Dubai: Poetry Session Enlivens Daiji Dubai Decennial Celebrations

Pics: Ramcy Fernandes and Renny Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)

Dubai, Dec 20: “There may be many literary events happening in and around Dubai in the Konkani arena.  But this is one of the finest of the events I have ever attended”, said Jessy Mendonca, philanthropist from Dubai, on Friday December 19.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the Konkani poetry session which was organized by Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE, as part of its decennial celebrations at the Al Zomorrodah Hall here.

“The poems recited by the poets really touched our hearts. This is an unique experience where you listen to meaningful thoughts; some might have gone through many of our minds sometimes, and some are entirely new, for which we as ordinary people could not give life. We need to appreciate the efforts of Daiji Dubai for giving a stage to the poets; to have brought to the fore many of the unknown important things and rejuvenated the process of thought amongst us”, she added.

“These type of programmes are free from pollution of sound and fills spirit in exhausted souls.  Most of the people think that poetry is a serious thing not meant for ordinary people.  But it’s quite the opposite. So these kinds of efforts must reach the masses”, opined Mendonca.

The programme was inaugurated by Jessie Mendonca along with Hemacharya, convener,  Daiji Dubai, and Melvyn Rodrigues, president, Kavita Trust by floating flower petals in a vessel of water.

Hemacharya welcomed the gathering and gave details about the programmes being organized by Daiji Dubai as part of its decennial celebrations.  He applauded the efforts of Melvyn Rodrigues in bringing Konkani poetry to the centre stage and for encouraging many a young talent.

The poetry session was moderated by Melvyn Rodrigues in his unique style, with the use of beautiful verses by famous poets. Every poet was welcomed to recite his poems with an introduction.

Poets who took part in the session included Vincy Pinto Angelore, Arthur Pereira Omzoor, Hemacharya (Stephen Mascarenhas), J J Dias Shirtadi, Stany Bela, Ashok Dias Byndoor, Jossie Bajjodi, M P Rodrigues, Sannu Monis Boliye, Robert Fernandes Udyavar, P J Karugalnade, Dolphy Sequeira Kuppepadavu, Tony Mendonca Niddodi, Francis Fernandes Cascia, and Melvyn Rodrigues.

Dayan D’Souza entertained with his trademark humour. Lancy Madtha, entrepreneur, spoke on behalf of the audience and P J Karugalnade proposed vote of thanks.

Asha Correa recited a prayer song at the beginning and Dony Correa compered the whole programme brilliantly. Many Konkani enthusiasts including James Mendonca, Joseph Mathias, Lawrence Mendonca, and Michael Castelino, were also present at the event.