Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Toronto
Toronto, Oct 2: It is a great feeling when one gives birth to a great idea and the feeling becomes even stronger as he starts nurturing it, watching it grow slowly, but surely. Make sure everything goes right so that one day it can stand tall and proud. Yes, Radio Mango took its first step on September 29, 2012, toward carving a tiny but significant niche for itself in the entertainment world. Kudos to the founding team - Milena, Alan, Pedro, and Wilson who are proud of their beloved offspring and have succeeded in taking this project to a way higher level than expected through their tremendous selfless dedication and hard work. Through this one and only Konkani Radio broadcast in the Western and Northern hemispheres, they have succeeded in bringing joy into countless homes. Not just here in Canada, but in the USA, India, England, Germany, Dubai, Pakistan, and even as far as Australia and New Zealand.
With a mission statement ‘Amchi Bhaas, Amkham Khaas’, every broadcast on Radio Mango starts with an awesome signature tune composed by Goa's renowned musician and lyricist Lawrence de Tiracol and ends with sweet and juicy greetings by the brain & brawn of this Konkani radio broadcast who is none other than Milena Marques-Zachariah. The programme generously delivers Konkani entertainment with Goan/Mangalurean Konkani songs, interviews with great Konkani personalities in Canada, and Goan/Mangalurean news.
In Milena’s own words – “Radio Mango created waves in Canada, indeed all over the world, by being the first Radio programme in Konkani in North America. We went on air on September 29, 2012, on FM 101.3, and every Saturday thereafter for 6 years. Being one of a kind, Radio Mango gained popularity all over the world. For the very first time, we specifically targeted the South Asian diaspora from the Konkan coast, providing a voice and platform to this segment that has been part of the Canadian mosaic since the early 60s, but had never been spoken to in their own language before! Radio Mango fans expect the best from us. Hence, we always set high standards for ourselves. Growing from strength to strength, we have built a strong listenership from coast to coast to coast in Canada, and all over the world. Our excellent programming has made us favorites with Konkani lovers all over the globe - from Australia to Zanzibar – even inspiring other Konkani programmes. All global Goans and Mangalureans, wherever in the world, get ready to get entertained and informed, and re-experience and re-connect with our roots.”
In continuation, Milena says “For the past 2 years, I’ve been the sole owner of RM. I put my own money as seed money to restart RM as a podcast. For its 10th anniversary, I ran the first Konkani global idol contest in North America by raising money through sponsors and listeners. It was a global contest with entries from all over the world. It was highly successful. You may also mention that I have collected over 2,000 songs in the RM archive over the years and interviewed almost 1,000 people from the Konkani community over the years. This is a not-for-profit radio for the past 2 years. I do not pay myself anything at all! Not even admin charges. It takes me a minimum of 8 hours a week to research and write on a topic (I started this in 2 years) and host and edit the podcast. It is only my passion perseverance and a strong sense of purpose towards preserving our Konkani culture and language that drives me. In order to keep the radio running, I MC events in exchange for donations for RM. I welcome donations from listeners and well-wishers.”
Konkani music lovers worldwide can tune into nostalgia on the easily available podcast, featuring the best of Goan and Mangalorean music and culture every Saturday. Further details are also available on their website www.radiomango.ca and the Facebook page Radio Mango Toronto.