Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Sep 3: Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery and Konkani Sangathan, Udupi district jointly organized the inter-parish Voveo singing competition for 8 parishes of Kallianpur deanery on Sunday September 2 at Milagres school hall.

Fr Stany B Lobo, parish priest of Milagres and dean of Kallianpur deanery inaugurated the competition by lighting the lamp.

"Singing between the two groups during the roce ceremony requires talent, as creativity is essential to change according to the situation. Today day by day our culture is vanishing but we have to preserve our Konkani culture and language in our family, vado, church and in society," said Fr Stany in his inaugural address.

"I am glad to see that a large crowd has gathered on Sunday afternoon to show its love towards Konkani culture and tradition through Voveo singing competition. We have to carry forward and pass on the the old traditions to our future generation," said Dr Neri Cornelio, principal of Milagres College.

Benedicta Menezes, president of Kallianpur deanery presided over the inaugural function, while Fr Stany B Lobo, Dr Neri Cornelio, Dr Gerald Pinto, president of Konkani Sangathan, Udupi district, Alpohonse D’Souza, secretary of Kallianpur deanery Catholic Sabha, Herald Castelino, president of Milagres Church Catholic Sabha unit were present on the dais.

Milagres Church won the first place while Thottam and Prethi won the second and third prizes.

Brahmavar, Barkur, Prethi, Kolalgiri, Thottam, Kemmannu, Mount Rosary and Milagres Church groups participated in the competition.

Eugene Machado, Udyavar, Shaila Fernandes, Udupi and Vinod Gangoli were the judges for the competition.

Benedicta Menezes welcomed the participants and the guests, while Alpohonse D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Luke D’Souza compered the programme.