Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 15: The grand finale of the 62nd Annual Konkani Singing Competition organised by the Konkani Natak Sabha® (KNS), one of the region’s oldest and most respected cultural institutions, was celebrated on a high note at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, on Sunday, September 13. Beginning at 10am and continuing until 9pm, the day-long musical extravaganza brought together talented singers, music lovers, artistes, parents and supporters of Konkani culture, creating a vibrant celebration of Konkani music and heritage.
The grand finale featured 70 entries with around 180 participants across 14 categories. Contestants from four age groups — 5 to 10 years, 10 to 15 years, 15 to 45 years and above 45 years — competed in Solo, Duet, Mixed Group and Married Couple categories. The competition provided a unique platform where children, youngsters, adults and senior participants shared the same stage and showcased their talent, confidence and love for Konkani music.
The three-round format of the KNS Konkani Singing Competition was introduced in 2022, and this year marked the fifth edition conducted under the three-round format. Participants progressed through two earlier rounds before securing their place in the grand finale, with the top five entries in each category advancing to the final stage. The track-singing format added further excitement to the competition, with the finalists presenting a wide variety of Konkani songs and musical styles throughout the day.
The programme commenced with a soulful rendition of the KNS Anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by KNS president Dr Rocky D’Cunha OFM Cap. He welcomed the finalists, judges, parents, guests, music lovers and supporters and encouraged the contestants to perform with confidence and make the best use of the opportunity provided to them by KNS.
The formal inauguration was marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr Ben Britto Prabhu OFM Cap, who was the chief guest for the inaugural programme. Fr Ben, renowned for his contribution to sacred music, has composed and sung numerous Konkani, Latin and Western hymns and has also been honoured with the Sandesha Konkani Music Award. Philanthropist and long-time supporter of KNS, Santhosh Sequeira of Kankanady, was the guest of honour.
Joining the dignitaries on the dais were KNS vice president Floyd Dmello Cascia, general secretary Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D’Silva, the competition judges and conveners Loy Rego and Gladys Pereira.
The competition witnessed an enthusiastic response from participants and the audience, with the young contestants receiving loud encouragement from their parents and supporters, while experienced singers brought maturity and musical depth to the stage. The 14 categories ensured that singers from different age groups and backgrounds had an opportunity to showcase their talent before a large gathering of music enthusiasts.
The judging panel comprised Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa, Alwyn Noronha of Bajpe, Ralph Roshen Crasta of Bela and Dolvin Mendonca of Kolalgiri. Their experienced and discerning evaluation added credibility and depth to the competition. Competition convener Loy Rego introduced the judges.
One of the most memorable highlights of the day came after the completion of the singing competition and before the valedictory ceremony, when KNS presented a solemn tribute to Sangeeth Samrat Henry D’Souza. Popular Konkani singer Monica Valdar, who travelled all the way from Dubai specially for the event, performed two popular numbers of Henry D’Souza, ‘Daryacha Larari’ and ‘Ye Ye Kartina’, along with Alwyn Noronha. The performance received an overwhelming response from the audience. Contestants, music lovers and members of the audience joined in singing the evergreen numbers, turning the tribute into a spontaneous and emotional celebration of the legendary singer’s contribution to Konkani music.
The valedictory programme was attended by noted philanthropist Santhosh Sequeira and popular Konkani singer Monica Valdar from Dubai, along with KNS executive committee members and judges on the dais.
In his welcome address during the concluding ceremony, KNS vice president Floyd D’Mello Cascia expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, parents, sponsors, judges, volunteers, dignitaries, artistes and the audience for their wholehearted support and encouragement.
Santhosh Sequeira praised KNS for its steadfast commitment to nurturing local talent and appreciated the Sabha’s continued efforts to promote the Konkani language, music and cultural values through various competitions and artistic initiatives conducted every year. He also appreciated the support extended by Michael D’Souza of Dubai for this year’s competition and his continued support to the Sabha. He further appreciated the enthusiasm of the participants and the dedication of the KNS team in providing a platform for artistes across generations.
In his inspiring address, KNS president Dr Rocky D’Cunha OFM Cap emphasised the importance of healthy competition and personal growth. He encouraged the participants to understand that the true purpose of a competition goes beyond winning a prize. He urged them to consider every performance as an opportunity to learn, improve and gain confidence, reminding them that victory should bring humility, while defeat should inspire greater determination. He encouraged the young singers in particular to continue developing their talents and use their gifts to enrich Konkani culture and inspire the next generation.
Special tokens of gratitude were presented to Michael D’Souza and Family, Dubai, the main sponsors of the competition, in recognition of their generous contribution and continued support to KNS. A token of appreciation was also presented to Santhosh Sequeira for his valuable support and encouragement towards the Sabha and its cultural activities. Tokens of respect were also presented to Monica Valdar and Lenet Castelino for their support to KNS.
General secretary Pamela Santos proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the sponsors, judges, participants, parents, performers, volunteers, technical team, Managing Committee members and the audience for making the grand finale a memorable success.
The successful conduct of the competition was made possible through the dedicated efforts and exceptional coordination of the KNS Managing Committee, competition conveners and volunteers. Conveners Loy Rego and Gladys Pereira coordinated the competition with the support of the Managing Committee. KNS manager Gerald Concessao and staff member Mohini provided valuable support, while Sunil Menezes, former Vice President of KNS, and Treasurer Ivan D’Silva efficiently handled the tabulation process.
