Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada

Toronto, Sept 15: Radio Mango, the first ever Konkani channel that created history in North American hemisphere by broadcasting Konkani program in 2012 under the slogan of “Amchi Bhas.. Amchem Sangeeth”, has gloriously completed four years.

Following last year’s success this year too Radio Mango decided to mark its 4th Anniversary by acknowledging the contributions of personalities who have substantially contributed immensely to enrich Konkani language, tradition and culture in Canada. Naturally, the first names that came to mind are those of Manohar Pais from among the Mangalorean community recognised as “Ace” of Konkani stage and that of Francis D’Costa – from the Goan community is an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, have become the winners of this coveted ‘Radio Mango-2016 Award’. This award will be conferred on the recipients during the 4th Anniversary celebrations scheduled to be held on 23rd September, 2016, at Versailles Convention Centre, Mississauga. Charles Sousa, Finance Minister for Ontario, has graciously accepted to be the chief guest of the day. Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga is also expected to attend.

Manohar Pais - Konkani’s ‘Ace’ – A Multifaceted Personality:

Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages”.

Manohar as an ardent lover of mother tongue Konkani, who greatly appreciate and admire those who devote their time to promote Konkani language and culture in all parts of the world. He deeply respects those who are working for Konkani in terms of research and preservation of Konkani Art, Literature and Culture. He is gifted with enormous talents and was groomed as an artiste at the St. Francis Xavier Parish of Bejai, Mangalore. His personal contribution to Konkani has come in many ways. Before moving to Dubai in search of greener pastures, he was actively involved on Konkani stage in Mangalore, from the year 1977 for over 15 years. During this period, he acted in over 30 plays in various parishes in Mangalore such as Passion Play during Lent, Inter Parish drama competitions, Fund raising programs, and other commemorating events. As an eloquent and highly popular Master of Ceremonies, he has conducted over 500 functions and wedding receptions in various parts of South Kanara.

As a teenager when he was just 17, he compered a full Musical show at Town Hall Mangalore for Paradela’s Bejai. Not only in various parts of India he also performed as MC in the Middle East for the great Konkani Musical Shows of renowned Konkani Music personalities like the late Wilfy Rebimbus, Melwyn Peris, Claud D’Souza, Rang Tarang Geet Mala, Patrao Bros, Henry Nite, Lawrence Saldanha Nites events organized by Mangalore Konkans Dubai and KCO in Abu Dhabi.

Manohar gifted with a silken voice and as a singer he has won many accolades in Inter Parish Competition organized by the Konkani Natak Sabha in Managalore. He has rendered his service to the Church Choir at the St. Francis Xavier Church, Bejai Mangalore for 15 years, St. Mary’s Konkani Church Choir in Dubai for approximately 10 years and continuing the same now in Canada.

As an actor/director par-excellence, Manohar has won several prizes in Drama & Fancy Dress competions including the Best Actor Prize in All India level Konkani Drama Competition organized by Rangabhumi, Udupi in 1990. He directed, acted and staged the most successful classic Konkani play “Tho Maka Naka” in 2006 in Dubai. The DVD’s of this stage play are still in great demand. After moving to Canada he has written, directed and staged four religious plays, Viz., Fatima Saibhin, Ankwar Moriyechin Ajapan, Sontasache Mister and Anandache Mister staged during Monthi Fest festivities in Mississauga. He also directed and played a lead role in the recently staged play Kazarachi Dotorn.

By profession Manohar is a Banker and during the helm of his career he served Citibank NA in the Middle East reaching Senior Executive Level Positions (VP & CFO).

Francis D’Costa - An entrepreneur and a philanthropist:

Francis D’Costa is an entrepreneur and a philanthropist from Saligao, Goa. Francis gives unstinting support for Konkani Tiatrs, community shows, soccer tournaments, field hockey, seniors social gatherings, religious events, picnics, club and village tournaments for carrom and scrabble. Francis has received the Volunteer of the Year award in the Scarborough riding, from Prime Minister Jen Chretien.

Recognizing their relentless service to the Konkani language and the society at large, Radio Mango is deeply honoured to bestow upon Manohar Pais & Francis D’Costa, the prestigious “Radio Mango Award – 2016!”

About Radio Mango:

RADIO MANGO is one of its kind of media which has hit the popularity chart among Konkani Diaspora in Canada. It’s the first ever Konkani program to hit Canadian airwaves. Targeting the South Asian Diaspora from the Konkan coast, the program caters to a unique and niche audience. It caters to a target audience, which, because of the Mediterranean influence, is unique in its own way. The average Konkani speaking South Asian has excellent education and has a high purchasing power!

What makes it even more unique is that Radio Mango reaches to a segment of the population which is settled in Canada for a very long time but did not get an occasion to dovetail and share camaraderie among Konkani speaking people.

It’s a great feeling when great idea takes birth and becomes stronger when nurtured with the right kind support and nourishment. It is joy to see that idea grow and takes a definite shape. Yes, Radio Mango has taken its first step towards carving a tiny but significant niche for itself in the world of entertainment. Kudos to the brain and brawn behind Radio Mango, Milena Marques-Zachariah and her co-host Alan Sequeira for their great initiative. It is a matter of great pride to see their offspring shouldering the responsibility of taking this project to a greater height than expected through their tireless dedication and hard-work. Through this one and only Konkani Radio broadcast in the Western and Northern hemispheres they have succeeded in bringing joy to countless households - not just here in Canada, but in the USA, India, England, Germany, Dubai, Pakistan and even as far as Australia.

Radio Mango’s 4th anniversary event – KONKANI 4EVER

For 4 years, Radio Mango has provided listeners with the best and latest in Konkani music. For 4 years, listeners have been introduced to stalwarts in the community, by way of special interviews. For 4 years, Radio Mango has entertained every Saturday, taking Konkani into the hearts and homes of the community. Most important, for 4 years, Radio Mango has brought together Mangaloreans and Goans on one platform, pioneering a united platform for both communities and broadcasting the language to the 4 corners of the world!

In true Radio Mango tradition, it will be a spectacular party with Jazz Junction, the band that’s rocking Goa all set to rock Toronto. Giving them able support is Victor Rodrigues, leading member of the band Big Foot, performing Solo and Live. He will also double up as DJ.

Konkani 4ever is a fundraiser, the sole objective of which is to keep Konkani on air. “If we do not get support from the community, it makes it challenging for us to keep Radio Mango going,” says Milena Marques-Zachariah, the Producer and Host of Radio Mango. Together with her host Alan Sequeira, they strive to throw a party to remember, year after year.

It’s all happening on 23rd September 2016, at Versailles Convention Centre, 6721 Edwards blvd. Mississauga.

For tickets today. Call Milena on 416 897 2631, Alan on 416 902 0673.
Or write to: milena@radiomango.ca, alan@radiomango.ca