SOAD-3 Universal : Konkani’s Global Search for Singers Begins with Muhurat
By Gladson D’Almeida
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Feb 6: The much-awaited SOAD-3 Universal, Konkani’s maiden international-level reality show was set on roll during a simple ceremony held at Skills Development Centre here on Saturday February 5 evening.
The muhurat was set with the clap board by K M Varghese, president of Indian Cultural Centre, Qatar in the august company of Hassan Choughale ICBF Advisor, Louis J Pinto, president of Maandd Sobhann, Eric Ozario, Gurkar of Maandd Sobhann, Richard D’Souza, president of Mangalore Cricket Club, Doha and Alexis Castelino, Daijworld Qatar representative.
The evening began with MCC president escorting the chief guest K M Varghese and guests Eric Ozario, Louis Pinto and Alexis Castelino to the dais. They were welcomed with bouquets by Rianna Pinto and Shalini.
Richard D’Souza welcomed the gathering. In his short address he said that SOAD-3 Universal is a small step, but a big leap for Konkani.
Maandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario delivered the keynote address and briefed the gathering on SOAD-3 Universal to be jointly organized by Maandd Sobhann, MCC Doha in partnership with Daijiworld. "We as Konkani-speaking community cannot stay far away or run away from globalization. The only way to conquer the bull called globalization is to climb over it, catch it by its horns and then tame it to avail benefits to Konkani."
He further elaborated on the mission and vision of SOAD-3 Universal. The reality show aims at unraveling hidden Konkani singing talents and bring them to the international-level. “This is a search for Konkani talent worldwide and the only criteria to be a participant is to have an itch for Konkani, a thirst for perfection and a hunger to be successful,” added Eric.
SOAD-3 Universal will consist of three rounds, that is, preliminary rounds to be held in 15 centres, semi-finals to be held in 2 places (one in Mangalore and the second one abroad) and the finals to be held on Friday November 18, 2011 at Doha-Qatar. Qatar’s premier organization Mangalore Cricket Club has shouldered the responsibility of the event along with Maandd Sobhann. Daijiworld and Doordarshan Chandana are the official media partners of this ambitious yet unique project.
Further details regarding SOAD-3 Universal will be officially announced on www.daijiworld.com shortly.
Chief guest of the evening K M Varghese in his address exhorted the gathering to make all-out efforts instilling love for mother tongue and one’s culture among the children. “Our next generation, if not taken care of now, will be a generation that is devoid of any language or culture. A person with no belongingness towards his/her mother tongue and culture has no identity at all. Let our children not lose the pleasure of learning their mother tongue and knowing about their native culture,” said Varghese.
Hassan Choughale in his address congratulated the organizers for taking up such a step towards preserving and nurturing Konkani and promised his whole-hearted support to the event.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by MCC secretary Rianna Pinto. Reena Castelino was the compere for the evening.
MCC founder member Jerald D'Mello, senior office-bearers Rockey Fernandes, Norbert Corda, advisor Alfred Sequeira, Henry D'Souza and Konkani buffs from Qatar were present at the programme.
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