Daijiworld News Network - Kuwait
Pics by Wilson Saldanha Shirthady
- 'Konkan Talents Kuwait' recognizes the three for their extraordinary service to the community
Kuwait, Apr 29: Konkan Talents Kuwait, an association serving Konkani language and supporting the community causes in Kuwait as back home has organized 'Darbar- 2006', and evening of entertainment in the Masrah Hawalli Auditorium, Kuwait on Friday, April 28 to mark its 5th anniversary.
In a very special way, the association honoured two individuals and an association for Their dedicated service towards the community and Konkani language.
Honour for community service
Edward Marian Netto from Jeppu, Mangalore - popularly known as Edie Netto - a veteran writer who has served Konkani literature for last 50-odd years, was very deservingly honoured with a citation and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 for his achievement. The 68-year-old writer was not present on the occasion but a niece of his received the honour on his behalf.
Honour for Daijiworld.com and Fr Melvin D'Cunha
Daijidubai - a forum of Konkani writers in the Emirates which recently completed seven years - was given a special award for promoting the awareness of Konkani language and literature not only in the Gulf countries but also throughout the world. The founder-member and the past convener Dayan D'Souza, who was present during the function, received a citation, memento and a cash award of Dhs 1000 for its 'Daiji Nidhi'.
Sentiments and spirits of unity
Daijiworld.com, a household name among the coastal Indians worldwide being a portal visited by Thousands of individuals all over, received a special appreciation award for its revolutionary achievement. The founder of the site and editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike was present at the programme and he was honoured with the traditional headgear ('mundas' or 'peta'), a garland and a memento.
Fr Melvin D'Cunha who was the guest of honour at this event, was congratulated by the Konkani Talents on his completion of ten fruitful years of ordination and he was specially commended for his support to Konkani language in Kuwait.
Dazzling show
Dayan D'Souza, speaking on the occasion, thanked the organization and asked the Konkani activists in Kuwait to come under one umbrella for the Konkani cause instead of spreading in different wings. He asked the people to unite for Konkani cause and support Konkani language.
Fr Melvin d'Cunha hailed the tremendous work rendered by Daijidubai writers forum and daijiworld.com web portal for its achievement.
A moment of glory
Johny Suratkal compered the felitation and award ceremony, read out the citation and introduced the guests. Lawrence Pinto, convener of Konkan talents and John Paul D'Souza, the main sponsor of the event, were also present on the dais along with Dayan D'Souza, Fr Melvin and Walter Nandalike. All the guest artistes were felicitated by Konkan talents.
Daijiworld.com's Kuwait correspondents Wilson and Priya were called to the stage and presented mementos in recognition of their dedicated service in making the community-related news from Kuwait globally available within a few minutes of the happenings.
Earlier, the entertainment programe began at 5.20 pm with some old, new and sentimental Konkani numbers. The man behind the musical show was Gratian D'Souza, who directed the show.
The singers who participated and entertained the gathering were, besides Gratian D'Souza, Ivan Sequiera (flown in from Mumbai), Ria, Dillon, Warren, Allen, Lolita, Jossy D'Cunha, Joyline Gonsalves, Rita Rodrigues, Thelma D'Souza, Lancy Rodrigues and others.
If the songs were touching, the dance performance by four-yeatr-old Vanessa Pinto, three different groups viz, Jovas Xlancy for Dance, Ocean Kids and Ballerines School of Dance were superb and spectacular to watch.
The added spice to the event was comedy by 'Me-Mo-ri' trio who had been flown in from Mangalore for the show.
Third, but very interesting part of the event was a Konkani skit 'Ang Bizlear Maslli Meltta', a play written by J B d'Souza Kulshekar and directed by Lancy Rodrigues Bondel.
Well-known artistes from Kuwait Rinna, Shereen, Lancy, Anil, Sunny and Johny Suratkal acted to their full potential, ensuring the success of the play which was indeed enjoyed by all.
Manohar pais, a well-known compere who had begun his career in compering with Gratian d'Souza's wedding way back in 1979, has ever since been recognised as one of the ace comperes in major programmes. He anchored the Darbar-2006 musical show by with his outstanding compering skills.
Top-class entertainment
Alwyn Fernandes, music director of Bollywood, Sandalwood and 'Dini Dini' fame, played the lead guitar with his skilled fingers. He too had been specially flown in from Dubai exclusively for the show.