Press Release

Mangalore, Aug 11: The valedictory of the 8-day-long Gumtan training workshop organized by Mandd Sobhann was held recently at Kalaangann.

Well-known veterinary surgeon Dr P N Veigas was the chief guest, who honoured the participants with certificates. In his address he appreciated Mandd Sobhann for taking initiatives to preserve the Konkani culture and traditions such as Gumtan songs.

Participants of the camp presented a unique opera titled “Kadamba Nareeli Katha” -  the story of the daughter of King Kadamba and Duruth, son of King Abinga. The gumtan songs were chosen from  the collections of the late Joachim Pereira. Chief trainer Joel Pereira led the singing while John M Permannur wrote the dialogues and directed the acting and Arun Raj narrated the story.

Joel Pereira thanked Mandd Sobhann for giving an opportunity to his family to train the younger generation. He recalled that five years ago on the first Sunday of August, his father, the late Joachim Pereira had presented an  experiment titled “David ani Goliyath” in Kalaangann.

Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario said that Gumtan performance would also be part of the first world Konkani cultural convention. He also opined that more experiments on gumtan are required to attract the younger generation towards this unique musical instrument. Mandd Sobhann secretary Rony Crasta compered the programme.