Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 17: The Konkani Natak Sabha® (KNS), Mangaluru, conducted the second round of its 62nd annual Konkani singing competition on Sunday, August 16, at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru. The programme commenced at 1 pm and brought together talented singers of different age groups, celebrating the richness and vibrancy of Konkani music.
The programme began with the KNS anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by KNS vice president Floyd D'Mello Cascia, who welcomed the participants, judges, chief guest, parents, guests and music lovers and encouraged the contestants to showcase their talent with confidence.
A solemn tribute to Sangeeth Samrat Henry D’Souza
At the beginning of the programme, KNS held a solemn condolence meeting to mourn the passing of veteran Konkani singer, composer and Konkani music legend Sangeeth Samrat Henry D’Souza, renowned for the evergreen Konkani hit ‘Ye Ye Katrina’. He passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, August 15.
KNS vice president Floyd D'Mello Cascia offered heartfelt condolences and recalled the remarkable life and musical journey of Henry D’Souza. He highlighted the special bond between Henry and KNS, noting that both were connected to the year 1943—KNS was founded in 1943, while Henry D’Souza was also born that same year in Basrikatte, Chikkamagaluru.
Henry completed his schooling at Padua High School, Mangaluru, his PUC at St Philomena College, Puttur, and his degree at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, before moving to Mumbai, where he pursued law at the University of Mumbai.
Inspired by Western music legends such as Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson, Henry went on to carve a unique identity for himself in Konkani music.
His iconic song ‘Ye Ye Katrina’, recorded with Helen D’Cruz, became a timeless Konkani hit and continues to evoke nostalgia among music lovers. He also lent his voice to more than 200 Konkani songs broadcast on All India Radio (Akashavani) and performed musical programmes across India and abroad, including the Gulf countries and Sri Lanka.
Floyd fondly recalled the Henry Nite held at Don Bosco Hall nearly 25 years ago, as well as another memorable occasion when KNS members visited Henry at his Mumbai residence and honoured him during the 60th KNS Konkani singing competition held in Mumbai in 2024. He also remembered Henry’s treasured collection of Konkani cassettes and CDs, a reflection of his lifelong passion and dedication to Konkani music.
Floyd said Henry’s soulful voice and timeless compositions enriched Konkani music for generations and helped preserve the cultural memories of the community.
"Henry D’Souza was not merely a singer and composer; he was a voice of an era whose music will continue to live in the hearts of Konkani people."
His passing is a profound loss to the Konkani music fraternity. KNS expressed its deepest condolences to his daughter Caroline D’Souza, family members, friends, admirers and countless fans of Konkani music.
His voice may have fallen silent, but his music will sing forever. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Traditional inauguration
The competition was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by chief guest and long-time KNS donor and philanthropist Santhosh Sequeira, Kankanady, along with KNS general secretary Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D’Silva, competition convenors Loy Rego, Joseph Theodore and Gladys Pereira, and the judges.
109 entries with 133 talented singers qualify for the second round
The second round witnessed the participation of 109 entries with 133 talented singers, who qualified through the preliminary rounds across eleven categories. The categories included solo and duet singing for different age groups, covering children aged 5–10 years and 10–15 years, as well as participants in the 15–45 years and above 45 years categories.
The auditorium came alive with the melodious voices of young and senior singers. The contestants impressed both the judges and the audience with their confidence, passion, musical ability and love for the Konkani language.
The performances were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising renowned singers Robin Sequeira, Valencia; Zeena Pereira, Angelore; Velita Lobo, Cordel; and Deepak Hanson Pinto, Bajpe.
Dedicated teamwork behind the event
The successful conduct of the competition was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the KNS team. KNS manager Gerald Concessao and KNS staff member Mohini extended valuable support, while Sunil Menezes, former vice president of KNS, and treasurer Ivan D’Silva efficiently handled the tabulation process.
The overall coordination was carried out by the KNS managing committee, whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and successful execution of the event.
The programme was compered by Loy Rego, who also introduced the judges. Glanny D’Souza, Bajal, was in charge of stage arrangements, while Christopher Mascarenhas of Bendur unit and Deon Joshwin Pinto of Cascia unit provided technical support.
Joseph Theodore announced the names of the participants who qualified for the grand finale.
Heartfelt thanks to supporters
In his vote of thanks, KNS vice president Floyd D'Mello Cascia expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, parents, judges, donors, sponsors, well-wishers and volunteers who contributed to the success of the competition.
He specially acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Michael D’Souza and family Dubai/Mangaluru, who have generously sponsored this year’s competitions.
He also expressed sincere appreciation to Santhosh Sequeira, Kankanady, a well-known philanthropist and long-time supporter of KNS, for his continued encouragement and generous support towards the Sabha’s annual competitions over the years.
Floyd also thanked MCC Bank Ltd, its chairman Anil Lobo and all the directors of the bank, for their support.
