Media Release
Dubai, May 2: It was a day to remember for the group of Konkani writers who had initiated the forum called 'Daiji Dubai' back in 1999 with the intention of promoting Konkani language, culture and art. Founded under the leadership of Dayan D’Souza Mukamar with the support of four others, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, Stany Nirude, Hemacharya (Stephan Mascarenhas), and Melvyn Rodrigues, today the forum consists of more than three dozen Konkani writers who reside in the UAE.
The 23rd anniversary celebration was organised at the Emirates International School Auditorium on Sunday April 30. The programme started with title song of Daiji Dubai followed by a tribute to Daiji Dubai member and winner of 1st Daiji Dubai Literary award Cyril Gregory Sequeira (CGS Taccode) who left for his heavenly abode last year. Founder and first convenor Dayan D’Souza Mukamar and current convenor Nanu Marol Thottam escorted his daughter Vinitha D’Souza and son-in-law Ashwin D’Souza, past convenors Stany Pinto Neerude, Stan Ageira, Robert Fernandes and Dinesh Correa to the stage. A small documentary on CGS’ life was relayed and a floral tribute was offered to his portrait. A two-minute silent prayer was offered by the crowd in memory of the departed soul.
A brief video presentation on ‘Daiji Dubai Literary award – 2022’ winner Valley Quadros was relayed. Dayan D Souza Mukamar and Nanu Marol Thottam escorted the chief guests James Mendonca, Joseph Mathias and Lancy D’Souza to the stage to facilitate Valley Quadros. They were welcomed to the stage with floral bouquets. Nanu Marol Thottam welcomed the gathering. In his welcome speech, he informed about the different literary related work done by Daiji Dubai over the years with the help of well-wishers and sponsors generosity towards Daiji Dubai. He thanked all the sponsors and well-wishers who had made this possible. Due to his bad health and as per doctor’s advice, Valley Quadros could not travel. A voice message of Valley Quadros was relayed wherein he thanked Daiji Dubai for choosing him for the prestigious award. He also hailed the efforts of Daiji Dubai for supporting the writers with such awards and looking after them in whatever best way they can. He said that he wanted to attend the function but due to his health issues, he was not able to do so. Hence, he had requested Naveen Sequeira to accept the award on his behalf. Daiji Dubai co-convenor Sunil Fernandes Kota read the citation.
Naveen Sequeira received the Daiji Literary Award 2022 along with a cash prize of Rs 75,000, memento, citation and floral bouquet on behalf of Valley Quadros.
As a entertainment package, two outstanding dramas were staged. Team Asthitva from Mangaluru won the hearts of the Dubai public for their work in ‘Salg’ and ‘Jugari’. Salgi is written by Fr Dr Alwyn Serrao and directed by Christopher Ninasaam and Jugari was written and directed by ace director Arunlal from Kerala. In Salgi, Christopher and Clanwin mesmerized the audience with their powerful act. Being a serious drama, the crowd was curious throughout the drama. Incidentally, Salgi was being staged for the 25th time by team Asthitva. Jugari was being presented for the second time after playing the premiere show three days ago in Mangaluru. It was a humorous drama with a different dialect. Drama lovers enjoyed the control of actors on different dialects throughout the drama.
After Salgi was presented, all the sponsors were felicitated with mementos and floral bouquets by Dayan D’Souza Mukamar, Nanu Marol Thottam and former Daiji Rang Mandir convenor Alwyn Pinto.
In the end, a small stage programme was held. All the artistes along with writer Fr Dr Alwyn Serrao and director Arunlal was felicitated with mementos. A special felicitation programme was held to honour Christopher D’Souza. He was honoured with a memento, citation, shawl, turban and cash amount of Rs 50,000. The citation was read by Daiji Dubai treasurer Santhosh Perla. For his all-round work in Konkani, he was honoured with 'Kala Chatur’ award.
The stage programme was compered by Anil Pinto. The sponsors felicitation programme compered by Venissa D'Almeida and artistes felicitation was compered by Melwyn Kalakul.