Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 17: Kalanjali 2019, the annual talent show of All Konkani Catholic Associations of Bangalore (KON-CAB) was hosted and organized on November 17, at Konkan Samudai Bhavan hall here. KON-CAB has been providing this platform in Bengaluru for all the Konkani associations here to promote the language and culture and to keep Konkani history alive.
The programme began with a pious prayer to St Anthony, the patron saint of KON-CAB. Jhonas D’Souza led the inaugural prayer along with the executive committee of KON-CAB and God’s blessings were invoked for the success of the program. KON-CAB president Arun Fernandes formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp, accompanied by secretary Nora Menezes, vice president Sylvester D’Souza, immediate past president Jhonas D’Souza and cultural secretary Navya Monteiro. Following this, Kalanjali 2019 was declared open by Arun Fernandes.
The programme started with Konkani singing competitions. Old and new melodies sung by the contestants of all ages took the delighted audience into the nostalgic grand era of the immortal melodies of Konkan Kogul late Wilfy Rebimbus and Henry D’Souza, while the latest Konkani heartthrobs like Kevin Misquith and Prajoth D’Souza’s too were invoked by the competitors. The Konkani group singing competition was a great hit among the audience, with the level of competition having raised up the bar to international concert standards with tenors, baritones and sopranos.
The singing competition was followed by fancy dress competition, showcasing new and innovative ideas, which literally took the audience agape with astonishment. Right from the tiny tots, up to 70-year-olds displayed mesmerizing outfits and props.
Just after the fancy dress competition was done, the dashing 35 years and above dancers left the audience in awe, as the performers from different associations performed to Konkani songs as it is the mandatory criteria for this category of dances.
Soon after, short Konkani comedy skit competition was held which was enjoyed by the packed crowd in the auditorium. The witty one liners and comedy element was brought out well by the performers.
Then came the much awaited, icing on the cake for all the Kalanjali programmes organized by KON-CAB from the past 23 years, the inter-association dance competitions for various categories which mesmerized the mood of everyone in the packed auditorium.
Kalanjali has just been improving by the years, in which children, the young and young and heart perform to the awe of everyone in the audience. This year too, the performances were a class beyond par excellence and the audience enjoyed every bit of it.
The competitions were so nip and tuck that the esteemed panel of judges, found it difficult to declare the winners. As every year, this year also, the competitions were judged by well qualified and experienced judges, who were masters in their respective categories.
This year the panel of judges included:
Singing: Manil Rego, Rex D’Silva and Raj
Above 35 years dances, fancy dress and comedy skit: Jessy Rodrigues, Priscilla Pinto and Gregory Fernandes
Inter Association Dance: June Fernandes, Stanita Lewis and Roshini
The chief guest for the programme was Clarence Pereira, a well-known entrepreneur and director of Deccan Group, who was escorted to the dais by Arun Fernandes. The guest of honour Silvian Noronha, chairman of FKCA, was ushered by Nora Menezes. The presidents all Konkani associations of Bengaluru, were also present on the dais for the final leg of the function. Arun Fernandes honoured the chief guest and also the guest of honour, and all the presidents of other Konkani Catholic associations of Bengaluru, present on the dais, which was followed by a welcome speech by him.
Clarence Pereira, in his speech lauded the efforts of KON-CAB in arranging such a mega event, for the past 23 years. He also appreciated the performance of the participants and observed that the quality of programme was getting better and better each year. He also stressed the need for parents to encourage their children to do whatever they are best at and also urged them to allow their wards to take up civil services.
The chief guest, guest of honour and presidents of all associations distributed the prizes to the winners of the cultural competitions.About 12 associations from Bengaluru took part at Kalanjali 2019, and the auditorium was packed with a large number of participants from all Konkani associations from Bengaluru and even a larger number in the audience.
Last year’s title holders, BKCS Koramangala bagged the ‘Most Talented Team’ rolling trophy, this year too, by winning the highest points. Hosts KON-CAB stood second, on the points table.
The programme was compered by N A D’Silva with support from Navya Monteiro, Brien Rodrigues and Pearl Lobo.
Nora Menezes proposed the vote of thanks and thanked everyone for their support and cooperation, as the curtains came down on the full house entertainment programme.
The winners of the various categories held at Kalanjali 2019 are as follows:
Konkani Singing Solo up to 4th Std: Calvin Gomes from Ekvot Bellandur
Konkani Singing Solo 5th to 7th Std: Ronson Serrao from Carmel Kutam
Konkani Singing Solo 8th to 12th Std: Jewel Lasrado from Konkani Samudai Jayanagar
Konkani Singing Solo College & Above: Lavita from BKCS Koramangala
Konkani Singing Group up to 7th Std: Twinkling Stars from Konkani Samudai Jayanagar
Konkani Singing Group 8th Std & above: Lionel Dias and Group from BKCS Koramangala
Fancy Dress Solo up to UKG: Shanvi D’Souza from Koncab
Fancy Dress Solo 1st to 4th Std: Nathan D’Souza from BKCA Koramangala
Fancy Dress Solo 5th to 7th Std: Tanisha D’Souza from BKCS
Fancy Dress Solo 8th to 12th Std: Nolen Pinto from Koncab
Fancy Dress Solo College and Above: Rhea Braggs from BKCS
Inter-Association Dance above 35yrs: Sizzling Senoritas from Koncab
Inter-Association Comedy Skit: Koncab group
Inter-Association Dance up to 7th Std: Spice Girls from KCA Kengeri
Inter-Association Dance 8th Std and above: Super Sparklers from KCA Kengeri