Pics: Anush Pandith

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Apr 16: With an intention to provide roof over the head of homeless, 'Karavali Porbu Kutam' organised Mega Konkani Comedy Fest at St Agnes Special School ground on Sunday, April 15.

Fr J B Saldanha, parish priest, Permannur church, Fr Laizil D’Souza and Fr Stany Pinto, assistant parish priests, Permannur church, Francis Cutinha, chairman, MCC Bank, Meena Rebimbus, Naveen Monteiro Manjeshwar, Dolphy D’Souza, Arun D’Souza, and Joseph Monteiro were present during the short stage programme before the main event.

Extending heartfelt welcome to the gathering, Melwyn D’Souza, president, Karavali Porbu Kutam said, "Our association which started as Whatsapp group has more than 150 members. Sharing good thoughts and ideas, we converted the group into an association and started to conduct various cultural activities. Some of our wellwishers suggested that we should do some social work and help the needy,"

“Last year during the rainy season, many families of Permannur lost houses. Keeping in this mind, we decided ? to help at least a few them. We planned to raise fund to buy some land to build houses for those who are extremely poor. We met some wellwishers and they conveyed their support. They also suggested that we could organise a fund raiser event. Mega Konkani Comedy Fest is being held under the leadership of Nellu Permannur. More than 50 Konkani artistes are participating in the programme. We hope this to be a milestone in Konkani history,” he said.

Fr J B Saldanha in his presidential address said, "Permannur parish completed 100 years of its existence. As per our centenary memorial, we planned three mega projects. To build houses for the poor was one among them. From the parish we had decided to build eight houses. Karavali Porbu Kutam came forward and expressed their desire to help us construct four houses. I appreciate the decision of the members of the organisation. It shows their concern for the society. We all are aware of the fact that there is a lot of discussion on construction of churches and halls in our community,"

"Most of the critics suggested that houses for poor should be built instead of churches and halls. I am completely in support of constructing churches and halls which comes under the local community or parishioners. But the question is how many of the critics are ready to donate to construct houses for the poor. Criticizing on social media is a very easy job. But Karavali Porbu Kutam used social media for a good cause. Instead sending ‘Good Mornings’ and ‘Goodnight’, they thought something different. This organisation is a model for all of us.”

'Konkani Maina' Meena Rebimbus was felicitated by the dignitaries.

A two and half hour Konkani comedy fest with music and dance by well-known comedy artistes followed which entertained the audience to the fullest.