Media Release
Dubai, Oct 6: An evening dedicated to bringing the Mangalurean community together, titled 'Vovlig ani Mhojem Vojem Chalon’n', was organised by Mandd Sobhann, with the initiative and support of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, as part of the preparations for the upcoming First World Konkani Music Mega Convention (FWKMMC).
The gathering was held on October 3, at Fortune Atrium Hotel, Dubai, bringing together prominent members of the Konkani community, community leaders, well-wishers and supporters.
The First World Konkani Music Mega Convention will be held as a tribute to the late Eric Ozario, whose remarkable contribution to Konkani music, culture and artistic expression has left a lasting impact on the Konkani cultural movement.
The convention, particularly its ambitious singing marathon, seeks to bring Konkani singers and communities from different parts of the world onto a common platform while celebrating the musical legacy, cultural vision and lifelong contribution of Eric Ozario.
The evening commenced with host Derisha Sequeira warmly welcoming the guests and attendees. This was followed by a prayer led by a member of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, setting a meaningful tone for the gathering.
The distinguished guests were then formally welcomed and introduced.
The chief guest for the evening was Dr Ronald Colaco, Konkani Somaz Ro'tn and chairman of the reception committee for the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention.
Other distinguished guests included Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann; Roy Castelino, president of Rachana – Catholic Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy; Stephen Menezes, president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai; James Mendonca, former president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai and entrepreneur; and Dayan D’Souza, lead, Daijiworld Dubai Writers Forum.
James Mendonca welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction to Mandd Sobhann, highlighting the organization’s history, cultural journey and contribution to the Konkani community.
Addressing the gathering, the guests of honour spoke about the preparations and ongoing efforts for the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention, scheduled to be held in Mangaluru, India, from November 3 to 15.
The mega convention is being organised by Mandd Sobhann as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, commemorating four decades of dedicated service to the Konkani language, music, culture and performing arts.
12-Day Konkani singing marathon
One of the major highlights of the convention will be an extraordinary 12-day, 12-hour and 12-minute continuous singing marathon, aimed at achieving a new Guinness World Records title for the longest singing marathon by multiple singers.
More than 6,000 singers from India and abroad are expected to participate, presenting approximately 5,000 Konkani songs during the marathon.
The initiative will bring together singers representing different regions, communities, dialects and musical traditions associated with the Konkani language. Participants are expected from Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and other parts of India, as well as Konkani communities from around the world.
Through this ambitious musical gathering, the convention aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Konkani music and provide a common platform for different Konkani-speaking communities.
The musical presentations will feature traditions associated with Christian, Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, Daldi, Kudmi, Kharvi, Siddi, Syrian Orthodox and other communities. Collectively, these performances will celebrate the varied cultural influences, dialects and musical traditions that have shaped the wider Konkani heritage.
Beyond the singing marathon
In addition to the marathon, the convention will host a series of symposiums and knowledge-sharing sessions focusing on various aspects of Konkani music, its history, development and cultural significance.
A special music and cultural exhibition will also form part of the convention. The exhibition will provide visitors with an engaging visual and educational experience while offering deeper insights into the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Konkani community.
The convention is envisioned as a global gathering of Konkani music and culture, bringing together singers, musicians, cultural organisations and Konkani communities from India and overseas.
Importantly, the initiative is not centered on any single Konkani community or musical tradition. Instead, it has been designed to celebrate the diversity of Konkani-speaking communities and the many musical forms through which the language and its culture have evolved over generations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Stany Alvares, followed by a networking session and dinner, providing guests and participants an opportunity to interact, connect, and strengthen relationships in a relaxed setting.