Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Aug 23: A condolence meeting was organised to pay tribute to the legendary Konkani singer, 'Sangeeth Samrat' and 'Kala Rathn' awardee Henry D'Souza, who passed away last Saturday.
The Mangalorean Konkani Samaj (Mumbai) and Team Mangalorean jointly hosted the solemn gathering on Saturday evening at the Shukran Lounge Banquet in Andheri East.
Paying his respects to the late singer, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Joachim Stany Alvares said, "The demise of the senior musician and 'Sangeeth Samrat', Henry D'Souza, is deeply saddening. His contribution to the Konkani music world is immense, having won the hearts of lakhs of music lovers with world-famous hits like Ye Ye Katrina, Ami Dogi Sezara, and Chandrem Udevn Ailo. Through his melodious voice and dedicated service to art, he illuminated Konkani music on a global scale. His passing is an irreparable loss to the music industry."
Walter D'Souza Nandalike, managing director of Daijiworld Media Private Limited, offered floral tributes to the portrait of Henry D'Souza and addressed the gathering. "The demise of the silver star of the Konkani music world and 'Kala Rathn' awardee Henry is an immense loss. He was a rare and great singer. Henry was a visionary who enriched the Konkani stage with his soulful voice. With his passing, the Konkani music world has lost one of its greatest spirits," he lamented.
Anil Lobo Fermai, chairman of MCC Bank Limited (Mangaluru), also paid floral tributes and spoke on the occasion. He remarked that although Henry D'Souza has passed away, his musical notes and melodious songs will remain immortal in the hearts of Konkani music lovers.
The condolence meeting was attended by a large number of dignitaries from the city, including senior musician Konkan Kogul Lawrence Saldanha, Francis Fernandes Cascia, advocate Pius Vas, advocate Genevieve P Vas, CCCI founder chairman Vincent Mathias, film directors Lawrence B D'Souza and Harry Fernandes Barkur, Gregory D'Almeida, stunt directors Sunil Rodrigues and Naveen Lobo Modankap, businessmen Alwyn Sequeira Gardadi, Ronald J Baptist (Falcon), John Wilson Lobo Thane, Gilbert Simon D'Souza (Juanita), Premila V Mathias, Leo Fernandes (Jerimeri), Claudy Monteiro Marol, Juliet Pereira, Violet Wilson Lobo, Ruth Wilson Fernandes, Stany Bela Mangaluru, Roshan Nelligudde, Philip Frank Agrar, Flora D'Souza Jerimeri, Cyril Castelino, Lancy Barboza (Loretto), Tara R Bantwal, Josephine Rodrigues, and Reshma Anil D'Almeida.
Sunitha A Soares, president of the St John Konkani Samudai Marol, compered the programme. Rons Bantwal offered the vote of condolences. Vincent Castelino Vidyavihar, secretary of the Konkan Association Charitable Trust, led the prayers and concluded the programme.