Dubai: 'Konkani Milan' Marks Vicennial Celebrations of Mangalore Konkans
by Ramcy Fernandes / Sujay Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Nov 29: Much-publicized event 'Konkani Milan 2008' was hosted by Mangalore Konkans to mark its vicennial celebration with packed entertainment events.
It was sad to note that Mumbai was in trouble and thousands of people disturbed worldwide. A two-minute silence was observed to show solidarity with Mumbaikars. The death of more than a hundred people too was condoled on the occasion.
The event started at 6 pm with a beautiful prayer dance by Sumitha Lewis, Deeksha and Avryl Pinto. Former president Valerian Peris introduced the master of ceremony Manohar Pais, an ace compare who holds control over his vocabulary, both in Konkani and English.
Founders of Mangalore Konkans were remembered and all the past presidents Rony D'Cunha, Remy Rodrigues, Albert Rodrigues, Valerian Peris were invited to the stage with honour. Later Mangalore Konkans members joined singing welcome song specially composed by Olvia Veigas for the occasion.
James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans for the fifth consecutive year delivered a powerful welcome speech in which he thanked members, sponsors and each and every one who have been responsible for sailing the Mangalore Konkans' ship all through these 20 years.
The event was formally inaugurated in style by lighting the lamp by all the former presidents and current president, led by former president Joslyen Mascarenhas.
Konkan link, a Konkani medley was presented by all the singers in honour of Konkani activists who have contributed to the cause of Konkani language and culture in the UAE.
Main sponsors were later felicitated by president James Mendonca.
Loads of entertainment with melodious Mangalore and Goan songs, jokes by Dolla, supported by Manohar Pais kept the audience busy throughout the event.
Young singer from Mangalore Ashwin started the proceedings with the inaugural song 'Fiona' which was followed by 'Apa Lipa by young Esther Noronha. ' Vinod Sequeira's 'Ocean Kids' added colour to the event with their spectacular dance performance.
'Dhudu' song by one of Goa's finest artistes Anceto was the hit number of the evening, which was followed by 'Sangeetha' song by Asha Fernandes.
Vijesh Peris, another young singing talent sung 'Kongai Kongai,' one of Wilfy’s hit song which was supported by superb dance performance by Vanessa and her team.
Goa's another leading and stylish female singer Valanca enthralled the audience with her hit Goan 'Mog' song.
Gulf Voice of Mangalore star Donny Correa who represented UAE and won first Runner-up prize was felicitated by the Mangalore Konkans. Senior member of Mangalore Konkans Poly Almeida presented memento to him. Dony rendred 'Sopna Sundari' song with Ocean Kids' dance presentation.
Ratan Castelino, who has plenty of experience in singing with Wilfy's troupe and has lent his voice to many albums, entertained the crowd with solo number 'Eksuro Hanv'. Goan number 'Navalam' was presented by another talented singer Gerry.
Esther, apart from her singing also presented classic Bharathanatyam dance.
Highlight of 'Konkani Milan' was Adarsh Konkani Kutam, a family contest. In all 4 families participated in the contest in their traditional and colorful attire and Konkani speaking skills with full of spirit and fun. Manohar Pais professionally conducted the competition with his usual wit and humour.
Reny Fernandes & Family (Asha, Rian and Regan) won the prize.
Other noted songs rendered during the event are 'Ye Nari Ye' 'Yego mana' 'Thum Sopnanth Yethai' by Ashwin, 'Meo Amor' by Valanca, 'Sponanth Moja' 'Dees Raath Moga' by Esther, Kalzanth Ullas by Rathan and Asha and other songs.
Ronie D'Cunha, senior member of Mangalore Konkans, who is more known for his support to the association behind the screen with full of spirit and inspiration to all the members was honoured along with his wife Aboline D'Cunha for his meritorious service to the organization. It was a surprise honour for him. Dayan D'Souza spoke about D'Cunha couple, Valerian Peris read 'Man-potr', Fr Freddy D'Souza presented memento to Rony D'Cunha.
The entire event was filled with variety of music and side-splitting jokes by Dolla and Manohar Pais. The blend of Goan and Mangalorean music provided full entertainment to the music lovers as good number of couples and individuals were seen on the dance floor right upto the Baila masala.
Mangalore Konkans organization will be remembered and appreciated by every Konkani speaking community member not only for organizing events, but also for the kind of charity work it has been doing for the last twenty years. It has been an incredible journey of twenty years which still goes on...
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