Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 3: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) successfully organised the 5th Voviyo Verse Competition at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, on Sunday, August 2, as part of its prestigious annual competitions. The event was held with the objective of preserving and promoting the rich heritage, traditional art, and cultural legacy of the Konkani community.
The programme commenced with the KNS anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. KNS president Dr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap welcomed the gathering and encouraged all participants to perform with confidence while extending his best wishes for the competition.
The chief guest for the occasion was renowned Konkani theatre personality Francis Fernandes Cascia. Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, and Santhosh Sequeira, Kankanady, a long-time supporter and well-wisher of KNS, graced the occasion as guests of honour.
Also present on the dais were KNS vice president Floyd D’Mello Cascia, general secretary Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, competition conveners Victoria Mabel Menezes and Savitha Menezes, along with the distinguished panel of judges.
A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of veteran Konkani theatre artiste Francis Fernandes Cascia in recognition of his remarkable achievement of completing 100 successful performances of his acclaimed Konkani play 'Mataro Charbela'.
Introducing the veteran artiste, KNS vice president Floyd D’Mello Cascia spoke about the unique and long-standing association between Francis Fernandes Cascia and Konkani Natak Sabha. He noted that both KNS and Francis Fernandes Cascia share the same birth year, 1943, making their journey together even more special.
He recalled that when KNS celebrated its 80th anniversary, Francis Fernandes Cascia was honoured with the prestigious Kalakar Puraskar in recognition of his immense contribution to Konkani theatre. He also reminisced that during the inauguration of the renovated Don Bosco Hall in 2021, Francis Fernandes Cascia was among the distinguished personalities present.
Floyd further highlighted that Francis Fernandes Cascia's first play, 'Kityak Negar Kartay?', staged on January 30, 1966, received appreciation from legendary playwrights V J P Saldanha, Simon Rasquinha, M P D'Sa, and several others. The play also created history as the first Konkani drama in Mangaluru to feature female artistes performing alongside male artistes, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Konkani theatre.
Speaking about his latest achievement, Floyd remarked that completing 100 shows of a Konkani play is an extraordinary accomplishment. He said that Francis Fernandes Cascia had taken 'Mataro Charbela' across the globe, entertaining the worldwide Konkani community. "Even at the age of 83, his energy, passion and dedication on stage continue to inspire everyone. Konkani Natak Sabha will always remain grateful for his invaluable contribution to Konkani theatre, literature and philanthropy," he added.
Addressing the gathering, Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, congratulated Francis Fernandes Cascia on reaching the remarkable milestone and expressed confidence that his journey would not stop at 100 shows. He wished him success in reaching 125 and eventually 150 performances, describing him as a true lover of theatre and the arts. He also conveyed his best wishes to all participating teams and appreciated their efforts in preserving the Konkani cultural tradition.
The competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising renowned emcees Manu Bantwal, Vincent Mendonca Cascia/Valencia and Roshan Crasta Paldane.
A total of nine teams participated in the competition:
1. Vovyanchim Taram – Vin & Fly, Moodbidri
2. Prajvalchim Taram – Sandra & Group, Talapady Mariashram
3. Rang Tharang – Seema & Group, Moodbidri
4. Daaiz – Mishelle Rodrigues & Group, Jeppu
5. Voviyancho Ghonch – Wilma D'Souza & Group, Manjeshwar
6. Team Vojem – Maxim & Group, Mogarnad
7. Priya Veena Furtado & Group – Santhekatte
8. Alankar – Clara Sylvia Pinto & Group, Cordel
9. Mercy Group – Nishitha & Group, Manjeshwar
The smooth conduct of the event was efficiently coordinated by KNS manager Gerald Concessao, while Ivan D'Silva and Jerome Moras handled the tabulation of scores. Members of the KNS Bejai and Valencia units, along with the KNS managing committee, extended valuable support in ensuring the programme's success.
On behalf of the judges, Manu Bantwal and Vincent Mendonca shared valuable observations, suggestions and practical tips with the participants, encouraging them to further enhance their presentation and performance in future competitions. Their constructive feedback was greatly appreciated by all the teams.
The stage decoration was beautifully designed by Glanny D'Souza of Bajal unit, while the technical arrangements were efficiently managed by Christopher Mascarenhas of Bendur unit and Deon Joshwin Pinto of Cascia unit.
The programme was compered by Maxim D'Souza Angelore. Savitha Menezes introduced the judges, Floyd D’Mello Cascia, vice president of KNS, proposed the vote of thanks, and Victoria Mabel Menezes announced the results.
The competition once again reflected Konkani Natak Sabha's unwavering commitment to preserving Konkani language, culture and traditional art forms while providing a prestigious platform for budding talent to showcase their creativity and skills.
Results of the 5th Voviyo Verse Competition
First Place: Alankar, Cordel
Second Place: Prajvalchim Taram, Talapady Mariashram
Third Place: Rang Tharang, Moodbidri
Upcoming KNS Annual Competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru
* August 16, 1:00 pm onwards: 62nd Konkani Singing Competition – Second Round
* August 23, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd Gumtam Gayan Competition
* August 30, 1:30 pm onwards: Konkani Skit Competition
* September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58th Konkani Elocution Competition
* September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Konkani Singing Competition – Grand Finale
* September 27, 5:00 pm onwards: 83rd Annual Day Celebration of Konkani Natak Sabha and Prize Distribution Ceremony