News: Vijai D’Cunha (G-kere)
Muscat, Aug 15: The Grand Hall of Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi came alive on the evening of August 9 with a vibrant and captivating celebration of Konkani culture, as the Mangalorean Konkani Wing (MKW) of Indian Social Club, Oman, hosted its much-anticipated cultural event, Konkani Saanz 2024. The event was a resounding success, offering an unforgettable experience that resonated with every attendee. The event witnessed by an unprecedented turnout, with a large gathering that far exceeded expectations, marking it the most well-attended event in the history of the Mangalurean Konkani community in Oman. The overwhelming support from the community is a testament to the growing enthusiasm and appreciation for MKW’s initiatives and Konkani culture as well.
The evening began with the MKW theme song composed by Apolinaris D’Souza, followed by the national anthems of India and Oman, setting a tone of unity and respect. Delip Correa, a well-known community leader and orator, took the stage as the evening's host. Ajith Walder, convener of the Mangalorean Konkani Wing (MKW), followed with a warm welcome address, joined on stage by the entire executive committee of MKW.
The chief guests, James Mendonca, owner of Reliable Fabricators LLC, Dubai, and Fr Stephen Lewis, parish priest of St. Peter & Paul Church, Ruwi, along with the guest of honour, Babu Rajendran, chairman of the Indian Social Club, Oman, were presented with flower bouquets. They were then invited to join the MKW executive committee in the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the invocation of divine blessings. As tokens of appreciation, the distinguished guests were also presented with mementos.
Fr Stephen Lewis delivered a thoughtful speech, adding depth to the occasion. Following this, the sponsors were called to the stage and were also presented with mementos, acknowledging their generous support.
The much-awaited show kicked off with a grand entry by Roshan D’Silva, a celebrated anchor and compere known across the Gulf and Mangaluru. This was followed by an electrifying performance from Dubai’s premier musical ensemble, BandScape, whose dynamic musicianship set an energetic tone for the evening. Among the standout performers were award winning singer Melwin Anthony D’Souza (MAD), also known as ‘Konkani Youth Star’ from Dubai and the exceptionally talented singer Akshada Talaulikar, first female global best singer award winner, hailing from Goa. Both artistes delivered captivating performances that left the audience in awe, showcasing their vocal mastery and commanding stage presence. The night reached its peak as the BandScape band, featuring Patson Pereira, a renowned lead guitarist, and music director in Konkani, Tulu and Kannada Films, Darrel Mascarenhas, a US graduated in musical studies and celebrated song composer to ‘Girgit’ Tulu film, on drums, Konkani song composer Prashanth Sequeira on keyboard, well-known Floid Pereira on bass guitar, and Ashith Pinto as the coordinator and team manager, delivered a mesmerizing musical experience, drawing thunderous applause and admiration from the crowd.
Anchoring the event were Roshan D’Silva and Dilip Correa, whose dynamic hosting kept the energy levels high throughout the night. Roshan D’Silva, in particular, showcased his exceptional ability to engage the audience with his wit, humor, and impeccable timing. His interaction with the crowd was both entertaining and insightful, making him a favorite among the attendees. He also conducted Song based spot games, and many enthusiasts tried and won the prizes. Dilip Correa's presentation was equally commendable, with his crisp and clear delivery complementing the evening's vibrant atmosphere.
MKW selected two distinguished individuals to receive the MKW’s Honour of the Year 2024, recognizing their exceptional achievements and contributions in literature, poetry, and Konkani writing. After careful consideration, the MKW executive committee decided to bestow this prestigious award on Apolinaris D’Souza and Clarence Donald Pinto of Muscat, who are also the recipients of prestigious ‘19th Kalakar Puraskar’ by Maand Soban and Carval Ghorane, and highly acclaimed ‘The Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award 2019’, respectively.
Raphael D’Souza and James Mendonca presented the awards to the honorees, felicitating them with traditional Mysuru Peta headgear, shawls draped across their shoulders, and fruit baskets.
Following this, the event also honored top female cricket players who represented Oman in the international ladies cricket tournament. Prianka Edna Mendonca, Amanda Dcosta, and Cynthia Saldanha were invited on stage and presented with mementos and awards, celebrating their remarkable achievements by Ashok Matias.
One of the most memorable aspects of the night was the many skit performances in between the musical show by ‘Muscat chi Naketran’ (Stars of Muscat), which were not only entertaining but also deeply impactful. The skits, centered around social themes, resonated strongly with the audience. Renowned dramatists and seasoned comedy artists, including Walter Mendonca, Peter Fernandes (Pittu), Praveen Niddodi, and Lancy Lobo along with a host of emerging talents, delivered a series of spectacular skits during the event.
Monica Walder, a renowned singer and entrepreneur, along with James Mendonca, comperes of the event Roshan Dsilva and Dilip Correa, and the entire BandScape team on stage, honoured Ajith Walder, the convener, by draping shawls over his shoulders in recognition of his efforts in hosting this remarkable musical event, which has now become a historic milestone.
