Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 27: It was an evening to remember for everyone who had gathered at Jeppy Seminary ground on the evening of Tuesday January 26, as Maxim Pereira's 11th Musical Nite along with the annual youth day of ICYM Jeppu featuring 96 performers of the parish provided a ravishing treat.
For the first time in the history of Konkani musical nites, most of the singers except Maxim himself were chosen from among the parishioners and were trained for the occasion. From primary school children to senior performers, all the 96 talents of the Jeppu parish performed their best.
The tone for the nite was set by the song 'Shikonk Mojyan Nozo' sung by school children and backed by even younger kids with their adorable moves. The variety performances by various young and old singers of the church won much appreciation from the crowd. Choreography by Thomas John especially with the 'Radium Shadow Dance' recieved a loud round of applause from the crowd. The skits enacted by the parishioners and written by Cyril Fernandes, Paldane along with splendid music of team Glorious and G Major were enjoyed by the audience.
The specialty of the night was that parish priest of Jeppu church Fr Nelson D'Almeida sang the song 'Ugdas Yeta Maka Mai Tuzo' much to everyone's surprise.
As expected Maxim along with his song 'Manasa' touched the hearts of the audience. His 'Boom Boom' baila with a mix of Konkani and Hindi songs at the end of the nite had everyone dancing away to glory. Compere Manu Bantwal and Maxim Periera were honored during the event.
A stage programme was held prior to the nite, presided over by parish priest of Jeppu church Fr Nelson D'Almeida. Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike, rector of Jeppu Seminary Fr Joseph Martis, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino, mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation Jacintha Vijaya Alfred were the guests of honour.
In his address the rector Fr Joseph Martis said, "Jeppu parish has been a sea of talents since its inception. This is a great platform for talents from children to elderly. I congratulate all and wish you good luck."
Mayor Jacintha Vijaya Alfred hailing the activities of ICYM in the church said, "Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Jeppu has done a great job by giving opportunity to 96 talents of the church on its annual day. I wish the ICYM Jeppu unit gets recognised as a model unit in the entire diocese of Mangaluru."
President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino hailed the contribution of Maxim Periera to Konkani music. "Maxim learnt music without a teacher and without much training. Being a person who has learnt music with great difficulty, he is eager to share his knowledge with the next generation. He has been serving the Konkani language selflessly. It is a rare feat to train 96 raw talents and present the musical nite.
"Nowadays people have been showing interest in making movies in Konkani. Maxim, who once created history by forming the Glorious band has released telefilm 'Manasa' and won much appreciation. I urge the filmmakers of Konkani to produce movies with commercial interest so as to publicise it and reach the maximum number of audience possible," he said. He also appreciated the initiative by Jeppu ICYM in hosting the event.
Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike was felicitated and conferred the title 'Maadhyama Kala Ratna' on behalf of Jeppu parishioners for his service towards the needy through media.
Acknowlegding the honour, Walter Nandalike thanked the organizers and Jeppu parish and said, "I dedicate this honour to the society and the people who work with me. It is a notable fact that even in the days of WhatsApp and social networking, ICYM has given a platform to 96 talents and this has to be appreciated.
"If I stand and speak here in front of you today, its because of five years of ICYM life in my parish in Belman. ICYM (then CYM) is one of the factors which helped me build my career. Dear parents, if your children are in ICYM, please pat their back and motivate them. This is a platform that will shape their future. I am grateful to the love shown by the Jeppu parishioners. This award has brought me closer to Jeppu as this was a dearest place to my heart due to the late Wilfy Rebimbus, also Fr Joseph Martis and Fr Nelson Almieda who are here in Jeppu," he said.
Parish priest of Jeppu church Fr Nelson D'Almeida in his short address appreciated the efforts of Maxim Periera and Jeppu parishioners in organizing the event. "Maxim has landed into a sea of talents and filled his ship with 96 talents of this church. I wish all of youe good luck."
The guests unveiled the new album by Maxim Periera 'Deva Dayal Kakulthichya' comprising 15 hymns for the lent season.
President of ICYM Jeppu unit Melwita Noronha welcomed the gathering while secretary Nishmitha D'Souza thanked everyone. Manu Bantwal compered the programme. Vice-president of the Jeppu pastoral council Philomena D'Silva, secretary Laveena D'Dias and others were present.