Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 19: Mandd Sobhann, marking the occasion of its ruby jubilee, officially launched the invitation and fundraising campaign for the highly anticipated "First World Konkani Music Mega Convention." The launch ceremony was held on August 18, at the Mangalore Club.
Fr Faustine Lobo, director of Father Muller Institutions, inaugurated the programme. In his address, he lauded Mandd Sobhann for remaining at the forefront of preserving and promoting the mother tongue. Emphasizing the organization's unique capacity to pioneer new possibilities in Konkani, he noted that this mega convention would showcase the adventurous spirit and cultural richness of the Konkani people on the global stage. He urged the community to wholeheartedly support this monumental project with their time, effort, and financial contributions, wishing the event a grand success.
Setting the context for the evening, Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann, detailed the massive scale of the upcoming convention and the planned Guinness World Record attempt. He announced that over 6,000 singers spanning the Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities worldwide would participate, with 300 teams slated to render 5,000 songs.
Outlining the event's estimated Rs 3 cr budget, he explained that the convention would feature much more than performances, including symposia on the history and future of Konkani music, cultural exhibitions, a Hall of Fame, and the felicitation of senior artists. In a beautiful display of Konkani tradition, he then extended a formal invitation to the entire community by symbolically offering betel nuts, betel leaves, and water to the chief guests.
During the event, CA Olvin Rodrigues officially released the promotional jingle for the mega convention. Anil Lobo, president of MCC Bank, addressed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes for the convention.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Roy Castelino, chairman of the Mega Convention's Finance Committee, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mandd Sobhann Coordinater Stany Alvares. Arun Raj Rodrigues seamlessly compered the event. The evening was further enriched by vibrant musical performances by Raina Sequeira and her team.