Media release

Mangaluru, Nov 7: The 18th Kalakar Puraskar, jointly presented by the Carvalho family and Mandd Sobhann and 251st monthly theatre program was held on November 6 at Kalangann here.

Delivering the introductory remarks, Dr Pratap Naik SJ announced that his family had doubled the award amount this year. He called upon the affluent families of the city to join hands in large numbers to encourage artistes.

Later, ‘Yodeling King’ Melwyn Peris was felicitated by chief guest Nelson Rodricks with shawl, fruits-flowers, traditional Konkani turban ‘Urmal’, memento, citation and cheque of Rs 50,000. While receiving the award, Melwyn remembered those who had helped him in his journey. Gurkar Eric Ozario, president Louis Pinto, vice president Irene Rebello were present on the stage. Secretary Kishore Fernandez read the citation. Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the program.

Then ‘Geet Gonychya Asmitayechem’ was presented by Swarasree Troupe from Goa as the 251st monthly theatre. The play directed by Ramanand Raikar, starred Sonali Pednekar, Sandesh Kundaikar, Deepti Kundaikar, Yogita Vernekar, Shailesh Salgaonkar, Shayani Salgaonkar, Pramod Surlekar, Mangesh Shetye, Raju Parab, Navso Naik, Atul Parab, Dhigesh Anglo, Jitendra Tandel, Sayraj Kherkar and Aadi Vernekar.