Mangalore: Konkani Kutam Bahrain Decennial Award Conferred on Wilfy Rebimbus

By Florine Roche
Pics by Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RS)

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Mangalore, Aug 8: Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus was today awarded the Konkani Kutam Decennial Award for his significant contributions for the promotion of Konkani language, literature and culture in a glittering function held at Milagres Jubilee Hall, Mangalore.  The award was presented to him by the Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D Souza in the presence of Wilfy’s fans and well wishers who had assembled in large numbers.

The award introduced by Konkani Kutam Bahrain carries a citation, award and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lac and is conferred on Wilfy for his life time achievement for the cause and promotion of Konkani.   Receiving the award Wilfy Rebimbus said “I am really honoured to have received this award.  Whatever I have done for the promotion of Konkani has been largely due to the co-operation and support of fans “. 

Bishop of Bellary, Dr Henry D Souza who presided over the award function stated “Music is the language of the soul and Wilfy has music in his veins.  It is very difficult to find a person of the caliber of Wilfy who has devoted his entire life for promoting Konkani from a young age”.  Dr Henry D Souza added that if one works with utmost satisfaction God is sure to listen to his/her prayers. 

Guest of Honour Narayan Kharvi, who is also the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy said that Konkani Kutam is doing  great service to keep the spirit of konkani alive in gulf countries by conducting various cultural programmes and also by conferring awards on deserving people.  Musicians and artistes need such support which would go a long way in popularizing Konkani, he added.  Basti Vamana Shenoy also honoured Wilfy during the occasion. 

Guests of Honour Fr Stanely Lobo, parish priest, Angelore church and Louie J Pinto also spoke on the occasion.  The occasion also saw the release of a book,”Sulsule”, written by CGS Taccode.   Richard Moras, Convenor of Konkani Kuram welcomed the gathering.  Roy Castelino read out the words on honour certificate (Sanman pathr).  Titus Noronha compered the programme. 

Melwyn Peris, Claud D'Souza along with Cosmic Rays group members entertained the gathering with their beautiful konkani numbers. CGS Taccode compered the musical programme.  Jerry Rasquinha and Joseph D'Souza brought in laughter among the audience with their hilarious jokes.

Wilfy, as we all know has been nicknamed “Konkan Kogul” in recognition of his contribution to Konkani language and culture.  In a life spanning 50 years  he composed about 2800 songs, presented 500 stage shows, held 245 Wilfy Nite (concerts), brought out 39 volumes of audio cassettes, 6 volumes of devotional songs,  32 compact discs and 9 parts of selected song books etc.,  which is a living testimony to the tremendous work he has done for spreading the love for the mother tongue among konkani speaking people.  He has also written stage plays and musical plays.  Needless to say he rightly deserves the decennial award. 

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