World Konkani Convention – Archbishop Moras, Moily to Grace Gulf Curtain Raiser
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore/Dubai
Dubai, Aug 10: After successful curtain raiser events at Bangalore and Goa, the World Konkani Cultural Convention organized by Mandd Sobhann, is now set to organize the Gulf curtain raiser in Dubai on Friday September 24.
It has been confirmed that India’s union law minister Veerappa Moily, who was also responsible for the formation of the Konkani Sahitya Academy in Karnataka, will grace the event as the chief guest. Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore Diocese, will also be a chief guest at the event.
A team of singers and dancers of Mandd Sobhann led by Eric Ozario will perform for one hour at the Dubai curtain-raiser. The Gulf teams performing at the World Convention will be extended an official invitation during the programme which will conclude with dinner.
James Mendonca, co-ordinator, Gulf countries, World Convention, speaking to Daijiworld.com, which is the official web portal for the event, said that it is a matter of pride for the Konkani-speaking community in the Gulf that a curtain raiser for the mega event is being organized in Dubai. He requested the wholehearted support of community members all over the Gulf.
The Gulf curtain raiser ‘Vovllik’ will be at The Banquet Hall, Dubai Creek Sheraton, Dubai, at 7 pm. Representatives of all Gulf countries, as also eminent Konkanis of the UAE and leaders of Konkani organizations along with their spouses are being invited. But entry is restricted to invitees only
The first World Konkani Cultural Convention will be held from November 25 to December 19, 2010, at Kalangann, Mangalore.
More than 60 troupes from around the world with over 1,000 artistes belonging to various castes, creeds, dialects, and regions of Konkani, will present folk, theatre, music and dance performances.
There will also be a film festival, a food festival, a youth festival, an art festival, a poetry festival and competitions in traditional games, costumes, and cuisine. The 2nd Global Konkani Music Awards and the 6th Kalaakaar Puraskaar will also be awarded during this event.
Seminars will be conducted on various aspects of Konkani culture. Twenty-five institutions from around the world, that have enriched Konkani culture, will be recognized and honoured. Dignitaries from around the world will grace the event as chief guests and guests of honour each day. A colourful procession and a grand opening ceremony as well as a festive closing ceremony are also being planned.
A reception committee comprising of eminent persons under the chairmanship of philanthropist and community leader Ronald Colaco has been constituted with Digamber V Kamat, chief minister of Goa, as its chief patron.
Preparations have begun in right earnest and great enthusiasm is being expressed by every Konkani from various parts of the world. Four to six troupes have also been invited from abroad.
The launch of the convention took place in Bangalore on Sunday June 20. G Janardhana Reddy, minister for tourism and infrastructure, Karnataka, was the chief guest.
The Goa curtain raiser was held in Margao on Friday July 18 with Digamber V Kamat, as the chief guest. Francisco Sardinha, M P, chairman, estimation committee, Government of India, Luizinho Faleiro, former chief minister of Goa, and Damodar Naik, MLA, Fatorda, were the guests of honour.
The Mumbai curtain raiser will take place on Sunday August 29. Oscar Fernandes, MP, and Allen C A Pereira, chairman and managing director, Bank of Maharashtra, have confirmed their participation as guests. Ashok Chavan, chief minister of Maharashtra, is also expected to confirm his participation.
For invitations please contact James Mendonca on : 050 6453861
World Konkani Convention : Coverage