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Mangalore, Oct 18: Those who think number 13 is unlucky may need to change their views. It was a group of 13 youngsters, barely in their 20’s who gave wings to their dreams by starting a cultural group called United Youngsters exactly 50 years ago. Their success will certainly prove to be an inspiration for the present generation devoid of the challenges of yesteryears. United Youngsters has created history and their name will be etched in the history for ever and the lucky 13 are sure to remain in the realm of Konkani history.
It is generally said that all good things have to come to an end and as testimony to this oft repeated adage the curtains were finally drawn on the year long celebrations that marked the historic golden jubilee celebrations of United Youngsters. The valedictory function of the golden jubilee celebrations and the 248th Wilfy Nite was held at Milagres Jubilee Hall, Mangalore today with pomp and splendour befitting this history making event. Needless to say painstaking efforts were made to recreate the magic of yesteryear that brought back nostalgic moments for many who were on the stage and in the audience.
Memorable in Many ways
The event was memorable one in more than one ways. It was the presence of the 6 of the founder members of United Youngsters on stage as special guest added the much needed emotional tinge to the entire event. The pack was led by the inimitable Konkan Kogul, the force behind United Youngsters Wilfy Rebimbus with six other members – Donald D Souza, Clifford D Souza, Harry D Silva, Vincent Lorena & , Percy D Sa. Other founder member Adolphus D Souza could not make it to the function due to failing health, another founder member Dr. Ronald Mendonca from USA who couldn't make it for the show due to his other commitments. The presence of producer of the first coloured movie in Konkani “Mog ani Maipas” Capt. Mervin Pinto, produced under United Youngsters banner, on stage as the chief guest, was another highlight of the event. The founder members were felicitated by the Bishop with flowers, shawl and memento.
That the event was nostalgic and had an emotional touch was evident from the fact that Wilfy was choked with emotion while presenting the customary vote of thanks. One can imagine how the memories of the incipient stages of United Youngsters and their struggling days must have flooded his memory making him speechless momentarily. He soon regained his composure and gave credit to everyone for helping United Youngsters complete successful 50 years.
Speaking on this historic occasion Bishop of Shimoga diocese Rt Rev Gerald Issac Lobo, who presided over the function, credited Wilfy Rebimbus for having raised the pennants of Konkani to greater heights the world over. “Credit goes to United Youngsters for changing the prevailing trend of having Konkani songs to Hindi tunes. They started a new trend by composing Konkani songs and the trend helped spread the flavour of Konkani through out the world. In the process they have helped many Konkani artistes to exhibit their talent and bloom under its banner. Because of the patronage extended by United Youngsters many stars are shining like stars in Konkani world”, Bishop Gerald stated. Bishop Gerald complimented Wilfy for being the torchbearer in building this cultural group and for carry it forward successfully for 50 years. “Wilfy is a Konkani cultural ambassador who has become an institution in itself”, he pointed out.
Bishop Rev Gerald Lobo thanked and saluted Wilfy on behalf of the entire Konkani Community for his tireless service for the promotion of Konkani. “The Konkani community will for ever be indebted to Wilfy for his contribution to popularize Konakni through songs.
United they Succeeded
Capt Mervin Pinto in his speech recalled his association with United Youngsters 50 years back when he began his association with the group 50 years back as a violinist. “Producing the movie “Mog ani Maipas” was a dream comes true. Though the movie was not a commercial success its songs became popular all over the world. United we started, united we built, united we played and united we proved successful”, he remarked. He also stated “culture and tradition is not something that can be bought. In is something inborn and it is the duty of the parents to bring up their children with our tradition and culture”. As an honour to the producer of Mog ani Maipas the CD of this first Konkani colour movie was released by the mother of Captain Mervin Pinto. Capt Mervin also released the DVD of the Sentimental Nite held at TMA Pai Hall in August this year.
Harry D Souza who spoke on behalf of the founder members honoured on the occasion said though the members were spread in different parts of the world they continued their association with United Youngsters. He however gave the entire credit to Wilfy for having nurtured the organization single-handedly in their absence.
People who were behind the success of United Youngsters were honoured on the occasion. Bazil Lobo, Joseph Sequeira, J F D Souza, Ronald Rodrigues, Rony Mathias and Jerry D Mello were honoured for contributing their mite in the success of United Youngsters.
The inimitable Lesli Rego
Lesli Rego, the young and energetic Master of Ceremony, is the force behind the entire celebration of the golden jubilee celebrations of United Youngsters. Having associated with United Youngsters for the last 20 years he has worked diligently and with dedication, standing by Wilfy and his family during their hard times and shouldering the entire responsibility of conducting all the different programmes as part of the golden jubilee celebrations. It is his inimitable style, the mastery over Konkani language, his penchant for jokes and the intense preparations he does when he comes on the stage that makes him the numero uno master of ceremony and compere in Mangalore. His name and fame has spread beyond the boundaries of India having successfully conducted the “Gulf Voice of Mangalore” programme with élan. United Youngsters recognized his unconditional service to the organization and specially felicitated this youngster for his contribution towards making United Youngsters a force to reckon with. Singer Prem Kumar read out the citation eulogizing his achievements. Bishop Gerald Lobo presented him with a flowers, shawl and gold medal while Capt Mevin Pinto presented him with memento and citation.
The audience was treated to a volley of famous songs of yesteryears with singers Wilfy, Meena, Prema, Ivan, Claud, Vishwas, Babith, Veena, Munita etc., singing songs that rekindled the memories of the past. The 248th Wilfy nite began with Konkan Kogul Wilfy and Konkan Mina Meena Rebimbus crooning the 45 year old duet “Suryacha Kirnanani Daryacha Larani”. The “Lungi” song sung by the trio, Claud, Prem and Ivan sent waves of laughter among the audience. There was also a song that eulogized the virtues of United Youngsters sung by Rebimbus family and some of the old hits from Wilfy and group that satiated the thirst of assembled crowd for songs of yesteryears.
Lighter moments were provided by Dolla and Memory group with their comedy filled skits. A scene enacted from the successful play “Kedi Bona” was highly elating. Lesli Rego added charm to the event by compering the programme with his trademark panache. Pappan - Joswin duo provided the music for the event. Singer Claude D Souza welcomed the gathering.
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