Report by Viju Mangalore - Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje - for Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, Feb 26 (Sunday 1-15 pm): The foundation stone laying ceremony of Kalaangann’s second phase was held at Shaktinagar on Sunday morning.

The foundation stone for the second phase which will include a research and documentation centre, hostel block, guest block and terrace-theatre and other facilities, was laid by chairman of the governing body of Kalaangann Ronald Mendonca.

Speaking on the occasion, he lauded the support given by the Konkani speakers to Kalaangann moving above dividing factors like religion and caste.

A brochure on the proposed second phase construction of Kalaangann was released on the occasion by Basti Vasudev Shenoy, partner, Basti Purushottam Shenoy and Sons.

Roy (Ronald) Castelino proprietor of Roy Constructions represented the Castelino family, the land donor to Kalaangann. Proprietor Saibeen Complex and director of the governing body of Kalaangann M A Rehman, proprietor of Leo Consumer Products Pvt Ltd Leo Crasta, Mandd Sobhann president Louis Pinto, gurkar Eric Ozario and Stany Alvares were present on the dais.

Briefing the gathering on the works to be undertaken in the second phase, Ozario said that an outlay of Rs 65 lac has been proposed.  While the first phase has already been completed at a cost of Rs 80 lac, the second phase works will begin in March 2006, he added.

In the second phase a research and documentation centre, hostel block, guest block, terrace-theatre, gate, compound walls, parking space, pavement and landscaping will be undertaken.

Expressing its firm belief on building a cultural centre for Konkani language art and culture with a secular foundation the Sunday’s programme at Kalaangann included prayers from three religions.