Pics by: Jillian D'Mello and Alphonse Mendonsa

Report by Alphonse Mendonsa

Udupi, Feb 3: The dance team of Pangla Parish emerged winners among six troupes that participated in the diocesan-level cultural dance competition organised by Kalaradhan, a Pangla Parish-affiliated cultural organisation, on Sunday.

Teams from parishes including Ajekar, Belman, Kelmbet, Moodubelle, Pangla (Shankerpura) and Shirva took part in the competition. Though seven teams had initially enrolled, only six finally made it to the stage.

Kalaradhan, which has completed eight years since its inception, has successfully organised several cultural events such as dramas, musical nights and religious short plays for parishioners. This was the first time the organisation ventured into a diocesan-level competition, which was conducted successfully despite limited participation.

The competition was inaugurated with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Pangla parish priest Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino along with Kalaradhan president Peter Martis, secretary Melwyn Anand D’Souza, dance and music coordinator Noel D’Silva, 20 commissions coordinator Anitha D’Souza and Br Shawn Andrade.

Prior to the dance performances, singers from Pangla Parish — Jia Mendonsa, Ayush Menezes, Siona Mendonsa, Melria Quadras, Glen Quadras and Nikhil Castelino — rendered melodious songs and entertained the audience. The singers were felicitated with gifts by the organisers.

The dance performances began with the Shirva Parish troupe, followed by the remaining teams. While all troupes impressed the audience with their performances, Pangla Parish emerged winners, Shirva Parish secured first runner-up position and Belman Parish finished as second runner-up.

The competition was judged by choreographers and dancers Sonal Caren D’Cruz (Kulshekar), Shaina Chrystel D’Souza (Urwa) and Harshal Prema D’Souza (Vittal).

The Kalaradhan team also presented a dance performance during the programme.

Ahead of the prize distribution, a brief stage programme was held during which Kalaradhan president Peter Martis welcomed the dignitaries on the dais, including Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino, parish priest, vice president of the parish council John Martis, Anitha D’Souza, Anil D’Sa, former Kalaradhan president and organiser, and the judges. All dignitaries were presented with roses.

Kalaradhan member Flavia Menezes introduced the judges and highlighted their achievements, including their experience judging major dance competitions in Mangaluru and Karnataka, their association with Daijiworld stage programmes and their involvement in Konkani films as actors and choreographers. The judges were felicitated with mementos by Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino.

Judge Shaina Chrystel D’Souza, while addressing the gathering, appreciated the efforts of all teams and shared tips on dance performance. She said energy and presentation alone were not sufficient, and emphasised the importance of body language, expressions and costumes. She also thanked Kalaradhan for the opportunity to judge the competition.

Speaking on the occasion, vice president John Martis said it was important to promote art and culture by providing platforms for talented artists to develop and showcase their skills.

All participating teams were presented with special gifts as a token of appreciation.

Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino thanked the judges for travelling from Mangaluru despite their busy schedules and said it was heartening to see participants of different age groups perform together.

Melwyn Anand D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, noting that this was the first edition of the competition and expressing hope for greater participation in future. He said the event was organised based on the suggestion of Fr Dr Anil Prakash Castelino and added that Kalaradhan planned to organise drama and skit competitions in the coming years. He thanked the participants, judges and organising team members Noel D’Silva, Anil D’Sa and Walston D’Sa for their contributions.

The winners were awarded prize money of Rs 9,999 to Pangla Parish, Rs 7,999 to first runner-up Shirva Parish and Rs 5,999 to second runner-up Belman Parish. The prizes were distributed by the president and dignitaries on the dais.

The programme was compered by Kalaradhan member and former president Walston D’Sa.