The bonanza draw was efficiently conducted by Ajith D’Costa, using a computerized shuffling app for the first time in any community events in Oman, with valuable assistance from Adolf Dsouza, Lancy Lobo, and Praveen Serra. The winners in the order of 3 top prizes and 5 consolation prizes were; Ashton, Kapil V, Nyma Shetty, Wilma (W J Towell), Freeda Suares, Ashok Mathias, Della Lobo, and Naseem Parmar. The prize distribution was gracefully carried out by Sunil Shalini D’Souza, Randolf Frank, Cyril Shalini Danti, and Jane Maria D’Cunha.
In the lead-up to the event, five episodes of an online quiz were held every fortnight on the MKW portal, focusing on Mangalurean Konkani culture, heritage, arts, and history. Participants who correctly answered all questions of respective episode were declared winners. Jane Maria Rebello nee D’Cunha, Janet Rodrigues, Alphonse Rodrigues, and Kevin Jude Pinto were awarded prizes by Merita Pinto, a well-known cricket sports personality in Oman.
A standout moment of the evening was a remarkable collaboration led by Peter Fernandes aka Pittu, where 28 artistes came together for the first time to perform a single skit. Their stunning and unforgettable performance vividly showcased the social and philanthropic initiatives undertaken by the Mangalorean Konkani Wing of the Indian Social Club, Muscat, during 2023-24. This final presentation also highlighted MKW's unwavering commitment to social causes in Oman. Special recognition goes to Peter Fernandes and his team for their exceptional portrayal of these themes, which garnered widespread appreciation and applause.
With the entire executive committee on stage, the BandScape musical troupe and singers were honored with mementos presented to each team member and artist. Roshan D’Silva and Dilip Correa, the comperes, were also recognized, along with Ajith Walder, the convener, who expressed his appreciation for the outstanding performances delivered by all.
At the close of the event, Lancy Lobo, cultural secretary delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire BandScape team, the star singers, coordinator, comperes, sponsors, well-wishers, media and digital support members, well-disciplined volunteers, audio and lighting providers, those responsible for snacks and dinner, the venue management, the organizers, and the MKW fellow members as well.
No cultural event is complete without a culinary delight, and Konkani Saanz 2024 did not disappoint. The delicious spread provided by Pinto’s Kitchen and South Express added a gastronomic dimension to the evening, ensuring that every aspect of the event was a treat for the senses.
The success of the event was a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by Ajith Walder, convener, and his dedicated team comprising co-convener Loveline Rego, treasurer Vijai D’Cunha, lady coordinator Silvia Dias, cultural secretary Lancy Lobo, joint treasurer Adolf D’Souza, sports secretary Ajith D’Costa, entertainment secretary Peter Fernandes, and children’s wing secretary Meera Saldanha.
From the seamless coordination to the thoughtful details that went into every aspect of the evening, it was clear that Ajith’s leadership played a pivotal role in bringing this event to life. His ability to lead with efficiency and inspire his team was evident throughout the night, making the event a truly memorable experience for all who attended. More than 30 volunteers of Mangalurean community, making a strong MKW warriors completely managed seating, food distribution, guest assistance etc were much appreciated by all.
Konkani Saanz 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of culture, community, and togetherness, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be part of it.
MKW was also grateful to their sponsors below:
GOLD SPONSORS
Ligoury & Margaret D’Mello - Technofit LLC
Clifford Desilva – Audio Tech, Oman
M/s Khimji Ramdas LLC, Oman
SILVER SPONSORS
Raphael D’Souza & family - Muscat Golden Services LLC
Vijai D’Cunha - Marmul Hospitality Group (Travel/Exchange/Hotel/Real Estate)
Benedict Pinto – Al Khalidiya Group
Dilip & Sandra Correa - Sky United Logistics
Clifford Sanctis – Hydrotech International LLC
BRONZE SPONSORS
M/s New Sree Saravan Restaurant, Courtesy – Loveline Rego
Lancy D’Souza – Leyton Shipping LLC
Jessie Pereira – Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives
Baltazar & Mildred Fernandes - Talentz Enterprises LLC
Sunil & Meera D’Souza
Randolph Mendonca - M/s Quarter Plate Hospitality
Melwin & Meena Lobo - Unicorninfra, Australia
Diwakar Shetty – Multitech Trading & Contracting LLC
M/s Ocean Ray Cargo LLC, Courtesy – Loveline Rego
Dilip Mehta - Muscat Pharmacy, Courtesy – Reshma D’costa
Well-wishers
OTHER PRIZE SPONSORS
Vijai Jane D’Cunha - Hotel Rays Inn, Beltangady,
Sunil Shalini D’Souza
Randolf Frank
Cyril Shalini Danti
Special gratitude to:
Vijai D’Cunha – Media, web, quiz and advertisement
Walter Mendonca – Resources to skit
Peter Fernandes – Skit
Loveline Rego – DJ
Silvia Fernades - Digital Power Point presentation
Praveen Niddodi – Bonanza draw
Nagesh - Photography & videography
Rolson Cardoza (Q Films) - Programme highlights video
Staff of Audio Tech, Oman – Sound, light & LED set-up
Staff of Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi - Venue
Back-stage support:
Aslita D'Souza
Preema D'Souza
Reshma D'Costa