Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Aug 6: On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the legendary Helen D’Cruz, an iconic voice in Konkani music and a trailblazer for women in Indian broadcasting, August 6, has been declared Helen D’Cruz Day, a celebration of music, memory, and legacy. As the first female Mangalurean Konkani singer to clear the All-India Radio audition in her very first attempt, Helen D’Cruz’s contributions span music, journalism, social service, and community impact. Her enduring anthem ‘Ye Ye Katrina’ and her work with legends such as Hemant Kumar remain unmatched in the history of Konkani music.

This year’s tribute includes:

· A global music competition, inviting performers worldwide to honor her legacy.
· A special musical presentation by her daughter Lorraine Fiona Aloysius and a musician – in the form of ‘A Sonata for My Mother’, combining Beethoven and Konkani rhythms.
· The announcement of a memoir, One Minute Mum, which captures Helen’s journey of artistic excellence, resilience, and love.

Helen D’Cruz’s impact went beyond performance – she was a writer, a bilingual artist, a mentor, and a quiet force for good in communities from Mangaluru to Kuwait. Through her voice, she shaped the sound of a generation; through her example, she touched lives across the world.

Her legacy: From AIR pioneer to icon of Konkani music

· Helen D’Cruz was the first female Mangalurean Konkani singer to pass the All-India Radio audition in her very first attempt, setting a precedent for generations to come.
· Her hit duet ‘Ye Ye Katrina’, recorded in the early 1970s with Henry D’Souza, became a cultural anthem — played daily on AIR for over four years due to popular demand — an unprecedented feat in Konkani music.
· She released her first LP under the His Master’s Voice (HMV) label and later recorded with the legendary Hemant Kumar, who personally garlanded her following their duet.
· Honored with the Sandesha Konkani Music Award (Lifetime Achievement) in 2020, she was celebrated not only for her voice but for her contribution to uplifting Konkani culture.

A life beyond music

Helen was not just a singer. She was:

· A journalist and writer, with published short fiction in Mirror magazine and scripts sold to Bollywood’s late music director Ravi.
· A devoted social worker — active in church, founding seekers to support the underprivileged, and other social work during her years in Kuwait.

Helen’s legacy continues

Her musical lineage lives on — through her daughter Lorraine Fiona Aloysius’ Lorraine Music Academy, with students across five continents; through her daughter Marianne’s The Singing Express; and granddaughter Sarah’s work teaching music to special-needs children.