Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Nov 1: The 11th 'Mandd Sobhann-Carvalho Ghorannem Kalakar Puroskar’ was conferred on young Konkani theatre artiste and director Christopher D'Souza, Neenasam, at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Sunday, November 1.
Christopher D'Souza is a young Konkani theatre artiste and director who has graduated from Neenasam and now trains artistes and directs plays for Kalakul - the theatre repertory.
The award was presented by Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, director of Sandesha. Dr Pratap Naik from Carvalho Ghorannem, Mandd Sobhan Gurkar Eric Ozario, and president Louis Pinto shared the dais.
The award, sponsored by Carvalho Ghorannem, consisted of a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a memento.
Acknowledging the honour, Christopher D'Souza Neenasam recalled an incident of his childhood and said, "Eleven years ago, a boy who went to take part in a drama audition was not selected and put out. Today the same boy has recieved an award for his work in the field of drama. I thank each and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. This award goes to my whole team of Kalakul."
Fr Vijay Victor Lobo in his presidential address said, "I congratulate Christopher on being honoured with this award. The contribution by actors and actresses are always recognized but the person who has trained and directed them is always forgotten. Today Mandd Sobhann and Carvalho Ghorannem have recognized the contribution of the director. Dreams become true only when you work tirelessly. Being trained in Neenasam is not easy, the training undergone there has resulted in this award. Christopher is doing a great job as a dramatist and I congratulate him on that."
The award ceremony was followed by Mandd Sobhann's 167th monthly theatre, in which 'Sur-Thal-Mel, Sumel' was presented by Mandd Sobhann singing troupe 'Sumel'. As many as 12 songs were performed by the troupe. The artistes and the entire team received a rousing response from the audience for their brilliant perfomance.
Vittori Karkal compered the programme while Mandd Sobhan Gurkar Eric Ozario thanked the gathering.