence and wished them success in the competition.

The chief guests for the occasion were philanthropist and well-wisher of KNS, Santhosh Sequeira Kankanady, and Lenet Castelino, retired assistant sub-inspector of Karnataka Police and a dedicated social worker.

The competition was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, vice-president Floyd Dmello Cascia, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, along with the judges and competition convenors Loy Rego, Joseph Theodore, and Gladys Pereira.

Addressing the gathering, Floyd Dmello Cascia spoke about the invaluable support extended by Santhosh Sequeira, who has stood firmly with KNS and its annual competitions for many years. He described Santhosh as a strong pillar of support whose generosity and encouragement have contributed immensely to the success of the organisation's various cultural programmes.

Speaking about Lenet Castelino, Floyd Cascia remarked that although she has retired from government service, she has never retired from social service and her commitment to Konkani activities continues to inspire many. He praised her dedication to society and her willingness to extend help whenever needed.

On the occasion, Floyd also expressed gratitude to Michael D'Souza Dubai for his tremendous support towards KNS. Since it was Michael D'Souza's birthday, KNS wished him a very happy birthday. Michael D'Souza and his family have generously sponsored the entire KNS Singing Competition for five consecutive years, from 2025 to 2029, enabling KNS to continue nurturing and promoting Konkani singing talent.

In her address, Lenet Castelino appreciated the remarkable work and cultural initiatives undertaken by Konkani Natak Sabha. She commended the organisation for its efforts in preserving and promoting Konkani language and culture and congratulated Dr Rocky D'Cunha and the office-bearers for their dedicated service. She also wished the organisation continued success in all its future projects and conveyed her best wishes to all the participants.

The elders' category witnessed an overwhelming response, receiving 145 entries with a total of 274 participants across eight categories, including solo, duet, married couple, and group singing competitions.

This year's 62nd Konkani Singing Competition, including both children's and elders' categories, recorded an impressive 311 entries and 514 participants, making it one of the highest participation figures in the history of the competition. KNS expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, trainers, and parents for their enthusiastic response and support.

The event received valuable support from KNS manager Gerald Concessao. Tabulation was efficiently handled by former vice-president Sunil Menezes and treasurer Ivan D'Silva. The overall coordination of the programme was undertaken by the members of the KNS Cascia and Bendur units, along with the KNS managing committee, whose teamwork ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the auditions.

The performances were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising renowned singers Vincent Fernandes Cascia, Ashwin D'Costa Cordel, Velita Sibon Lobo Cordel, and Joshal Sweeda D'Souza.

The programme was compered by Loy Rego, assisted by Edward Coelho and Jerome Moras, while Joseph Theodore introduced the judges. Floyd Dmello Cascia proposed the vote of thanks. Glanny D'Souza Bajal was in charge of stage arrangements, and Christopher Mascarenhas provided technical support.

The second round of the competition will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm onwards at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, where the qualified participants will compete for a coveted place in the grand finals.

Qualified participants for the second round (To be held on August 16 at Don Bosco Hall):

15 to 45 years ladies solo:

• Rishal Melba Crasta, Cordel

• Seema Joslin Dsouza, Allipade

• Liza Flora Rodrigues, Taccode

• Lavisha Dcunha, Agrar

• Flavia Violet Mascarenhas, Cordel

• Leesha Pais, Allipade

• Denisha Maria Dsouza, Ranipura

• Tonita Nisha Rodrigues, Taccode

• Anitha Mascarenhas, Kelarai

• Vanita Tellis, Moodbidri

• Viona Pinto, Bejai

• Lianna Furtado, Mulki

15 to 45 years gents solo:

• Arvin Chris Dcunha, Cordel

• Rolwyn Moras, Cordel

• Samuel Miranda, Gantalkatte

• Roshan Rocco, Vamanjoor

• Elvin Dsa, Shirthady

• Vinoy Dsouza, Bajjodi

• Melcome Joseline Lobo, Bondel

• Melstan Veigas, Vittal

• Alson Floyed Tauro, Allipade

• Glen Leslie Pais, Allipade

15 to 45 years ladies duet:

