Mangalore: Guinness Adjudicator Hopeful of Certifying Konkani Nirantari
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Jan 25: 'India accounts for 973 debuts in Guinness World Records. I am confident that Mandd Sobhann will add one more feather to its cap with the non-stop singing marathon of Konkani musical choirs for a duration of 40 hours. I have already brought with me the certificate, incorporating its achievement in Guinness World Records.'
These were the words of Keith Pullin, chief adjudicator of Guinness World Records, who is in the city to judge the Konkani Nirantari non-stop singing marathon as it attempts to put Konkani and the city in the annals of Guinness World Records. The marathon is all set to begin at 6 am on Saturday January 26.
'The venue serves as the fifth adjudication in my career with Guinness committee and I anticipate it would be the largest among all. The cameras are set by Guinness representatives to run for 75 hours. The language would not be the criteria; instead melody and quality of singing are significant in gauging the debut as it was proved in the past with Brazilian musical troupe who hold the record of singing non-stop for 36 hours. Moreover, it would be a distinct achievement by an ethnic group at Mangalore in the Indian sub-continent,' he said while speaking at press conference here on Friday January 25.
Eric Ozario, ‘Pirjent’ of Mandd Sobhann, said that log books have been provided as per the guidelines issued by the Guinness committee, wherein two local dignitaries would witness for 4 hours and the rota changes will be taken over by other two; till the conclusion of 40 hours non-stop singing marathon of Konkani choir. Cameramen on rota basis are working round the clock, to record the event with precision of seconds, with their cameras being fitted with sophisticated digital watches. Technical teams are coordinating with fool-proof arrangement. All the singing troupe, technical assistants, subordinates and media are working in tandem, he added.
Ronald Mendonca, chairman of Kalaangann governing body, Fr Ramesh Naik Bandodkar, Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhaan, Stany Alvares, Arun Raj Rodrigues, Titus Noronha and others were present at the press conference.
44 Groups, 1500+ Singers, 600 Songs...In 40 Hours
Transcending all the earlier attempts to give Konkani a global recognition, Konkani Nirantari, the non-stop singing marathon by multiple singers of Konkani choirs aiming at setting Guinness record, is just a step away.
A laudable feat by Mandd Sobhann, the attempt to break the existing record of 36 hours stands in the name of Communidade Evangelica Luterana Sao Paulo, Ulbra Brazil, is hours away.
All eyes are on Kalaangann where on Saturday January 26 the SRA Sisters’ choir from Vamanjoor will set the ball rolling towards breaking the record break.
If all goes well, the Mandd Sobhann choir (comprising Mandd Sobhann members, artists, Kalakul members and representatives from Kuwait) will end the 40-hour singing on a jubilation note.
The venue Kalaangann in Shaktinagar, Mangalore is decked up for the occasion. A festive look has been created with the grandeur of a traditional Konkani wedding. One has to see it to admire its beauty.
On 18 and 19 of January, all singing troupes from in and around Mangalore joined the final rehearsal and top the preparations a trial run of non-stop singing for 8 hours was achieved on January 20.
Choirs from Goa Mumbai, Mysore and Bangalore will also join the Konkani stunt.
A magnificent event which will go down the books of history, Konkani Nirantari has not just been supported by Konkani’s worldwide has also been welcomed and wished well by people from various regions and languages. Daijiworld has published a few of the opinions from prominent personalities.
Grace Pinto, Managing Director, Ryan International Group of Institutions
“For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
He adorns the humble with victory.” (Psalm 149:4)
Mandd Sobhann has been unceasingly making efforts to preserve, promote and enrich Konkani language and culture. Kalaangann is an outcome of its growing efforts. It is impressive and gives us a sense of pride that Mandd Sobhann’s Nirantari is all set to create a Guinness World Record in longest group singing. This gives us a bright hope to take Konkani on International Platform. Niratari – is indeed a giant leap with groups from various places singing Konkani Songs for 40 hrs. Along with Dr. Augustine Pinto I greatly appreciate Mandd Sobhan’s efforts and wish all success and pray that Mandd Sobhann - Nirantari secures a place in Guinness World Record book. Long live Konkani…
Austin Prabhu, USA
"Eversince 'Kalimantan' started its mission through various 'Sobhanns' under the leadership of Eric Ozario, Konkani started shining in Mangalore and its light started spreading throughout the Konkani World.