Special thanks were extended to the media partners Daijiworld.com and Daijiworld 24×7, as well as other donors and supporters, including retired police officer Lenet Castelino; Monica Valdar, Dubai; Mary Lobo, Urwa; and Emilda Saldanha, for their valuable support towards the competition.
Grand finale on September 13
The much-awaited grand finale of the 62nd Konkani singing competition will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 9:30 am onwards at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru.
The finalists will compete for the coveted prizes in what promises to be another memorable celebration of Konkani music and talent.
The grand finale will also be telecast on Daijiworld 24×7 television at a later date.
The list of participants who have qualified for the grand finale follows below.
5 to 10 years girls solo:
Renisha D’Souza, Permannur
Angel Meghan Cutinha, Hospet
Lara Joshal D’Souza, Taccode
Asharal Crasta, Milagres
Flavia Monteiro, Surathkal
5 to 10 years boys solo:
Shannon Reeve Crasta, Paldane
Ruben Samuel D’Souza, Taccode
Aiden Shaun Menezes, Bejai
Aayden Cutinha, Hospet
Geon Fernandes, Paladka
10 to 15 years girls solo:
Riva Vania D’Souza, Kinnigoli
Tina Caris Veigas, Paldane
Liana D’Mello, Moodubelle
Tiara Rebello, Valencia
Viona Janice Pinto, Bajjodi
10 to 15 years boys solo:
Ayush Regan Menezes, Pangla
Shaun Braden D’Souza, Omzoor
Nathan Preeth Figueira, Jeppu
Sweethan Reece Lobo, Cordel
Eyan Noah D’Souza, Bendur
10 to 15 years boys & girls duet:
Viona Janice Pinto & Tiara Rebello, Bajjodi/Valencia
Siona Mendonca & Ayush Regan Menezes, Pangla
Eyan Noah D’Souza & Sweethan Reece Lobo, Bendur/Cordel
Prithesh Saldanha & Rozel Saldanha, Neermarga
Reon Aloysius Pinto & Chris Pinto, Derebail/Bajpe
Below 15 years – mixed group:
Team Gantalkatte
Siona Mendonca & Group, Pangla
Delisha Andrea D’Souza & Group, Bejai
Konkani Naktiran, Kodiyal
Bajal Church Group
15 to 45 years ladies solo:
Rishal Melba Crasta, Cordel
Viona Pinto, Bejai
Anitha Mascarenhas, Kelarai
Lavisha D'Cunha, Agrar
Seema Joslin D'Souza, Allipade
15 to 45 years gents solo:
Rolwyn Moras, Cordel
Arvin Chris D'Cunha, Cordel
Melstan Veigas, Vittal
Samuel Miranda, Gantalkatte
Vinoy D'Souza, Bajjodi
15 to 45 years ladies duet:
Jovita Mishelle Rodrigues & Roveena D'Almeida, Jeppu
Janisha Ishal D'Souza & Rishal Melba Crasta, Shakthinagar/Cordel
Rovina Jacqueline Andrade & Viona Pinto, Bejai
Nicole Moras & Lavisha D'Cunha, Agrar
Seema Joslin D'Souza & Ancilla Sequeira, Allipade/Agrar
15 to 45 years gents duet:
Arvin Chris D'Cunha & Ancil Pereira, Cordel
Anush Reethan Fernandes & Vinoy D'Souza, Bajjodi
Prajwal Joswel Pereira & Roydon Menezes, Gantalkatte
Samuel Miranda & Reevan Lany Rodrigues, Gantalkatte
Delton Lobo & Rolson D'Souza, Agrar
Above 15 years – mixed group:
Vin & Fly Melodies, Shirthady
Team Alankar, Cordel
Venessa Moras & team, Allipade
Allipade Church Choir, Allipade
Team Rang Tarang, Bidryam
Above 45 years ladies solo:
Thelma Veena D'Souza, Bondel
Jyoti Lily Monteiro, Bejai
Reena Mascarenhas, Cordel
Jyothi Pramila D'Souza, Gantalkatte
Zenith Pauline D'Souza, Cordel
Above 45 years gents solo:
Wilson Crasta, Surathkal
Louis Vas, Bendur
G Ronald D'Souza, Bejai
Sunil Miranda, Gantalkatte
John Prakash Dias, Moodbidri
Married couples category:
Clyde Lobo & Jovita Michelle Rodrigues, Jeppu
Loy Martis & Priyanka Shibani Menezes, Balkunje
Rolson D'Souza & Lavisha D'Cunha, Agrar
Colin Meckenzy Sequeira & Seema Joslin D'Souza, Allipade
Roshan Andrade & Jenevia Andrade, Bejai
Upcoming KNS competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru:
August 23, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd Gumtam Gayan competition
August 30, 1:30 pm onwards: Konkani skit competition
September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58th elocution competition
September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd singing competition – grand finale
September 27, 5:00 pm onwards: 83rd annual day celebration of Konkani Natak Sabha and prize distribution ceremony