• Janisha Ishal Dsouza & Rishal Melba Crasta, Shakthinagar/Cordel

• Anora Mendonsa & Alisha Santhmayor, Gantalkatte

• Rovina Jacqueline Andrade & Viona Pinto, Bejai

• Seema Joslin Dsouza & Ancilla Sequeira, Allipade/Agrar

• Ashna Jewel Dsouza & Lianna Furtado, Ferar/Mulki

• Tonita Nisha Rodrigues & Liza Flora Rodrigues, Taccode

• Jovita Mishelle Rodrigues & Roveena Dalmeida, Jeppu

• Nicole Moras & Lavisha Dcunha, Agrar

15 to 45 years gents duet:

• Delton Lobo & Rolson Dsouza, Agrar

• Alson Floyed Tauro & Glen Leslie Pais, Allipade

• Arvin Chris Dcunha & Ancil Pereira, Cordel

• Elvin Dsa & Prinson Pinto, Shirthady

• Samuel Miranda & Reevan Lany Rodrigues, Gantalkatte

• Prajwal Joswel Pereira & Roydon Menezes, Gantalkatte

• Anush Reethan Fernandes & Vinoy Dsouza, Bajjodi

Above 45 years ladies solo:

• Thelma Veena Dsouza, Bondel

• Reena Mascarenhas, Cordel

• Jyoti Lily Monteiro, Bejai

• Patsy Monteiro, Paldane

• Saritha G M Dsouza, Bejai

• Zenith Pauline Dsouza, Cordel

• Premi Lobo, Milagres

• Telma Veena Dsouza, Kinnigoli

• Jyothi Pramila Dsouza, Gantalkatte

• Juliana Menezes, Neermarga

Above 45 years gents solo:

• John Prakash Dias, Moodbidri

• Lancy Sequeira, Vamanjoor

• Wilson Crasta, Surathkal

• G Ronald Dsouza, Bejai

• Edward Dsa, Shirthady

• Sunil Miranda, Gantalkatte

• John Dsouza, Ferar

• Louis Vas, Bendur

Qualified participants for the singing grand finale (To be held on September 13 at Don Bosco Hall):

Below 15 years – mixed group:

• Team Gantalkatte

• Siona Mendonca & group Pangla

• Delisha Andrea D’Souza & group, Bejai

• Konkani Naktiran, Kodiyal

• Bajal Church group

Married couples category:

• Clyde Lobo & Jovita Michelle Rodrigues, Jeppu

• Loy Martis & Priyanka Shibani Menezes, Balkunje

• Rolson Dsouza & Lavisha Dcunha, Agrar

• Colin Meckenzy Sequeira & Seema Joslin Dsouza, Allipade

• Roshan Andrade & Jenevia Andrade, Bejai

Above 15 years – mixed group:

• Vin & Fly Melodies, Shirthady

• Team Alankar, Cordel

• Venessa Moras & team, Allipade

• Allipade Church Choir, Allipade

• Team Rang Tarang, Bidryam

Upcoming KNS annual competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru:

• July 19, 2026, 3:00 pm onwards: 24th Dance Competition

• August 2, 2026, 9:30 am onwards: 24th Kavitha Competition

• August 2, 2026, 3:30 pm onwards: 5th Voviyo Verse Competition

• August 16, 2026, 1:00 pm onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Second round

• August 23, 2026, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd Gumtam Gayan Competition

• August 30, 2026, 1:30 pm onwards: Konkani Skit Competition

• September 6, 2026, 9:30 am onwards: 58th Elocution Competition

• September 13, 2026, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Grand finale

• September 27, 2026, 5:00 pm onwards: 83rd Annual Day celebration of KNS

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