Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Apr 7: Daiji Dubai, a forum of Konkani Writers in UAE is all geared up for its 17th anniversary bash at Emirates Theater, Jumeirah on Friday April 8, from 5.30 pm onwards.
After hosting three anniversary events consecutively outside Dubai, that is in Udupi, Mumbai and Mangaluru, Daiji Dubai has returned to its second home Dubai for this year’s anniversary celebrations.
The exciting celebration will start with MickMax Sentimental Nite, followed by a ceremony to honour Melvyn Rodrigues with Daiji Dubai Sahitya Puroskar 2016, a book and CD release, launching of Daiji Trust and staging of 'Parat Ek Pavtim' award-winning Konkani drama of Eddie Sequeira to be presented by Rang-Antrang Konkani Manchi, Mangaluru.
The prestigious Daiji Dubai Literary Award for the year 2016 will be conferred on Melvyn Rodrigues, Konkani literary personality, noted poet, an activist and national literary award winner. The award will consist of Rs 75,000, a memento, a citation and certificate of honour. To date, 16 Konkani litterateurs have been bestowed this award. Melvyn is only the third Daiji Dubai member ever to bag this award. He is also one of the founder members of Daiji Dubai writers' forum.
Drama artistes arrive from Mangaluru
A collection of Konkani essays 'Ugtem Man' written by Melvyn Rodrigues and published by Daiji Publications will be unveiled along with 'Havn Tanelam', a CD of Konkani devotional hymns composed by Daiji members Benny Teacher and Glanny Fernandes.
Rony Byndoor, renowned master of ceremony will compere the event.
As announced earlier, Daiji Dubai will also pay a grand tribute to the late MickMax with a musical nite in commemoration of his 10th death anniversary.
Michael Maxim D’Souza (popularly known as MickMax) was a legendary multi-faceted personality, who contributed immensely to many fields like literature, poetry, drama, music, acting and was also a master compere. MickMax has produced three music albums which hold a special place of their own in Konkani music with their unique style of lyrics and compositions.
The musical part of the show will be hosted by Godwin D'Souza. Popular singers Preema D'Souza, Joshal D'Souza, Robin Sequeira and Rony Byndoor will take the audience down memory lane, with melodious music being provided by Arun Carlo.
The prime attraction of the event is a full-length play 'Parath Ek Pavtim' (Once More). The story elaborates the life of an artiste in more than one ways. It gives a glimpse of the relationship between artiste and the society, his struggle, difficulties, challenges, conflicts, turmoil, uncertainties, trials and tribulations.
Well-known Konkani theatre artistes Dennis Monteiro, Asumtha Pais and Eddie Sequeira will enact the play, which has only three characters. Royston Pinto, an up-and-coming young music composer will be providing the music. The play has won accolades and awards. It bagged Best Director, Best Play and Best Actor awards in the All India Drama Competition organized by Udayavani and Rangabhoomi Udupi in 1989. It was published in print format in 1999 and bagged the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy award in 1991.
The drama artistes who arrived in Dubai on Wednesday April 6 were given a hearty welcome at the airport by convener of Daiji Dubai and Daiji Rang Mandir.
Daiji Dubai is eagerly looking forward to present this event with a request to Konkani lovers across UAE to be present in large numbers.