Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 8: An exciting and closely contested inter-parish Anthyakshari competition, ‘Sur-Sargam’, organised by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Omzoor unit at the Bantwal deanery level, was held on September 6 at the Holy Family Sabha Bhavan, Omzoor.
The event commenced with the registration of participating teams. A total of 10 teams from Agrar, Bellore, Bambil, Farla, Omzoor, Kuppepadav, Nirkan, Loretto, Modankap and Vamadapav Church comprising four members each, took part in the competition. The formal inauguration was held in the presence of distinguished guests and representatives of the Catholic Sabha, Parish Pastoral Council and religious community.
The dignitaries included Fr William Menezes, parish priest of Holy Family Church, Omzoor and spiritual director of Catholic Sabha Omzoor; Sr Luciana Fernandes, superior of St Charles Borromeo Convent, Arkula; Alphonse Fernandes, president of Catholic Sabha Bantwal deanery; Veena Gonsalves, secretary of Catholic Sabha Bantwal deanery; Arthur D’Souza, vice-president of PPC, Omzoor; Daffny Lewis, secretary of PPC, Omzoor; renowned singer and competition judge Robin Sequeira; Joldin Lewis, president of Catholic Sabha Omzoor; and Anitha Lobo, secretary of Catholic Sabha Omzoor.
The formal programme was compered by Ashlin Fernandes and began with a prayer song presented by members of Catholic Sabha Omzoor. Joldin Lewis welcomed the gathering and the dignitaries. The competition was formally inaugurated as all the guests jointly unveiled the scrolls bearing the name ‘Sur-Sargam’. The trophies and medals were unveiled by Alphonse Fernandes and Veena Gonsalves.
Addressing the gathering, Alphonse Fernandes extended his best wishes to all the participating teams. Tenisha Pinto introduced the judge, Robin Sequeira, highlighting his musical background and experience. Fr William Menezes delivered the presidential address and encouraged the participants to make the event a celebration of music, fellowship and healthy competition.
The much-awaited competition then commenced under the energetic leadership of Steevan D’Souza, who hosted the event with the assistance of the Sur-Sargam team.
The competition featured two qualifier rounds, with five teams competing in each round. Each qualifier consisted of six different games, testing the participants' knowledge, memory, speed and versatility in music. The top three teams from each qualifier advanced to the final round.
The final witnessed six teams, three from each qualifier, competing across seven different games. The competition remained intense throughout, with the participating teams putting up a strong performance and keeping the audience engaged. The closely fought rounds showcased not only the participants' extensive knowledge of songs but also their quick recall, teamwork and enthusiasm.
After a thrilling final, team Nirkan emerged as the champions. Team Bellore secured the first runner-up position, while team Modankap finished as the second runner-up.
The valedictory ceremony was compered by Elroy Saldanha. The ceremony was attended by Fr William Menezes; Fr Rahul Dexter D’Souza, resident priest; Sr Luciana Fernandes; Alphonse Fernandes; Veena Gonsalves; Arthur D’Souza; Daffny Lewis; Robin Sequeira; Joldin Lewis; and Anitha Lobo.
All the sponsors who supported the event were honoured with mementos in appreciation of their valuable contribution towards the successful conduct of the competition.
The event was proudly supported by Layton Shipping LLC, Bengaluru & Mangaluru (Prop John Lancy D'Souza, Dubai) as the champions trophy sponsor, Praveen Lobo & Family (Qatar) as the 1st runners-up sponsor, and Junus Monteiro & Family (Thodambila) as the 2nd runners-up sponsor, with co-sponsorship from Walter Braggs & Family (Omzoor) and Jyasni & Jian Mendonca (Mumbai)
Anitha Lobo, secretary of Catholic Sabha Omzoor, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, judge, participating teams, sponsors, volunteers, organisers and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, where the winning teams were presented with their trophies and medals by the distinguished guests.
The first edition of ‘Sur-Sargam’ at the Bantwal deanery level proved to be a memorable celebration of music, camaraderie and community spirit, with all ten participating teams contributing to the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of the day.