Pics: Lovelyn/Jeevan D’Mello
Report: Preema D’Souza
Sharjah, Jun 4: St Michael’s Mangalorean Konkani Community (SMMKC), here, on June 1, held its first ever singing competition for the Konkani speaking residents of the parish. The competition was conducted in six categories, namely:
1. Children below 10 years
2. Children 10 – 15 years
3. Youth 15 – 18 years
4. 50 years and above
5. 18 years and above – female
6. 18 years and above – male
The event commenced with a short stage programme. The guests of honour were Joseph Mathias, Mark Denis D’Souza, Roque Rego, Noel D’Costa, Alwyn Pinto - Mangalore Konkans Dubai, Schubert D’Silva - coordinator of St Michael’s Goan Konkani Committee, Fr Maxim Pinto – spiritual director of SMMKC and Joachim Menezes – coordinator of SMMKC Sharjah.
The programme began with a short prayer by Fr Maxim Pinto followed by lighting of the lamp by all dignitaries present on stage. Joseph Mathias addressed the audience and congratulated SMMKC Sharjah for organising the singing competition. He applauded SMMKC for their efforts to keep Konkani and culture alive - especially encouraging small children to sing in Konkani. Fr Maxim Pinto, in his address, wished all the participants well and asked everyone to participate with a fair spirit. He asked everyone to wish each other well.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of three judges namely – Patrick Pereira (Patty), Monica Valdar Kuruvitage and Joston Mario Pereira.
Patrick Pereira spoke a few words on behalf of the judges. He congratulated all the participants and applauded the effort of SMMKC in conducting the competition.
The judges were felicitated with a token of love from SMMKC. Photographers Lovelyn D’Mello and Jeevan D’Mello were also acknowledged and felicitated.
Joseph Mathias, Mark Denis D’Souza, Alwyn Pinto, Joachim Menezes, Fr Varghese Chempoly – parish Priest of St Michael’s Church Sharjah and Fr Maxim Pinto distributed prizes to the winners. Certificates of participation were given to all the participants and goody bags were distributed to the little children who participated in the competition. Fr Varghese Chempoly spoke a few words and led the crowd into singing a Hindi bhajan which was apt for the event. The programme ended in the afternoon with a hymn.
The competition saw a huge response from the residents of Sharjah St Michael’s parish with as many as 68 entries in all categories. The participants showcased great talent in singing, making it difficult for the judges to choose among the best.
The complete list of prize winners is as follows:
The stage programme was conducted by Godwin D’Souza – cultural coordinator of SMMKC. Preema D’Souza – secretary and media coordinator of SMMKC, introduced the judges and welcomed them. Uttam Menezes – assistant coordinator of SMMKC, conducted the singing competition and prize distribution.
The event was a huge success with rave reviews from everyone present.