Canada : World Konkani Convention Curtain Raiser on Sep 12
by Gerry D'Mello, Bendur
for Daijiworld Media Network, Canada
Toronto, Sept 11: "Outside India Gulf is a familiar and dear place for me. Now as I step into Canada I am truly happy and excited to meet Konkani people residing here," said Eric Ozario filled with emotions. On the other hand Luvi Pinto was really thrilled to see the unity among Konkani people in Canada.
Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario and President Luvi Pinto landed in Lester Pearson International Airport in Toronto this afternoon for their maiden visit to Canada. They were received at the Airport with a warm welcome by the Mangalorean Association of Canada president Maxim D'Mello, Treasurer Ronald Monteiro and Sports Secretary Charles D'Souza.
After successful curtain raiser events in various parts of India like Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai, the World Konkani Cultural Convention organized by Mandd Sobhann, is now set to organize the North America curtain raiser in Canada.
The Curtain Raiser event, first of its kind in North America, will be held during the historical and much awaited Monti Fest celebration organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) in association with Canara World Foundation Inc (CWF) on Sunday, September 12.
The North America curtain raiser "Vovllik" will be held during the Monti Fest celebration. This event will bring added joy to the Konkani Diaspora residing in Toronto and surrounding areas who are anxiously looking forward for their most cherished celebration of Monti Fest. Eric Ozario will perform along with talented local artistes during the Cultural program that will be held after the Flower Showering ceremony and High Mass in Konkani.
Maxim D'Mello the MAC President and Max Mendes the CWF President, speaking to Daijiworld.com, which is the official web portal for the event, said that it is a matter of pride for the Konkani-speaking community in Canada that a curtain raiser for the mega event is being organized here. He requested the wholehearted support of community members all over North America.
About World Konkani Cultural Convention:
The first World Konkani Cultural Convention will be held from November 25 to December 19, 2010, at Kalangann, Mangalore.
More than 60 troupes from around the world with over 1,000 artistes belonging to various castes, creeds, dialects, and regions of Konkani, will present folk, theatre, music and dance performances.
There will also be a film festival, a food festival, a youth festival, an art festival, a poetry festival and competitions in traditional games, costumes, and cuisine. The 2nd Global Konkani Music Awards and the 6th Kalaakaar Puraskaar will also be awarded during this event.
Seminars will be conducted on various aspects of Konkani culture. Twenty-five institutions from around the world, that have enriched Konkani culture, will be recognized and honoured. Dignitaries from around the world will grace the event as chief guests and guests of honour each day. A colourful procession and a grand opening ceremony as well as a festive closing ceremony are also being planned.
A reception committee comprising of eminent persons under the chairmanship of philanthropist and community leader Ronald Colaco has been constituted with Digamber V Kamat, chief minister of Goa, as its chief patron.
Preparations have begun in right earnest and great enthusiasm is being expressed by every Konkani from various parts of the world. Four to six troupes have also been invited from abroad.
The launch of the convention took place in Bangalore on Sunday June 20. G Janardhana Reddy, minister for tourism and infrastructure, Karnataka, was the chief guest.
The Goa curtain raiser was held in Margao on Friday July 18 with Digamber V Kamat, as the chief guest. Francisco Sardinha, M P, chairman, estimation committee, Government of India, Luizinho Faleiro, former chief minister of Goa, and Damodar Naik, MLA, Fatorda, were the guests of honour.
The Mumbai curtain raiser took place on Sunday August 29. Ashok Chavan, chief minister of Maharashtra, Oscar Fernandes, MP, and Allen C A Pereira, chairman and managing director, Bank of Maharashtra participated as guests of honour.
The Gulf curtain raiser will take place on September 24.
World Konkani Convention : Coverage