Mangalore: Preliminaries for ‘Konkani Nirantari’ Lauched at Kalaangann
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM/MB)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Sep 23 (5-05 pm IST): The preliminaries for ‘Konkani Nirantari,’ a project of ‘Mandd Sobhann’ to register a Guinness world record for Konkani were launched at Kalangann in Shaktinagar on Sunday, September 23 afternoon. It is a proposed 40-hour singathon aimed to create history.
The endeavour is to surpass the current best Guinness book record of 36 hours created on July 3-4, 2004 by the Communidade Evangelica Luterana Sao Paulo, Ulbra, Brazil.
NRI entrepreneur and premier sponsor of the event Ronald Colaco launched the preliminaries by posting the Konkani flag on the globe-shaped frame of Nirantari emblem. Earlier, the flag was ceremonially carried in procession to the music of Harry's Silver Band and after reaching the hall, it was passed on hand to hand to each one in the audience, finally being handed to the dignitaries on the dais.
Speaking on this occasion, he said that this is an opportunity to show the richness of Konkani to the entire world by creating a world record. Hence, all the Konkani people should join together with a view to ensuring the success of this event, he exhorted.
There are many Konkani people who are rich in resources. It is the time for them to contribute something for the welfare of the Konkani language, he said. As his personal contribution, he announced a donation of Rs 10 lac, to be enhanced if need be.
Maand Sobhaan chief functionary Eric Ozairio said that Maand Sobhaan has been striving for the welfare of Konkani language, music and culture since last 21 years. This is an organization of ordinary people. But the institution has extraordinary vision, he informed.
The ‘Konkani Nirantari’ will be held continuously for 40 hours from January 26 to 27, 2008. A total of 1200 singers will participate in this event. A total of 30 each singers will be trained in 40 different venues for the next 4 months, Eric Ozario added. The proceeds collected from this event would finance the remaining work of Kalaangann's next phase of construction, he added.
Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto, vice-president Arun Raj Rodrigues and convener Stany Alvares were present on the dais. A brochure giving the fine details and sponsor patterns was also released on the occasion.
Titus Noronha compered the programme. He also got the entire audience to chant the slogan 'Konkani Nirantari, Sounsar Sorasari' (Konkani to go on until the end of the world). A playlet titled 'Shinv Zalem Gaddhanv' (A Lion-turned-donkey), played by the trainees of 'Kala Kul' academy of theatrics, promoted by Mandd Sobhann, was presented at the end of the programme.