Dolphy Cascia, Arthur Rasquinha, Emmi Nazareth honoured.
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
News: Sunil Menezes
Mangaluru, Oct 4: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) celebrated its 73rd Anniversary on Sunday, October 2 at Don Bosco Hall, here. ‘Choliye Chotray’ drama written and directed by Clarence Pinto, Padil, assisted by Dolla, Mangaluru was staged by young and old artists.
Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, president of Konkani Natak Sabha presided over the programme. Concepta Fernandes, senior programme compere of Akashavani Mangaluru was the chief guest. Vice president Prem Lobo, general secretary Sunil Menezes, joint secretary Judy D’Souza were on the dais.
Veteran Konkani talents Dolphy Cascia, Arthur Rasquinha and Emmi Nazareth were felicitated with Austin D’Souza Prabhu Kala award, James Mendonca Kala award and Norbert Corda Kala award respectively for their contribution to the arts and services rendered to Konkani theatre. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and citation. Dolphy Cascia spoke on behalf of the felicitated talents.
Speaking on the occasion, Concepta Fernandes said ‘Konkani Natak Sabha has produced artists from this stage and they are shining in and around the world. The public knows Konkani Natak Sabha as Don Bosco Hall. The Don Bosco hall is a special stage with three stages in one auditorium with special arrangements to background singers, sounds and lighting, etc.” She remembered the contribution of Fr George Albuquerque Pai and Fr Philip Neri towards Don Bosco Hall. She thanked Konkani Natak Sabha for staging hundreds of dramas for the past 73 years and appreciated the achievements of KNS.
Concepta congratulated KNS for the concept of planning a new hall named ‘KNS Platinum Jubilee Hall’ to be built in the coming years.
In his presidential address Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza thanked all the donors, spectators and well wishers of KNS for the success of the programme.
In aid of KNS building project donation lucky coupon was launched. Convenor of building committee Anil Lobo explained the project of new building and called upon all well-wishers and Konkani speaking people to support the dream project of KNS. Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza and Anil Lobo handed over the first lucky coupon to entrepreneur Elias Sanctis.
Donor of one of the Kala awards Norbert Corda from Doha Qatar was also present.
‘Choliye Chotray’ Konkani drama was staged later. The casting included Alwyn Veigas, Joseph Pinto, Felix Lasrado, Noel Machado, Rita Fernandes, Maria D’Souza, Judith D’Souza, Deepthi Lewis and Meera Pinto.
Vice president Prem Lobo welcomed the gathering, joint secretary Judy D’Souza presented the annual report, general secretary Sunil Menezes proposed vote of thanks.
Patrick D’Souza, Valencia compered the programme.