Doha: KSC Sanskritik Divas - Maiden effort to promote Konkani, nurture talents
Report: Gladson Almeida
Pics: Sunil Crasto
Daijiworld Media Network – Doha
Doha, Apr 21: The first-ever ‘Konkani Sanskritik Divas’ (cultural day) of Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Qatar was held with great fanfare at the church premises here on Friday April 19.
It was a well-conceptualised and well-staged programme that came in for a special praise from the large weekend gathering. The cultural day was the culmination of the concerted efforts of Fr Anand Castelino OFM Cap, the spiritual director of the Qatar Konkani Speaking Community and the president and members of the executive committee of KSC.
Eversince taking over as the spiritual director of Qatar KSC, Fr Anand Castelino has always made it a point to promote and nurture Konkani through the spiritual as well as cultural activities of the community. His efforts are well-complimented and supported by the previous as well as the present Konkani Speaking committee. It was with this intention of promoting Konkani and also enriching the unity of KSC, the Konkani Sanskritik Divas was conceptualised and as said often all that is planned with noble intentions bear’s fruits in hundredfold, the maiden Konkani cultural day was a big success.
The programme began with the introduction and keynote by the hosts of the evening Reena Castelino and Rosario which was followed by a short prayer by Fr Anand. Thereafter it was pure entertainment with some solo, group and duet singing, dancing performances from KSC’s enthusiastic members. The first solo song of the evening was ‘Angelina’ by Harry Rego, the semi-finalist at the third Gulf Voice of Mangalore. It was the superb beginning for the evening that one could ask for. The next item of the day was the scintillating dance by young and exuberant KSC dancers to the tunes of foot-tapping number ‘Cha Cha Cha’. The dance choreographed by Effey Noronha received the first full-house applause of the evening.
As the evening wore on, delightful and enchanting performances by participants started flowing in, keeping the gathering glued to their seats. The children, youth and the elders went on entertaining the audience with melodious singing, elegant dances and spectacular acting. Konkani Songs Sopon by Carmen, Karvi and Dolio by Krystal Rodrigues, Devachi Mai and Padri by Isabella Dcosta, Ko Ko Ko Re Ko Re Ko Ko by Clive D’souza, Hospital by Antony, Bhurgim and Jesus I Love You by Rosefern, Pisole Chedum by Patrick Dsouza, Konkani Jiwi Dhowar by Jared and Jade Pires, Yo Re Pavsa Yo by Harry Rego, Divorce by Mathew gave an opportunity to the Goan and the Mangalorean audience to know about each other’s tradition and culture. Music was arranged by Agnello Rodrigues and Remy Dsouza.
Priya Noronha with her excellent flow of Konkani kept the audience spellbound with her Konkani story “Jillybayaechi Sarbarai”.
Group dance “Corridinho” was performed beautifully by the young girls and boys and “Bhangara Shingara” by Krisal Olivera received a good round of applause from the audience.
Rib tickling comedy of the day was from the Konkani skit 'Padrap & Bevdo' by Aloysious Dsouza and Anil Cutinho. Louis Carvalho & group gave a good message to the audience through their skit “Boro Fudar Korat”
There were number of spot games which fetched handsome prizes to the winners and game of bingo that was held during the interval which kept the audience busy throughout.
The host of the evening Reena Castelino, often regarded as one of the best comperes of Qatar, both in Konkani and English, once again proved that she’s the best one going around. She knows not only to sway the audience but also keep them engaged throughout and add to this her rich vocabulary and sound preparation. She brings a complete package to the stage every time she walks as compere. She was again found in full flow as she conducted the proceedings of the evening with ease and élan. She was well-complimented by Rosario, the other compere of the day whose wit was in full display as he provided audience with ample dose of comedy with his short jokes and spontaneous humour.
The Eucharistic ministers from the Konkani Community who render selfless service to the Church were felicitated on the occasion. Konkani Speaking committee member Benjamin Rebeiro conducted the felicitation programme.
KSC spiritual director Fr Anand Castelino and Fr Peter, parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church Qatar were present on the occasion.
Clara welcomed the gathering and Carmen proposed vote of thanks. The gathering left home with rich memories of maiden Konkani Sanskritik divas and hoping to have many such days in the coming years.