When we were young, however, many of us took lots of troubles to spread the word of Konkani by supporting its language, culture and heritage and failed to see its success. Now when I hear about Konkani, I am getting thrilled to see various activities throughout the world by Konkani lovers.
This is the fitting time to take Konkani to world-level and I am very proud that Kalaangann is doing this through organizing a powerful tool, 'Nirantari'. I wish all the best to the organizers and participants who are taking all their efforts in making this program a World Record one! Long live Konkani!"
Sandhya Pai, Managing Editor, Taranga weekly
“Creating a record is by itself a great feat and it really laudable that a mammoth effort is being done in Mangalore. This venture will be recognized world-wide. There has been tremendous work that has gone in organizing this milestone event. Lots of organizing capacity could be seen in this entire effort. My best wishes extend to those who have put in their hard work. It is a beautiful venture and will surely be recognized world-wide.”
Mohammed Bhaddur, multi-linguistic writer
“It’s a unique project and lots of talents have come together. Having known Eric Ozario and his grit to succeed in everything he does, Nirantari will no doubt be a landmark achievement. We are all waiting for the moment to come and this brave step will be rewarded with the record.”
Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Sitaram Kulal
Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Sitaram Kulal when contacted over the phone said that he was elated to hear that Konkani is making big strides. "It is indeed a pleasure to know that Mandd Sobhann has taken up this step of taking Konkani to Guiness record. Konkani is premier language of the west cost. But today it is all set to topple the record by a premier country like Brazil. I feel extremely happy about this venture. I would surely go to Kalaangann on Saturday January 26 and will be a witness to this historic day. I am sure it will not only do good for Konkani but will usher a new hope for other regional languages too," he added.
Fr Pratap Naik, director of Thomas Stephens Konkkni Kendr, Goa
“It’s a matter of pride that Konkani is at the door step of entering the Guinness Book of world records and it is more pleasing that it is happening under the leadership of Mandd Sobhann, an esteemed institute promoting Konkani.
Although we say Goa is a Konkani state, there is not much happening here. Karnataka has always taken the lead in numerous ways to ensure the preservation and growth of Konkani language, its culture and tradition. I see a new enthusiasm taking roots in Karnataka where a new thought is gaining prominence towards promoting and nurturing Konkani. I will not be wrong when I say that if in the future days Konkani will remain and bloom it will be in Karnataka. Nirantari is thus a major leap toward this.”
Titus Noronha, Konkani poet
“Konkani speaking people are only about 50 lac in the world and if this small group can make a big name it’s indeed a praiseworthy endevour. While the bigger and most powerful languages have not taken this step of making a mark in the Guinness book of world records, Konkani has taken the courage to do so and I’m very confident that it will achieve all its goals. It’s indeed amazing that with this one feat, Konkani will create a name for itself globally. For those of us who have been a part of this, the anxiety is inexplicable.”
Louis Pinto, President Mandd Sobhann and chief co-ordinator of Konkani Nirantari
“We are all preparing for this great festival that we call Konkani Nirantari. It’s a great moment for us and all our committees are working full swing. A festive atmosphere has been created at the venue i.e. Kalaangann with an ethnic touch to our venture. We strive to attract not only Konkani’s to this but all the people concerned with it. The entire event has been meticulously planned and we are hopeful of breaking the record.”
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore will inaugurate the event and bless the venture while Ryan’s International Educational Institutions, Mumbai chief Grace Pinto would be the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, Krishna Dairy managing director Pradeep G Pai and Guinness World Records, London Adjudicator Keith Pullin would be the guest of honour.
A total of 44 groups (1500+ singers) will sing 600 Konkani songs and create history by making a proud entry into the Guinness Book. Hats off to all behind this mammoth venture.
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