Vincent Pinto Angelore announced the results. Glanny D’Souza of Bajal unit was in charge of the stage arrangements and artistically created the stage décor, which added to the glow and festive atmosphere of the stage. Christopher Mascarenhas of Bendur unit and Deon Joshwin Pinto of Cascia unit provided technical support, while Keith Furtado of Urwa unit also extended strong technical assistance along with other members of the KNS team.
The valedictory programme was compered by Maxim D’Souza of Angelore, while the overall programme and competition proceedings were coordinated by the KNS team. The event received extensive media support from Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, the official media partner.
As the programme continued throughout the day, several dignitaries and well-wishers visited Don Bosco Hall to encourage the contestants and support the initiative. Among those present were Fr Fredrick Rodrigues, Fr Pradeep Mangali, Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank Ltd, Alwyn Pinto from Dubai, Sandeep Malani, actor, director and producer, Dolla Mangaluru, Lenet Castelino, retired police officer, singer Ivy D’Souza, and several other singers, artistes, Konkani personalities and cultural supporters.
The grand finale was not merely a singing competition but a celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Konkani community. The participation of people from different generations and the enthusiastic response from the audience reflected the strong emotional bond that the Konkani community continues to share with its music and cultural traditions.
Through its annual competitions and cultural activities, KNS continues its longstanding mission of discovering and nurturing talent, promoting the Konkani language, encouraging artistes and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Konkani community for future generations. The 62nd Konkani Singing Competition grand finale once again demonstrated the Sabha’s ability to bring the community together through music, talent and tradition, concluding a memorable day on a truly high note.
The grand finale will also be telecast on Daijiworld 24×7 Television at a later date.
The next major programme of the Konkani Natak Sabha® will be the 83rd Annual Day Celebration and Prize Distribution Ceremony, along with a cultural programme featuring popular songs of Wilfy Rebimbus and jokes, scheduled to be held on September 27 from 5 pm onwards. All Konkani lovers are cordially invited to attend the programme and join KNS in making the occasion another memorable celebration of Konkani culture and talent.
Results of 62nd singing competition:
5 to 10 years Girls solo:
First Place: Angel Meghan Cutinha, Hospet
Second Place: Lara Joshal D’Souza, Taccode
Third Place: Renisha D’Souza, Permannur
5 to 10 years Boys solo:
First Place: Aiden Shaun Menezes, Bejai
Second Place: Shannon Reeve Crasta, Paldane
Third Place: Ruben Samuel D’Souza, Taccode
10 to 15 years Girls solo:
First Place: Tina Caris Veigas, Paldane
Second Place: Tiara Rebello, Valencia
Third Place: Riva Vania D’Souza, Kinnigoli
10 to 15 years Boys solo:
First Place: Nathan Preeth Figueira, Jeppu
Second Place: Ayush Regan Menezes, Pangla
Third Place: Sweethan Reece Lobo, Cordel
10 to 15 years Boys & Girls duet:
First Place: Viona Janice Pinto & Tiara Rebello, Bajjodi/Valencia
Second Place: Eyan Noah D’Souza & Sweethan Reece Lobo, Bendur/Cordel
Third Place: Reon Aloysius Pinto & Chris Pinto, Derebail/Bajpe
Below 15 years – Mixed group:
First Place: Konkani Naktiran, Kodiyal
Second Place: Team Gantalkatte
Third Place: Delisha Andrea D’Souza & Group, Bejai
15 to 45 years Ladies solo:
First Place: Rishal Melba Crasta, Cordel
Second Place: Viona Pinto, Bejai
Third Place: Seema Joslin Dsouza, Allipade
15 to 45 years Gents solo:
First Place: Arvin Chris D’Cunha, Cordel
Second Place: Samuel Miranda, Gantalkatte
Third Place: Vinoy D’Souza, Bajjodi
15 to 45 years ladies duet:
First Place: Janisha Ishal D’Souza & Rishal Melba Crasta, Shakthinagar/Cordel
Second Place: Rovina Jacqueline Andrade & Viona Pinto, Bejai
Third Place: Jovita Mishelle Rodrigues & Roveena Dalmeida, Jeppu
15 to 45 years gents duet:
First Place: Delton Lobo & Rolson D’Souza, Agrar
Second Place: Anush Reethan Fernandes & Vinoy D’Souza, Bajjodi
Third Place: Arvin Chris D’Cunha & Ancil Pereira, Cordel
Above 15 years – mixed group:
First Place: Team Alankar, Cordel
Second Place: Venessa Moras & team, Allipade
Third Place: Vin & Fly Melodies, Shirthady
Above 45 years ladies solo:
First Place: Thelma Veena D’Souza, Bondel
Second Place: Jyoti Lily Monteiro, Bejai
Third Place: Jyothi Pramila D’Souza, Gantalkatte
Above 45 years gents solo:
First Place: Louis Vas, Bendur
Second Place: Sunil Miranda, Gantalkatte
Third Place: G Ronald Dsouza, Bejai
Married couples category:
First Place: Clyde Lobo & Jovita Michelle Rodrigues, Jeppu
Second Place: Roshan Andrade & Jenevia Andrade, Bejai
Third Place: Loy Martis & Priyanka Shibani Menezes, Balkunje