Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Naveen Stills, Udupi
Udupi, Apr 22: ‘Suryachya Kirnani’, the much-awaited programme by SEVA Spirit to pay tribute to the singing legend the late Wilfy Rebimbus was held on Easter Sunday, April 20, at Holy Family Church grounds.
The event also marked SEVA Spirit's 5th anniversary. The programme began with a floral tribute to the late Wilfy by all the performers.
‘Suryachya Kirnani’ was a memorable evening for Konkani music fans, especially for Wilfy Rebimbus admirers who relived the legend's immortal songs which were presented by Brahmavar’s talented singers.
The evening began with the group song 'Canara Amcho Gaanv', followed by 'Mai Moje Mai' a solo number, 'Mother Teresa' a duet number, group song 'Mogora Yore', and many more hits of Wilfy.
Ravi Prakash and team entertained the audience with a skit. Various performers presented scintillating dances to the tunes of Konkani, Bollywood, Salsa and Jive numbers.
On the occasion Kishore Gonsalves (Kishoo Barkur) was honoured with the 'SEVA Personality of the Year 2013' Award.
Acknowledging the honour, Kishore expressed his happiness on receiving the award and said, "As a true follower of Wilfy Rembius, I have witnessed as many Wilfy Nites as possible. When I met Wilfy for the first time, I was too young. He was too humble to say that he had achieved anything big. He was so simple all through his life. Whenever I visited his house he welcomed me warmly."
"He never boasted that he did something great for Konkani language. He would say that whatever he did was only to earn his daily bread. If Konkani people unite with Wilfy as a role model, then we can do much more for Konkani language. We should open an academy in the name of Wilfy, only then will more of his unreleased songs and stories be brought before the people. This is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either," he said.
Litterateur Catherine Rodrigues said, "Today the people of Brahmavar have paid a true tribute to two Konkani legends - the late Wilfy Rembius and Kishore Gonsalves - because of which I attended this programme. I came to know about Kishoo Barkur about 10 - 15 years back. He is so simple and humble. I thank SEVA Spirit for felicitating such a personality."
"Wilfy Rebimbus was such a great personality that apart from moving ahead in his profession on his own, he also took others forward too. There is a message in all his songs," she added.
On the occasion, Fr Antony Vaz launched the parish website www.hfcbrahmavar.com designed by Naveen Sequeira of Dubai, member of Seva Spirit. He congratulated the SEVA Spirit members and said, "I can’t understand what to speak of, about the website or the about the programme. Both are so valuable. Today our parishioners got a good opportunity to showcase their talents."
Mementos were given to all the sponsors and the trainers.
Fr Antony Vaz, parish priest of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, Sr Elizabeth, superior, Josephine Lewis, secretary, Holy Family parish pastoral committee, Catherine Rodrigues, Katapady, sponsors Raima Mendonca, Idel Menezes, Yazmin Banz and Joyson Banz, representatives of Yuva Seva, Ravi Prakash, Santhosh Banz, Stephen Lewis, Joel D’Almeida, and Kevin Rodrigues of Seva Spirit were present on the dais.
Stephen Lewis, Raima Mendonca and Riya Gonsalves compered the entire event. Kevin Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.