Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Oct 26: St John the Evangelist Church, Pangla, claimed its third consecutive championship trophy at the 20th diocese-level Konkani singing competition organized by ICYM Pangla and St John Evangelist Church. The event was held on Sunday, October 26, at St John Sabha Bhavana.
Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, secured the second and third runner-up positions, respectively.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a formal unveiling of the trophies.
In his opening address, Fr Anil Castelino said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate ICYM for conducting this wonderful event. Over the years, many things have changed, and to further encourage young talents, we introduced the audition round where 150 children participated. Today, they are competing with great enthusiasm to win. There are more than 40,000 Konkani songs, and we must all come together to promote and preserve them. To motivate our young singers, cash prizes have been announced. Let these songs unite us as one community. I warmly welcome all the participants and their well-wishers.”
Fr Lesli Clifford D’Souza said, “The youth have made this event truly beautiful through their efforts and teamwork. I congratulate ICYM for uplifting the voices of our young Konkani singers. Along with ICYM, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and donors who have supported this wonderful initiative. I wish all the singers the very best, and to those who may not win, please don’t feel sad—participation itself is an achievement. The judges are well-qualified, and I trust they will give fair results, so let’s not blame them. I also congratulate all those who guided and stood behind these young participants. Let us continue to uplift Konkani music and preserve our traditional songs, as Konkani is an integral part of our life and identity.”
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Fr Prakash Anil Castelino, parish priest and director of ICYM Pangla unit; Fr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, vicar var of Shirva deanery; Fr Rolwin Fernandes, assistant parish priest; Fr Jessil Cutinho, assistant parish priest; John Martin, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Gabriel Martis, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Joseph Castelino, convener of the Cultural Committee; Anitha D’Souza, ICYM Pangla unit animator; Victor Mendonca, youth director; Nithin Baretto, ICYM Udupi diocese president; advocate Jeevan Pereira, president, ICYM Pangla unit; and Princia Noronha, secretary, ICYM Pangla unit.
Nikith Castelino, president of ICYM Pangla, welcomed the gathering, while Anil Daisa, introduced the judges. Joel Castelino, delivered the vote of thanks.
The competition judges included Jaison Lobo, Maxim Pereira and Ivy Benneta D’Souza for seniors above 60 years and junior category below 10 years and Sanjeeth Rodrigues, Preethuma Monteiro and Sanjay Rodrigues judged the junior category of 10 to 15 years and senior category of 15 to 60 years.
During the valedictory programme, chief guest Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese said, “I bless ICYM Pangla for organizing this event consecutively for 20 years. This success is also because of the support from the parishioners. Participants have come from different parishes, and that shows the unity of our community. Winning a prize is not important, participating and stepping onto the stage itself is a big achievement. For the first time, a competition for senior citizens has been held, which proves that talent has no age.”
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the Udupi diocese, remarked, “First of all, I congratulate ICYM for organizing this successful event. This is the 20th year, and I wish many more such events to continue to uplift the voices of Konkani singers. I notice that ICYM takes initiative, but it is strongly supported by the entire parish community. Remona has brought pride to our community and has inspired many people to break records.”
Remona Evette Pereira, Golden Book of World Records holder, said, “I feel happy to be here at the 20th diocesan singing competition. I am grateful to be felicitated here today. I am especially happy because when I met Fr Denis D’Sa, he always spoke about the five D’s of my life: Discipline, Determination, Dedication, Devotion, and Direction and I would like to add the sixth D, which is Fr Denis D’Sa himself. To all young people and singers, I say never give up on your passion. Dedicate yourself, see the beauty in your art, and perform it with devotion.”
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi diocese said, “This hall is newly built, and it is my first visit here — it looks wonderful. The event has been successfully organized by ICYM with the great support of the people behind them. I am happy to see so many energetic children participating today. Remona’s achievement of 170 hours is remarkable, and I congratulate her and her mother for their dedication. I also congratulate all the participants and urge them to accept the results gracefully, without any complaints."
The valedictory programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, assistant parish priest Fr Rolwin Fernandes and Fr Jessel Cutinha, ICYM Shirva deanery president Josita Mendonca and Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Denis D’Sa, Fr Steevan Fernandes, Fr Rolwin Fernandes, Remona, John Martis, Gabriel Martis, Joseph Castelino, Anitha Dsouza, Jeevan Pereira and Princia Noronha, whose presence added grace and significance to the occasion.
Jeevan Pereira, president of ICYM Pangla, welcomed the gathering, while Princia Noronha, secretary, gave the vote of thanks. Fr Anil Prakash, parish priest, read the result list.
Anitha D’Souza, Clara Mendonca, Iral D’Souza, and Viyon Mathias compered the whole event.
Results
Below 10 years boys category
1. Gaurar John Carvalho (Barkar)
2. Shaunith Soares (Udupi)
3. Lenston Jeet Rodrigues (Thottam)
Below 10 years girls category
1. Shreyal Anne Olivera (Perampalli)
2. Joyce D’Souza (Perampalli)
3. Roseanne Furtado (Moodubelle)
Below 10 years group singing
1. Pangla
2. Udupi
3. Shirva
10-15 years boys category
1. Aayush Menezes (Pangla)
2. Glen Kenrick Quadras (Pangla)
3. Suhan Lloyd Dsilva (Perampalli)
10-15 years girls category
1. Siona Mendonca (Pangla)
2. Samantha Lewis [Milagres Kallianpur]
3. Liana Dmello [Moodubelle)
10-15 years of group singing
1. Pangla
2. Moodubelle
3. Shirva
15-60 years men category
1. Anson Austin Pinto [Karkala Attur]
2. Shailesh Pinto [Udyavar]
3. Aaron kevin Olivera [Perampalli]
15-60 years women category
1. Jiya Mendonsa [Pangla]
2. Silviniya Fernandes [Udyavar]
3. Melviya D’Souza [Katapadi]
15-60 years duet singing
1. Alwin Rodrigues & Melisha Fernandes [Byndoor]
2. Shailesh Pinto & Silviniya Fernandes [Udyavar]
3. Loyd Noronha & Melissa Corda [Shirva]
15-60 years of singing group
1. Udupi
2. Udyavar
3. Pangla
60 years and above men solo category
1. Sydney Correa (Milagres Kallianpur)
2. Aloysius D’Souza (Udupi)
3. Jerald Johnson Rodrigues (Shirva)
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