Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 21: The 22nd Kalakar Puraskar, awarded jointly by the Carvalho family and Mandd Sobhann to honour excellence in the performing arts, has been announced for musician, composer, and parish priest of Karkala Town Church, Fr Clement Mascarenhas. He has been chosen for the award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to devotional music and his encouragement of youth in the musical field.
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 1, at 6 pm at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar. Non-resident entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Pinto, Abu Dhabi, will grace the event as the chief guest, while prominent linguist Dr Pratap Naik, Goa, will attend as the guest of honour. Louis J Pinto will preside over the function. The award comprises a shawl, fruits and flowers, a memento, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
A multifaceted personality, Fr Clement was born in Kelmbet-Bola in 1954. Ordained into the priesthood in 1981, he has served in various parishes and educational institutions. In recognition of his service to education, the Dakshina Kannada district administration honoured him with the Best Teacher Award in 2005. He also served as the first secretary of the Catholic Board of Education of the Udupi diocese.
Fr Clement entered the music field in 1994 in collaboration with the late Fr Valerian Mendonca. Together, they came to be fondly known as the ‘Laxmikant-Pyarelal of Konkani music’, releasing 49 devotional music albums. Continuing his musical journey even after the passing of Fr Valerian, Fr Clement has to date penned lyrics and composed music for over 500 songs across 51 albums.
His scope of work in music is extensive. He identified singing talent in the parishes where he served and gave them a platform to perform. He has composed numerous hymns for church liturgies as well as several songs on social themes, some of which have been translated into Hindi. His compositions are widely available across YouTube and social media platforms, with his prayer hymns and dance songs regularly featured in schools and cultural events.
Following the felicitation ceremony, the 299th programme of the monthly theatre series (Mho'ynyalli Manchi) will take place, featuring the premiere of a new Konkani play, 'Mel'lyanche Upadr', written by Nellu Permannur and presented by Comedy Company. The organisers have stated that entry is free for all.