Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 15: It was a day to remember for the group of Konkani writers who had initiated the forum called 'Daiji Dubai' back in 1999 with the intention of promoting Konkani language, culture and art. Founded under the leadership of Dayan D’Souza Mukamar with the support of four others, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, Stany Nirude, Hemacharya (Stephan Mascarenhas), and Melvyn Rodrigues, today the forum consists of more than three dozen Konkani writers who reside in the UAE.
The 22nd anniversary celebration was organised at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, Al Garoud ball room on Sunday February 13 from 11 am to 4:30 pm. The programme started with releasing of new title song of Daiji Dubai. Founder member Walter Nandalike released the song in the presence of other founder members and past and current convenors of Daiji Dubai. The song was originally written by Robert Fernandes Udyavar and Rony D'Cunha, and modified by Glany Fernandes by visually covering the journey of Daiji Dubai from last 21 years and beautifully sung by Vinay Lewis, Sabitha Mathias, Lydwin Cutinho, Zeena Pinto, Jeevan Vas and Anil Rodrigues for the wonderful music of Adrian Gomes.
Convenor of Daiji Dubai Nanu Marol Thottam welcomed the gathering. In his welcome note he informed that it was a dream of Daiji Dubai to spend a day with its well-wishers to thank them for helping the forum financially and by other means for the past 21 years without expecting anything in return, and reposing faith in Daiji Dubai to work towards preserving and promoting the mother tongue Konkani. "The day has finally arrived," he said.
Clarence Pinto Kaikamba, veteran of five decades in Konkani literature was awarded Daiji Literary Award 2020 along with a cash prize of Rs 75,000, memento, and citation. Clarence Pinto and his wife Ida Pinto were invited to the stage, flanked by a musical band and welcomed with a standing ovation from the audience. A brief video presentation was displayed on the literary journey of Clarence Pinto. Co-convenor Sunil Fernandes Kota read the citation, while convenor Nanu Marol presented the floral bouquets to both Clarence and Ida, founder member Walter Nandalike presented the citation, Joseph Mathias presented the memento and Leo D'Souza presented the cheque.
In his thanksgiving address, Clarence Pinto expressed his deep gratitude to the Konkani speaking people in the UAE and all Konkani activists who promote the language here. He also thanked the editors of Konkani magazines, associations, and his family who supported him unconditionally throughout his literary journey. He specially appreciated Daiji Dubai forum for choosing him for the coveted award.
'Jinnie Sotam', a collection of essays by founder member Dayan D’Souza, Mukamar was released by Walter Nandalike and Kannada writer Irshad Moodbidri.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on 'Vishwa Konkani Kalarathn' Eric Ozario, Gurkaar of Maand Sobhann for his untiring and selfless service to develop Konkani culture, music, literature, dance and so on. Due to illness, he was unable to attend the event, and on his behalf his wife Joyce Ozario, daughter Dr Rashmi Fernandes and son-in-law Alwyn Fernandes received the honour. A brief video presentation was displayed on the journey of Eric Ozario. Treasurer Santhosh Perla read the citation. Convenor Nanu Marol presented the floral bouquet, founder member Walter Nandalike presented the citation, founder member and first convenor Dayan D'Souza handed over the shawl and traditionally prepared peta, Nelson Rodricks presented the momento and Benedict Pinto handed over a cheque of Rs one lac.
In his virtual thanksgiving speech, Eric Ozario said, "People call me a fighter, but today I am fighting against my illness. Due to my health I could not travel to Dubai and be with you. I have received so many awards but this Lifetime Achievement Award which I am receiving for the first time has a special place in my heart, together with Daiji Dubai. I am greatful to Daiji Dubai for identifying my work and honouring me with this award. I have two families - First one consists of my wife, my children and their families, and the second one is my associates in my journey who are sitting today next to me. Without these two families I am not able to do anything. I thank them too for their unconditional support."
In an emotional speech, Joyce Ozario thanked Daiji Dubai for recognizing Eric’s services and bestowing him with this award.
Founder member and also founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Walter Nandalike in his keynote address said, "By bestowing the Lifetime Achievement Award on Eric Ozario, we at Daiji Dubai have increased our value further and as a member I feel proud about my association with Daiji Dubai. Eric Ozario is tireless soldier. We may not agree with some of his views but all of us should appreciate him for the yoeman service he has rendered to Konkani language and culture. The work he has done for Konkani may not be matched by anyone else in the entire world. If anyone else was in Eric Ozario's place, he may not have stepped out of the house especially in the last two years due to the pandemic, but Ozario, without caring for his health or for coronavirus continuously worked for Konkani, which was evident in the last two years, be it SOAD singing competition or other activities held at Kalangaan. Hence he was the most deserving person to receive this award. I congratulate Eric Ozario's family, Joyce Ozario and his children." He also congratulated Clarence Pinto Kaikamba on receiving Daiji Dubai Literary Award and appreciated his services to Konkani language.
Sponsors and supporters of the Event Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, Hyssna International, Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments, National Transport and Cont, Al Khalidiya Group, Al Mazroui Clevy Auto Services, Canara Restaurant, Paramount Cargo and Transport LLC, Blue Royal Group, Johnson Monteiro, Vamanjoor, Acme Building Materials Trading LLC, Gulf Light Laundry, Reliable Fabricators LLC, Daijiworld Media Private Ltd, Royal Institute of Music and Arts, Broadway Events, Stream Line Middle East LLC, Maibhaas.com, Ramcy Fernandes, Digital World , Blue Chem LLC, Winny's Restaurant & Confectionery, . Edward Dsouza, Wilfred Mathias, Wilfred Vinod Tauro, Dinesh Correa, Ronney Serrao, William Robert Mendonca were honoured during the event.
Founder Dayan D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks and thanked all the sponsors over the years who supported Daiji Dubai's journey over the years.
The afternoon session was full of entertainment, with evergreen songs by Maand Sobhan. Popular emcee, actor, director and community leader Donald Correa took over the stage with his unique style. His poetic presentation throughout the session was applauded by the audience. Eric Ozario started the session virtually with his beautiful composition 'Voda Po'nda' and answered witty questions from Dony Correa. After Eric Ozario, Abolya by Joyce and Rashmi, Suryachim Kirnam, Soro by Warren D'Souza, Salkachi Paklli by Rashmi Fernandes, Rozalin Mho'jya Mogachem, Muzo Mogall Ganv by Eshan Fernandes and Rashmi, Shirandharinso Pavs by Dony and Asha, Hanv Saiba Polto'di Vetam and Manddo by group mesmerized the audience who applauded each performance with loud cheers.
Local artistes Malcon Rego and Cynthia Mendonca entertained the audience with their short skits which were based on Eric Ozario's compositions. Talented artiste of Dubai Melwyn Kalakul performed mimicry of Eric Ozario, sparking a laugh riot among the audience.
Ramcy Fernandes presented a self-drawn portrait of Eric Ozario to Joyce Ozario.
Music maestro Alwyn Fernandes and his troupe did full justice to Maand Sobhann songs with their soulful music. Kanishka Munasinghe on violin, Bijoy on tabla and dholak, Sameer Habeeb on drums and octopad, Eldrich D'Souza on bass guitar, Joston Pereira on keyboard, Alston Gomes on saxophone, trumpet, clarinet and accordian and the master himself on rhythm guitar mesmerized the audience.
Joel Abu Dhabi, whose Broadway Sound Systems once again proved that he is the best service provider for events across the UAE, along with his team made laudable efforts in keeping the entire event going without a single failure of sound or light.
Rony Baindoor, former convenor of Daiji Dubai who specially flew in from India for this event, wonderfully compered the morning session.