Dubai: Eighth Anniversary - A Colourful Evening Presented by Daiji Dubai
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Pics by Prakash Braggs
Dubai, April 13: It was about eight years back when a few Konkani writers gathered and discussed the prospects of forming a writers' forum for the benefit of Konkani language and literature. A very few were optimistic about it.
But each year witnessed its steady growth. It created a revolution not only in the UAE but the entire Middle East, besides other corners of the world. The forum 'Daiji Dubai' celebrated its eighth anniversary in grand style in ther presence of a packed audience and a host of dignitaries.
April 12, 2007 - The evening saw Wilfy Rebimbus, one of the greatest Konkani singer-composers in history, receive the 'Daiji Dubai' award, the most prestigious award in Konkani, carrying a cash purse of Rs 50,000.
The event started off with a Manddo led by Rony Baindoor with the participation of Dony, Asha, Robert, Vinitha, Ashok, and Sunitha.
Wilfy Rebimbus along with his family and well-wishers was ushered in, accompanied by traditional music of horns and drums, with the entire audience giving them a standing ovation and loud applause.
Walter Nandalike, one of the founder-members of Daiji Dubai and the brain behind Daijiworld.com took charge of the event as compere and welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering.
A slide show on the life and achievements of Wilfy Rebimbus was presented by Naveen Sequeira of Maibhas.com.
The guests of honour of the day were main sponsor Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight, Leo Rodrigues of Al Mazroui & Clevy Automobiles from Abu Dhabi, Michael D`Souza of Oasis Court, Lancy Madtha of Integrated Shipping Services, Lavina Fernandes representative of Globe Link, another veteran singer-composer and great entertainer from Mumbai, Henry D`Souza.
A brief citation was read out by Stany Nirude who is also main co-coordinator of Daiji Dubai writers' forum.
In a traditional and colourful way, Wilfy Rebimbus was conferred Daiji Dubai award amidst a huge applause. Joseph Mathias presented citation, Leo Rodrigues handed over Rs 50, 000 cash purse and Henry D`Souza presented the memento.
Daiji Dubai convener Hemacharya was also present on the dais.
In his thanksgiving speech, Wilfy Rebimbus hailed the achievements of Daiji Dubai and said the award had come to him as a surprise. He said he was delighted to know that Konkani songs had come to be considered in the category of literature and an award was being presented to the composers and singers. He made special mention of reach and effect of daijiworld.com worldwide.
As further part of the stage event, Jemma Padil (Jerome Pereira), one of the senior members and achievers, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the language and literature. Michael D`Souza amd his son Adrian D`Souza felicitated him with a shawl and Lancy Madtha presented him the memento.
Jemma was indeed sentimental in his speech and expressed his gratitude from the depth of his heart to his colleagues at Daiji Dubai. He had a special word of appreciation for Daiji Dubai for selecting Wilfy for the annual award.
As a final part of the stage event, "Renver Ful'llim Sallkam", a collection of Konkani articles published by Daiji Prakashan, was released by Felix Lobo who has come all the way from Qatar to attend the event.
Dayan D`Souza announced the scholarship amount for Konkani in schools back home, on behalf of Daiji Dubai writers’ forum.
In the entertainment part that followed, Manohar Pais, leading Konkani compere took charge and flagged off the event in style. The event was a fine blend of a variety of entertainment. The flow was so smooth that the audience remained glued to their seats.
If Henry was at his best with his melodious voice and stage appearance, others like Rony Baindoor, Asha Maben, Maxim Periera, Dony and Asha Correa were simply superb. The numbers were popular and the audience seemed to be ready for more and more. "Katrina" and "Ami Dogui Sezara" , as expected, rocked the auditorium, while Maxim's "Manasa" was truly melodious , presented in his 'glorious' style.
On the comedy side, Dayan and Sunitha were simply professional in his characteristic style. Alwyn Pinto, Valerian Peris, Pradeep Barboza, Kevin, Cynthia, Santosh D`Souza and Richard D`Souza rendered full justice to their talents in the skits.
In the dance section, it was master dancer Vinod Sequeira who worked magic along with Andrea D'Souza and other members of his Ocean Kids troupe. Ritesh, Preity, Averyl, Sabitha, Vishaka and Mrigank gave team support to Ocean Kids. The dance performance by little kids Gavin, Delvina, Cema, Vanessa, Shelvin and Lisha was eye-catching.
After the event, speaking to daijiworld, Hemacharya congratulated his team and others who made it a success, especially all the artistes who participated in the event. "It took several days to train them and get them to practise to bring a real shape to the show. I am happy that the show went on very well. Participation by Wilfy from mangalore as aguest and award-winner, and also Henry from Mumbai as an artiste bought really colour to the event" he said.
Exclusive tv interview:
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Watch Exclusive Video....
A tvdaijiworld Presentation
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Wilfy Rebimbus and family speak to tvdaijiworld in an exclusive tv interveiw. The special interview was obtained on the eve of Wilfy's departure to Dubai to receive the prestigious 'Daiji Dubai' award 2007. He spoke about his early phase in the musical field, his gradual progress and future plans