Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 9: The First World Konkani Music Mega Convention hosted a series of symposiums on devotional, folk and contemporary music at the Town Hall, Mangaluru, on November 7 and 8. Bringing together scholars, musicians, clergy and cultural enthusiasts, the sessions explored Konkani's diverse musical traditions and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
The inaugural programme was attended by Antony Bab Barboza, president, Goa Tiatr Academy; Louis J Pinto, president, Mandd Sobhann; Roy Castelino, PRO, diocese of Mangalore; and Irene Rebello, convention convenor. Manoj Fernandes compered the programme.
The first symposium on Konkani devotional music featured Fr Onesis D'Cruz, director, Biblical Centre, Goa, and Fr Jayaprakash D'Souza, parish priest, St Antony's Church, Sampaje. The speakers traced the evolution of devotional music across communities, highlighting the influence of Indian and Western musical traditions. Dr Joyer Rudolf Noronha, chief general manager (branding and corporate communication), MRPL, moderated the symposium and led discussions on preserving Konkani devotional music.
The evening also witnessed the presentation of the First World Konkani Musical Excellence Awards to legendary Goan composer Chris Perry (posthumously) and veteran composer and singer Lawrence Saldanha of Mumbai. Ivan D'Souza, member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, graced the ceremony and appreciated the convention's efforts to bring Konkani communities together.
The second symposium, held on November 8, focused on Konkani folk music, with presentations by Dr Cosmo Fernandes, head, department of Konkani, MES Vasant Joshi College, Goa, and Dr Preethi Keerthi D'Souza, professor, department of commerce, Mangalore University. They explored folk traditions including Mando, Dulpod and other indigenous musical forms, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. Litterateur Smitha Shenoy moderated the sessions, drawing parallels between the folk traditions of Goa and Mangaluru. Dr Venkatesh Nayak compered the programme.
At the subsequent ceremony, late Vasanthi R Nayak of Mangaluru was honoured posthumously for her contributions to Konkani language, music and culture, while Lino de Sa of Goa was felicitated for his role in promoting Konkani music and the Konkani movement.
The third symposium, held on November 8 evening, featured renowned sitarist Ankush Nayak, who spoke on 'Music for Wellness', highlighting scientific research on music's therapeutic potential and the need for unbiased studies. Singer and Eco Life founder Jovina Priyanka Madtha of Bengaluru presented 'International Music', exploring the evolution of music across civilisations and its role in connecting cultures. Dr Meena Monteiro, dean of postgraduate studies and head, Roshni Nilaya, moderated the session, bringing together key insights from both presentations. Concepta Alva compered the programme.
The concluding ceremony honoured legendary Goan singer Alfred Rose (posthumously) and Srishar Kharvi of Bhatkal for their contributions to Konkani music and culture.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, presided over the ceremony and appreciated Mandd Sobhann, particularly Louis J Pinto and his team, for their dedicated efforts in promoting Konkani music and culture. He urged the community to preserve and pass on the language to future generations.
Among those present were NRI philanthropist Michael D'Souza, Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike, entrepreneur Roshan Monteiro, and Mandd Sobhann leaders Louis J Pinto, Roy Castelino, Stany Alvares, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, and Irene Rebello.
The convention highlighted the richness of Konkani music through scholarly discussions and recognition of accomplished artistes, while reinforcing the need to preserve its traditions for future generations.