Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 20: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), an 83-year-old premier Konkani organisation known for nurturing talent through its annual competitions, successfully organised the 24th Konkani Dance Competition at Don Bosco Hall on Sunday, July 19.
The vibrant event began with the KNS anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by KNS general secretary Pamela Santos, who encouraged all the participants to perform with confidence and wished them the very best.
The chief guest for the occasion was Santhosh Sequeira, Kankanady, a long-time supporter and well-wisher of KNS.
The competition was formally inaugurated with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, the panel of judges, and competition conveners Shanthi Dias, Usha Kiran Lobo, and Florine D’Souza.
The competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising renowned dance personalities Dixon Machado, Deepak D’Souza, and Rahul Pinto. Their presence inspired the participants and added prestige to the event.
A total of 129 dancers participated through 61 entries across five categories. The competition featured solo, duet, and mixed group performances in the age groups of below 10 years, 10–15 years, 15–40 years, and above 40 years. The audience enjoyed a colourful display of energetic, creative, and graceful performances throughout the day.
Before the announcement of the results, judge VJ Dixon Machado addressed the participants on behalf of the judging panel. Sharing his inspiring journey, he recalled performing on the very same Don Bosco stage as a primary school student during a KNS Dance Competition. He said that performing on this stage gave him the confidence to perform on bigger platforms, and today he felt proud and honoured to return as a judge.
He reminded the participants that not everyone can win on the same day, but every performance is a step towards success. He encouraged those who did not receive prizes not to lose heart, but to practise harder, return stronger, and accept the challenge with determination. He expressed confidence that many of the young dancers performing today could one day become stars, represent the country on international stages, or even return as judges for KNS competitions or major reality shows. He also shared valuable tips to help the participants improve their performances and appreciated KNS for consistently organising such competitions, giving young talents a wonderful platform to showcase their abilities.
The event was efficiently managed with the support of KNS manager Gerald Concessao. Score tabulation was handled by Sunil Menezes, former vice president of KNS, along with Ivan D'Silva, KNS treasurer.
Pritham Akash D’Souza and Jenica Deanne D’Souza looked after the technical arrangements, while Glanny D’Souza Bajal managed the stage arrangements. Photography was handled by Deon Joshwin Pinto of the Cascia unit. The Milagres and Jeppu units of KNS, together with the KNS Managing Committee, coordinated the event efficiently, ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the competition.
The programme was compered by Clita Noronha, Usha Kiran Lobo introduced the judges, Floyd D’Mello Cascia, vice president of KNS, proposed the vote of thanks, and Shanthi Dias announced the results.
The competition once again reflected KNS' continued commitment to promoting Konkani culture, encouraging young talent, and providing a prestigious platform for dancers to shine.
The event concluded on a joyful and memorable note as all the participants, their parents, and dance trainers came together on stage and danced to lively music, celebrating the spirit of the competition. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, applause, and excitement, making it a perfect ending to a wonderful day of talent, togetherness, and celebration of Konkani culture.
Results:
Below 10 years solo:
1st Place: Amy Rose Castelino, Cordel
2nd Place: Delvia D’Souza, Bondel
3rd Place: Rencita Jessica D’Silva, Bondel
10 to 15 years – Girls / Boys duet
1st Place: Pearl Aranha & Rishona D’Souza, Gantalkatte
2nd Place: Princita Vianney D’Souza & Mayola Primal Pinto, Angelore
3rd Place: Dilara D’Cunha & Ruth D’Cunha, Gantalkatte
15 to 40 years – Gents / Ladies duet
1st Place: Sheryl Marian Noronha & Siona Diya D’Souza, Milagres
2nd Place: Arvin Chris D’Cunha & Slany Sharona D’Souza, Cordel / Rosario Cathedral
3rd Place: Emerita Pearl & Chrishal Lobo, Bondel/Milagres
Above 40 years – Gents / Ladies duet
1st Place: Laveena Veigas & Daina D’Souza, Bendur / Milagres
2nd Place: Lynette Sharitha Monis & Suman Priya Pais, Cordel
3rd Place: Reena Mascarenhas & Reema Mathias, Cordel
Above 15 years – Mixed group
1st Place: Izel Tellis & Group
2nd Place: Sparkle
3rd Place: Konkani Sangha, St Aloysius University
Vin & Fly Groovers, Shirthady
Upcoming KNS Annual competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru:
August 2, 9:30 am onwards: 24th Poetry Competition
August 2, 3:30 pm onwards: 5th Voviyo Verse Competition
August 16, 1pm onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Second round
August 23, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd Gumtam Gayan Competition
August 30, 1:30 pm onwards: Konkani Skit Competition
September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58th Elocution Competition
September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Grand finale
September 27, 5 pm onwards 83rd Annual Day celebration of KNS