by Richie Lasrado from Bijai church grounds - supported by Viju, Praveen Tauro and Dayanand Kukkaje -
Sunday, 9-00 pm, IST , Feb 12:
Mangalore, Feb 12: Further to our earlier report on the procession preceding the centenary celebrations, which wound through some major thoroughfares of the city on Sunday evening, the stage function began as the procession reached the Bijai church grounds.
Dignitaries on the dais
Former Udupi MP Vinayakumar Sorake, Bollywood's film director Harry William Fernandes, songwriter Henry D'Souza, organizing committee's honorary president and Bijai parish priest Fr J P Tauro and others were on the dais. Karnataka Konkani Academy president Eric Ozario presided over the function.
Harry being honoured
Fr J P Tauro welcome and gave the introductory remarks. As part of the public honour for Harry', the scroll of honour was read out by the organizing committee secretary Roy Castelino. Vinayakumar Sorake honoured Harry D'Souza, who in response gratefully recalled the support he received from his colleagues and community.
Daijiworld's Muscat correspondent Jane Ida Pinto and advocate Ivan D'Souza among the audience
Senior musicians Prof Alban Castelino and Fr Walter Albuquerque SJ were also honoured for their contribution to the music field. Sorake said that he considered himself honoured by having to honour a person who took over his ancestral band thirtyfive years ago and saw it through to celebrate its centenary. He also said that if at all the undivided district had an image and reputation for its intelligent people, the contribution of the Christian community was largely responsible for it. He cited a verse from 'mankutimmana Kagga' by D V Gundappa to describe the selfless service of the community.
Release of "Suttka" - Sorake, Ozario, Henry D'Souza, Harry D'Souza, Agnes D'Souza and Jane Ida Pinto
Film-maker Harry William Fernandes revealed that it was his birthday on the day (February 12) and he considered it his privilege to celebrate it along with the centenary of Harry's band. He also said that his wife hailed from Padil in the city and the grandeur of pre-nuptial 'roce' ceremony had been enhanced by Harry's Band's music.
Henry D'Souza releasing the book 'Suttka' as publisher Jane Ida Pinto looks on
Clarence Pinto Kaikamba's new Konkani book "Suttka" was released by songwriter Henry D'Souza Mumbai of 'Catrina' fame. Jane Ida Pinto of Jane Publications was present on behalf of the publishers. Henry spoke on the contribution of the brass band to the community as well to the music world.
Henry D'Souza with "Suttka"
Eric Ozario, on behalf of Harry, honoured the band's players who have been playing music with him for periods ranging from five years to thirty years. On behalf of the community a Yamaha trumpet from Japan was presented to Harry by Ozario. Harry played the maiden number on the trumpet accompanied by his colleagues on their instruments.
A section of the audience
Eric Ozario in his speech asserted that if at all so many songwriters have come up in this part of the country the original inspiration came from the brass bands and the Christmastime mobile singing sessions that were promoted by them.
Stany Alvares proposed a vote of thanks. Titus Noronha and Irene Rebello-D'Cunha Hospet compered the event.
Eric Ozario ushering the arrival of the newly-named Harry's Century Band
It was also announced that the name 'Silver Band' which was assumed on completion of 25 years - that 75 years ago - would now be changed and now on the band would be appropriately called 'Harry's Century Band'. To mark this changeover, Eric Ozario unveiled a sidedrum painted with the new name.
The grand finale to the function was provided by the Mysore Police Band, well known for their regular performance at Dasara celebrations. Some delightful Spanish march numbers and a symphony from Beethoven kept the gathering in kind of an inspired trance. But one that drew a big round of applause was the instrumental rendition of Lata Mangeshkar's immoral patriotic number 'He Mere Watan Ke Logo'. Almost the entire crowd stayed behind not to miss this rare opportunity of listening to the celebrated band from Mysore.
Film-maker Harry William Fernandes addressing the gathering
In all, it was a carnival kind of celebration with tiger dance, tableaux and vehicular procession. An internationally well-travelled community member commented that it could be the only instance in the whole world of a private band completing a hundred years of public service. And that may not be an overstatement, for sure.
Harry accepting a gift of a Japanese Yamaha trumpet from the organizers
Besides, a centenary celebration of a band will not be seen for many years, who knows, for another hundred years.