Dubai: 'Old Man' Hogs the Limelight at Daiji Dubai's 9th Anniversary
Ramcy Fernandes & Sujay Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 28: It was jubilant atmosphere at the Indian High school, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Karama for the members of Daiji Dubai, Konkani writers in the UAE and all the Konkani lovers who gathered in a record number to witness one of the best entertainment evenings of the year.
Never ever in the history of UAE has a Konkani play been witnessed and cheered by such a huge number of drama lovers. It was a houseful show and what underlined the success of the programme was that there was still demand for tickets.
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For Daiji Dubai writers' forum, it was the biggest event in the last 9 years. For the ninth consecutive year a Rs 50,000 cash award was presented to a veteran Konkani writer who has contributed immensely to Konkani literature in particular and language at large.
Edie Netto was the award winner for the year 2007. Netto has been in the Konkani literary sphere for the past 4 decades. He is a veteran of Indian Armed Forces, having served in Indo-Pak war in 1965 and 1971, Indo-China war in 1961 bagging war meritorious award. He is actively involved in Konkani arena from 1995, has authored 8 books and contributed over 2,230 articles which have been published in various Konkani journals.
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The anniversary event started around 5 pm with a prayer song by Rony Byndoor and group. The song was penned by Rony Byndoor himself.
Melvyn Rodrigues, regarded as one of the greatest poets of modern era received the award on behalf of Edie Netto, who could not travel from Mangalore due to personal reasons. In a short felicitation programe arranged earlier, Walter Nandalike, compere of the event read out the 'Man Potr' and Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight Systems, a well-wisher of Daiji Dubai presented the Man Potr to Melvyn.
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Melvyn Rodrigues received a cheque of Rs 50,000 on behalf of Edie Netto from Leo Rodrigues, a well-wisher and sponsor of the event.
Frank Fernandes of Mosaco Shipping Company also a well-wisher of Daiji Dubai presented a memento to the awardee.
Hemacharya, convener of Daiji Dubai writers’ forum presented mementos to the main sponsors. During the second part of the event, three Konkani books written by Daiji Dubai members were released.
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Veteran and popular writer Stany Pinto's 'Jikleli Solvonni' was unveiled by his wife Diana Pinto. Stany Pinto is one of the founder members of Daiji Dubai, and is popular for his romantic novels like 'Moga Maka Zolainaka'. Daiji Publication has published this book.
Kavitha publication has published P J Karunalgade’s collection of poems 'Nimanni Soirik'. Sudhir Shetty, COO and general manager of UAE Exchange released his book. Publisher Melvyn Rodrigues was also present on the dais.
Another young writer and Daiji Dubai member Ashok Dias' 'Shembor Kirnna' was also released by Harish Sherigar of ACME Building Materials.
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In the much-awaited entertainment programme, 'Matharo Chorbela' play written by veteran and famous Konkani playwright Francis Fernandes Cascia, directed by well-known and experienced director, actor, writer Hemacharya and produced by Dayan D'Souza was staged which regaled the audience to the fullest.
Daiji Rangmandir members acted in this play which was presented by Ramani Events.
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The play is all about a man, who returns home after his retirement in Gulf. His wife concentrates more on prayer while caring little for her husband and his needs. The 'Old Man' enacted by Francis Fernandes Cascia was generous towards the people through sponsorships, donations and gifts. His friendship with neibouring young girls and housewives irritates his wife and her friend who too is prayer oriented.
At the end, the wife realizes that taking care of her husband at this point of time is equally important to prayer meetings and church visits.
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The story conveys true moral, and experienced actors like Averyl Rodrigues, Lavina Fernandes, Sunitha Menezes, Cynthia Pinto, Veena D'Silva, Clevin D'Souza, Deepak D'Silva, Paul Almeida, Rajesh D'Souza, Robert Fernandes and Dayan D'Souza contributed their best to bring this play to the professional level.
Cyril Baptist was the backbone of this play with his superb music during the entire play. His work behind the screen was appreciated by the audience.
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In the break time, sponsors of the event were felicitated by senior Daiji Dubai member M P Rodrigues.
Hemacharya, introduced five founder members of Daiji Dubai to the audience. He recalled the day in April, 1999 how five members initiated the organisation Daiji Dubai (Dayan D'Souza, Stany Nirude, Melwyn Rodrigues, Walter Nandalike and Hemacharya)
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Hemacharya hailed the role of daijiworld.com in the current media world, honoured Walter Nandalike (Founder of Daijiworld.com) on behalf of Daiji Dubai writers forum for his initiative, dedication and tremendous achievement in bringing the daijiworld media to the next level.
After the successful play, Hemacharya, speaking to Daijiworld said, 'It was a collective effort and the entire team gets the credit for the success of the play. Not only the actors, but people who worked behind the scene like Nove (backdrop and stage setting), Cyril Baptist (music), prompters, lighting and other logistic support members have contributed in a great way.'
'I am satisfied with the talent exhibited by the veteran, experienced as well as new actors in this play. They sacrified a lot during the last two months of drama practice and brought out their best. I salute all of them, without mentioning any single name, for this tremendous and successful show.'
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Hemacharya had special words of praise for Francis Fernandes Cascia, drama writer and lead actor. 'His hunger for stage acting is not satisfied. He seems to be getting better by each passing year. We rarely come across any person of his age who puts so much of effort just for the love of art, culture and language.'
He thanked the sponsors of the event, members and family of Daiji Dubai and the audience who were present to watch the show and others who supported directly and indirectly towards the success of the show.
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During the interval, sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementoes. Hemacharya introduced founder members of Daiji Dubai writers’ forum while Francis Fernandes Cascia spoke on the occasion and thanked everyone for their support.