by Gladson D'Almeida, Daijiworld.com, Mangalore
January 15, 2007
Mangalore: It is often said that Mangaloreans work more with heart than mind. We are often known as "emotional intellectuals" rather than "functional individuals."
Mangaloreans are often concerned much about their families, relatives, native place, mother tongue, culture etc. The urge to preserve and continue the family relations and cultural roots is strong in us than others. We make things happen rather than wait for them to take place. We venture into new horizons and give a pat on the back of those who dare to be different.
But having experienced all this in abundance, it was bewildering to know that a bold and pioneer venture undertaken by a young man is set to die a premature death. The reason is only one - lack of sponsors. The matter is none but regarding "Kaanni Axi Mogachi", the first-ever Konkani TV serial which is being telecast on Chandana TV channel on every Saturday and Sunday night from 9.30 to 10 pm.
As known already, the serial is based on famous Konkani novel "Paap ani Xiraap" by eminent Konkani writer, Daiji Dubai Awardee Victor Rodrigues Angelore. The serial was first telecast on October 14, 2006 and since then a total of 18 episodes have been telecast without interruption. The result has been amazing.
Speaking to Daijiworld, serial director Melwyn Mathias said that there has been a wonderful response from the viewers. A gripping plot, superb acting, excellent quality and true professionalism of the entire crew has been hailed by one and all. Response in the rural areas is more encouraging than in the urban limits. There are no two words that the director, producer and all others involved in the venture have left no stone unturned in providing an excellent programme. Loopholes are hard to find and drawbacks seem to have no place.
Even the TPR rates of the serial are on booming day by day. He further said that Doordarshan officials too have been of the opinion that the serial has received viewership beyond earlier expectations. Chances are that DD may soon give a prime time instead of the present half-an-hour in the coming days. A total of 21 episodes have been shot and shooting for the following ones would resume in the coming week.
But on the financial front, with regard to sponsors, the serial has drawn a blank. Sponsors are hardly coming forward to support this pioneer venture. Melwyn said that it is indeed painful to stop a serial which is so popular, for the sole reason of lack of sponsors. But his concern too is genuine. If there are no sponsors, it is not possible to telecast the serial. Each episode costs about Rs 35,000. This expense is on the higher side since most of the technicians and cameras are from Bangalore since it is the only way to provide the viewer with best quality.
But if the present scenario continues, the serial will last only for another 3 weeks. The nail has already been hit on the coffin of the serial. If this venture fails and stops in between, history will be repeated yet again as similar things have happened in other cases. Young men with brave hearts and creative ideas will never dare to venture into newer horizons.
The writing is clearly on the wall that if this situation continues, Konkani language and culture would die soon. If we do not support a professional and qualitative programme such as "Kanni Axi Mogachi" we would perhaps never support any other Konkani-related activities. Breaking new paths is never a problem, but sustenance is a major concern. Unless generous donors and sponsors stretch their hands forward and support, these kinds of ventures would never be successful.
Though young, Melwyn has shown that he is capable of serving Konkani in a great and excellent manner. He has the potential, talent, creativity, determination and commitment to give his best to Konkani. He lacks only vitamin "M". If some of us come forward and join hands with him, it is for sure that this man would scale greater heights and script many more firsts in Konkani.
If a wonderful project of this kind is stopped the half way, perhaps all of us would be responsible for it in one or the other way. Unless a strong financial support is provided to “Kaanni Axi Mogachi”(So Runs the Story of Love), it may soon become “Kaanni Axi Dukhachi”(So Runs the Story of Woe).
Without culture we are like rudderless boats which may sail in any direction. Preservation of our culture and language is the only and the best way to pass on our heritage to the next generation. If we do not want our children to be known as "uncultured" and 'baseless', we should lay a strong foundation by supporting our Konkani language and culture right now.
So now is the right opportunity. Why let go of it and rue later? If the serial is stopped, there would be many around hurling a variety of comments at the director, producer and everyone else. But no one will own the responsibility since failure has no fathers whereas success has relatives in plenty.
Before this opportunity to support and encourage a wonderful venture slips out of our hands, let us wake up and realize the worth of preserving our language and culture. On the foundation we lay today, our children would raise monuments tomorrow. So let us strive to lay strong and fit foundation so that future of our culture and language is safe and strong.
For details contact Melwyn Mathias on:
+91 9343897741
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