Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jul 17: The Daiji Dubai Mangaluru unit hosted a grand felicitation ceremony on Thursday, July 16, at the MCC Bank hall to honour veteran Konkani theatre artiste Francis Fernandes Cascia. The event celebrated his historic milestone of successfully completing 100 shows of his highly acclaimed Konkani play, 'Mataro Charbela'.
The prestigious event was presided over by Stephan Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), a founding member of the Daiji Dubai Literary Forum in the UAE. Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, and Vincent Mendonca Cascia, a renowned Konkani theatre artiste, graced the occasion as chief guests.
Praveen Tauro, president of the Daiji Dubai Mangaluru unit, warmly welcomed the dignitaries and the gathered audience, setting an appreciative tone for the evening.
In his introductory address, Walter Nandalike highlighted the magnitude of this theatrical achievement. “Completing 100 shows of a play in Konkani is not an easy job; it is a monumental achievement,” Nandalike stated. “Francis took the drama 'Mataro Charbela' around the globe, entertaining the global Konkani community. He never blames bad situations in life; he thinks and lives positively. We can witness his immense energy on stage. He has always said, 'If you are going to recognise me and hail my achievements, do it while I am alive.' Daiji Dubai is forever grateful for his immense contribution to the Konkani community in the form of literature and philanthropy.”
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship and collaborative projects, Vincent Mendonca Cascia praised Fernandes’s enduring dedication. “I have known him since a very young age and have always admired his passion for literature and the stage. His capacity for cracking spontaneous jokes has made him incredibly popular among us. Behind the success of these 100 shows, he has weathered unseen personal losses and sorrow, but he never let it show. I am thrilled that Daiji Dubai has stepped forward to celebrate him today.”
Delivering the presidential address, Stephan Mascarenhas shared fond personal memories. “My family has shared a close relationship with Francis since our time in Dubai. Wherever he goes, he carries a deep love for the Konkani language and its community. He is a true lover of the stage and art who has sacrificed many personal things for his audience. Today, Daiji Dubai is incredibly proud to felicitate him.”
Replying to the felicitation, an emotional Francis Fernandes Cascia expressed his deep gratitude. “I am forever grateful to Daiji Dubai and the entire Konkani community for their unwavering love and support,” he said. “I had a dream to complete 100 shows of 'Mataro Charbela', and today, it is accomplished. This is a joyous moment for me and my entire team. I owe this milestone to my director, Joy Paladka, and all the artists who made this possible."
The event also celebrated Konkani literature with the release of books authored by prominent Daiji Dubai members, including Melwyn Rodrigues, Avrel Rodrigues, Hemacharya, Vincent Pinto, and Nanu Marol. Prior to the formal stage programme, the audience was treated to an enchanting instrumental music session by well-known music director Sanjay Rodrigues and young violinist Anston Rodrigues.
The memorable evening was seamlessly compered by Ronald Nazareth and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vincent Pinto.