Dubai: Rachana Awardee' James Mendonca Felicitated by Daiji Dubai
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (MR)
Pics: Ramcy Fernandes
Dubai, Apr 19: Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE, felicitated James Mendonca, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who was recently bestowed with the prestigious Rachana NRI Businessman of the Year Award, during its annual get-together, which was held on Friday April 18 at the Zomorrodah Hall in Dubai.
Joseph Mathias, director, Merit Freight Systems Co LLC, Dubai felicitated James Mendonca, with bouquette and memento. Dayan D'Souza, ex-convener, Daiji Dubai introduced James Mendonca to the gathering. Shobha Mendonca, wife of James Mendonca was also present on the dais.
All the artistes who had performed in Francis Fernandes Cascia's stage play "Mhataro Chorbela" during its ninth anniversary held recently in Dubai were also honoured.
Hemacharya, convener, Daiji Dubai, director of the drama, thanked all the artistes, playwright Francis Fernandes Cascia and the producer Dayan D'Souza, for their whole-hearted cooperation during the rehearsals. He was full of praise for Daijis like Stan Ageira, who had won the Karnataka Konkani Academy Award for his book and Melvyn Rodrigues and Francis Fernandes Cascia who had won the honourary awards from the same Akademy for their service to Konkani literature and drama during the past two years.
Francis Fernandes, Cascia thanked Daiji Dubai and Daiji Rang Mandir, especially the artistes and the director for staging his drama successfully.
Danica, Melinda, Demitra, Cema, Delvina, Gavin and Samantha entertained the audience with their dances. Stan Ageira cracked some hilarious jokes. Robert Fernandes sang remix Konkani songs. Shylan Beat Group led by Lancy Noronha was at their best. Shaila Noronha, Joseph Mathias, Rony Byndoor, Sherigar, Oswald Fernandes, Vincent Rodrigues, Asha Fernandes, Mario Rego along with Lancy Noronha rendered some beautiful Konkani, Tulu, English, Kannada songs during the occasion.
A lucky draw was held in aid of Konkani poet and writer Louie Pereira's family, who died last year owing to cancer. The prize was won by Francis Fernandes.
Melvyn Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and compered the whole programme.
Daiji Dubai is planning to hold several literary competitions during the year for the Konkani writers in connection with its decennial celebrations which will kick-off in Mangalore in the month of July and conclude in Dubai in April 2009.