Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
New Delhi, Aug 11: The Kanara Cultural Association (KCA) Delhi successfully organized the screening of the acclaimed Konkani movie Bapache Putache Navim (BPN) to a houseful audience on Saturday at the Delhi Karnataka Sangha Auditorium, New Delhi.
Prior to the movie screening, a formal stage programme was held, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro of the Archdiocese of Delhi. Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests of honour, including Vasanth Shetty Bellare (president, Delhi Tulu Siri), Sagar Anand Kurade (president, Goenkarancho Ekvot), Michael Savio D’Costa (president, St Francis Xavier Goan Society), Alex Fernandes (Goa Sports & Cultural Club), Fr Vincent D’Souza (Vicar General, Archdiocese of Delhi), Stany Bela (director, Bapache Putache Navim), Kinnigoli Laxman Mallya (Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Samaj), and Renukumar R (president, Delhi Karnataka Sangha).
In his presidential address, Bishop Deepak Tauro expressed his joy at seeing the community unite and said, “It is heartwarming that, irrespective of dialect and regional differences, our community has gathered under one roof, driven by a shared love for our mother tongue, Konkani. It shows how united we are and how we can achieve great things together. All appreciation goes to the KCA leadership for bringing us together. Such cultural gatherings must continue. I am deeply thankful to the movie's producer and director for taking the initiative to screen it in Delhi.”
Speaking on the occasion, Walter Nandalike commended the organizers and said, “KCA Delhi has made history today by bringing a Konkani movie to the capital and giving local residents the opportunity to watch it. Melwyn Lobo and his entire team worked tirelessly to make this happen. Organising large-scale events in a city like Delhi is no small feat, but for the past 60 years, KCA Delhi has been known for uniting the Konkani community through various cultural initiatives. On behalf of producer Michael D'Souza and his family (Dubai), I extend my gratitude to the entire Konkani-speaking community of Delhi. I hope to see more Konkani films screened here in the near future.”
Delivering the welcome address, KCA president Melwyn Lobo expressed gratitude to the founders, guests, and attendees and said, “I am immensely grateful to the founders of KCA Delhi, whose vision continues to guide us as we promote Konkani language, culture, and togetherness. Screening a Konkani movie in Delhi had been our dream for a long time. When we approached Daijiworld, they warmly accepted our invitation and extended full support. I would also like to make a special mention of Renukumar R, president of Delhi Karnataka Sangha—without his support, this event would not have been possible. Lastly, I thank the audience who travelled from various parts of Delhi to support this venture, and I hope for your continued support in our future events.”
The film was widely lauded by the audience for its compelling storyline, powerful theme, and impressive cinematic qualities. In addition to members of the general public, a large number of priests and religious sisters attended the screening to witness Stany Bela’s thoughtful directorial vision unfold on screen.