Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 5: The youth of Neermarga parish under the proficient guidance of Fr Anil D'Mello the parish priest, leader, mentor and counsellor recently systematized an inter-ward ‘Voviyo Verse' competition.
The main purpose of this competition was to elevate Konkani culture and traditions. YCS accorded a warm, cordial, thoughtful and hospitable welcome to the dignitaries and participants through a welcome dance. It was a magnificent performance which created rhythmic thrills of sheer excellence.
The inauguration of the competition was done in a traditional way by breaking a coconut and cutting an ash pumpkin by Fr Anil D'Mello along with other dignitaries on the dais including Prakash Pereira, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Pawan Pinto - ICYM president, Lester Saldanha- YCS president, Sunil Pereira- ICYM animator, Cynthia Renjal- YCS animator.
The guests were welcomed with betel leaves, areca nut and a pot of water. The energetic youth then ceremoniously in procession accompanied by a brass band brought their gifts ‘Vojem’ (grains, vegetables, fruits) and the gifts were received with solemnity by the master of ceremonies, Pawan.
The voviyo competition commenced by reading out the rules of the competition. Seven groups from different wards of the parish vied with each other to top position by presenting some of the best voviyos in their kitty. Each group was given 15 minutes to present their voviyos. Towards the middle of the competition, spot games, songs and dances were beautifully performed by the youth.
Though it was the first time that a few of them danced, every step, every turn and every twist was in synch with the rhythm of the song that mesmerised the whole audience.
The competition was scrutinized by a distinguished panel of three judges namely Irene Rebello, Anil Simon D'Cunha and Flavia Violet Mascarenhas. Prasad Vas introduced the judges. Irene Rebello spoke a few words on behalf of the judges. She congratulated all the participants and applauded the indefatigable efforts of Fr Anil and the youth in conducting the competition. She urged the audience to form ‘voviyo groups’ in their own wards and take the centre stage during the various marriage programmes in their wards so that the tradition of the voviyos and verses will spread and continue. The judges were felicitated with a token of love.
Melwyn Vas was honoured for having edited the script of ‘rocache zalak’. Fr Anil and Prakash Pereira distributed prizes to the winners. Certificates of participation were given to all the participants. The competition saw a huge response from the parishioners with as many as 145 participants. It was indeed a memorable event.