Media release

Mangaluru, May 6: Mandd Sobhann in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy had organized a 9 days residential camp for konkani children, at Kalaangann, from April 23 to May 1. The camp, titled O’smitay (meaning ‘identity’) was inaugurated by the children, in the presence of chief guest, Eric Correa, on April 23. 59 children had registered in the camp, in which they were trained in singing, dance, theatre and konkani.

The camp concluded with the closing ceremony on Sunday, May 1, at Kalaangann.

The special guest of the programme Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, congratulated the children for having participated actively in the 9 days camp. He also congratulated Mandd Sobhann for having conducted camps regularly since the past 16 years and having trained more than a thousand children.

The chief guest, Fr Valerian Fernandes, editor – ‘Raknno’ weekly and ‘Kazullo’ monthly, said he was happy to note that the children enjoyed participating in the camp. He also appreciated the efforts of Mandd Sobhann in promoting konkani among children through such camps. He advised the children not to leave behind in the campus, whatever they learnt in the camp, but to practice those ideals in their day-to-day life and be a role model for other children.

On behalf of all the participants, Samuel Sequeira & Donna D’Souza shared their experiences of the camp. Certificates were distributed to all the 59 participants of the camp. The best in each category – Jason Lobo (singing), Navisha Deona Lobo (dance) and Greshal Sanjana Quadros (theatre) – were honoured with a certificate, bouquet and cash prize of Rs 2,000 each. Sheldon Tauro bagged the best camper award and was honoured with a certificate, bouquet and a cash prize of Rs 3,000. The trainers of the camp – Christopher D’Souza Neenasam (on behalf of Kalakul), Sonal D’Cruz, Sandesh Monteiro, Rahul Pinto, Rony Crasta Kelarai, Roopith D’Souza and Stalin D’Souza – were also honoured on this occasion. Louis J Pinto – president, Mandd Sobhann and Eric Ozario, the camp director – were also present.

The children entertained the audience with various songs, dances and a play written by Rony Crasta Kelarai, titled ‘Bhas Nato’l’lim’ at the 173rd monthly theatre – ‘Bhurgyanlem Sobhann’ 2 songs composed by the children of the camp – Deepthi D’Souza and Jason Lobo, were also presented.

Frivita D’Souza compered the concluding ceremony, while Vichelle Noronha & Jason Lobo (both children of the camp) compered the monthly theatre.