Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada
Toronto, Jun 22: Radio Mango, the first ever Konkani channel that created history in North American hemisphere by broadcasting Konkani programme in the year 2012 has gloriously completed almost four years on Air. Undoubtedly the day 29 September 2012 was a red-letter-day for the Konkani Diaspora and it was a matter of pride and immense joy for thousands of Konkani speaking people residing in Canada when they eagerly tuned to Radio Mango at FM 101.3 for the first ever Konkani programme and heard Milena Marques-Zachariah and her co-host Wilson D'Souza's greetings 'Tumkan soggleank - Konkani bhas uloiteank - Dev Bori Saanz dium'.
It’s a great feeling when you give birth to a great idea and the feeling becomes even stronger as you start nurturing it, watching it grow slowly, but surely. Making sure everything goes right so that one day it can stand tall and proud. Yes, Radio Mango has taken its first step towards carving a tiny but significant niche for itself in the world of entertainment.
Kudos to Milena Marques-Zachariah, the brain and brawn of this innovative Konkani Radio in North America and her talented and unassuming Team, who are proud of their beloved offspring, have succeeded in taking this project to a way higher level than expected through their tremendous selfless dedication and hard-work. Through this one and only Konkani Radio broadcast in the Western and Northern hemispheres they have succeeded in bringing joy into countless homes, not just in Canada, but in the USA, India, England, Germany, Dubai, Pakistan and even as far as Australia.
In order to mark its second anniversary, the scintillating Konkani Music programme “2 Legends Live in Concert” presented on Sunday, 28 September 2014 by Konkani Legends Lorna and Henry D’Souza at the magnificent Rose Theatre, Brampton added a golden feather on Radio Mango cap. And that, Lorna and Henry despite being Septuagenarian, they could leave their fans blown out of their minds. Their extravagant performance left most of the audience dancing in the aisles, and many speechless will remain in Canadian history forever.
After presenting spectacular events for the Konkani Community in Canada, Radio Mango has come up with yet another and unique mouth watering event 'The Taste of Konkan.' For many, especially non- South Asians, Indian cuisine is nothing more than butter chicken and naan. Radio Mango –is taking the initiative to change that notion. Radio Mango seeks to actively maintain the traditions of this coastal area of western India through its language and traditions. 'Taste of the Konkan' is the first of its kind food festival, that explores the authentic foods, flavours, and fabulous culture of the Konkan region - a coastal area stretching from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra to Kasargod on the Mangaluru/Kerala border.
The aim is to preserve the Konkan identity and develop a wider appreciation of the entire Konkan region. Guests will experience a walk through an authentic market setting, recreated to enable guests to enjoy the sights and smells of a typical market place on India’s western coast. Many will be introduced to an explosion of flavours never tasted before. A variety of unusual and succulent specialties can be sampled at row upon row of vendors’ stalls, filled with nostalgia and bursting with yummy delicacies. Guests will also encounter exotic fruits and drinks.
There will be live cooking demonstrations, painting contest for kids and Konkani speaking lessons. While the emphasis is on food, fun and fabulous music, the focus is also on health and wellness, with yoga lessons and presentations on health and wellness, and how to stay motivated. Veeam Braganza, Goa’s latest singing sensation will be performing together with Victor Rodrigues. Others are invited to jam up with local musicians. Plus, a DJ will keep everyone on their toes. Above all, for the first time ever - remote broadcast by Radio Mango, live at the venue from 7 pm until close.
The Platinum sponsor for Taste of the Konkan is Seaford Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Mississauga. Seaford Pharmaceuticals offers unique, quality products in many therapeutic areas: skin care, digestive health, nutritional supplements, and women's health. Their niche products are specifically designed to address the particular needs of patients in order to improve health and quality of life. Digesta Alpha is an effective broad-based multi-enzyme preparation that helps prevent and stop gas, bloating, flatulence and pain caused by dietary intolerance. OSTEOCIT® & OSTEOCIT® D is a calcium supplement. POLYRIDE® Fe & POLYRIDE® Fe Ultra reduce gastrointestinal side effects and improve iron absorption. LOMELIN™ is a unique, non-prescription formulation that noticeably improves skin tone by reducing the appearance of age spots. Manoj D’Cunha, Sun Life Financial, is the Silver Sponsor.
Radio Mango is supported by 2 other not-for-profit organisations - Mangalore Association of Canada and Ontario Konkana Association. Their mandate is to introduce not just South Asians, but every other culture to the wide variety of cooking styles of the Konkan region. Taste of the Konkan will feature savouries, sweets, snacks, desserts and a variety of dishes – Together with a heady combination of fun and music - never served up on one platter, at one festival, before.
This truly unique experience will take place on Saturday, 9 July, at the spacious and centrally located Anapilis Banquet Halls, located at 2185 Stavebank, Mississauga. “This is Radio Mango’s ‘desi’ answer to Taste of the Danforth”, says Milena Marques-Zachariah, Producer and Host of Radio Mango, Toronto.
Mayor Bonnie Crombie has been invited to the event.
For more information on Taste of the Konkan go to radiomango.ca or Facebook.