Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Nov 3: Marking the Ruby Jubilee (40th anniversary) of the renowned Konkani cultural organisation Mandd Sobhann, the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention officially began at 5 am on Tuesday November 3 at Town Hall, Mangaluru. The 13-day international extravaganza, being held from November 3 to 15, aims to unite Konkani-speaking communities across the globe, celebrate the language’s vibrant cultural heritage, and present its diverse musical traditions on a global platform.
The mega event was inaugurated by Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant and blessed by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru.
A key highlight of the convention is the ambitious Guinness World Records title attempt, titled ‘Konko’nni Niro’nto’ri – So’msar So’raso’ri’ (Eternal Konkani – Unto the World’s End). The record attempt features a continuous singing marathon with 300 performing teams taking turns in non-stop rotation over 12 continuous days. More than 6,700 singers from around the world, including 53 teams from Goa, are set to participate, rendering over 4,500 Konkani songs representing diverse dialects, communities and musical traditions, without any repetition of singers or songs.
Declaring the Guinness World Records attempt open, Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant lauded the efforts of Mandd Sobhann and the entire reception committee. He stated that while dialects may change, the Konkani people remain united in heart and language. He noted that Konkani is the official language of Goa and receives state support there, yet the Konkani-speaking community in Mangaluru has kept the language thriving through sheer dedication, without relying on government systems.
Recognising this dedication, the Goa government considers Konkani achievers from outside Goa for its official state awards. He added that although separated by state boundaries, Goa and coastal Karnataka share a coastline, culture and lifestyle that complement each other. He expressed hope that this shared heritage would continue forever.
Speaking on the occasion, Michael Lobo, MLA from Calangute, Goa, commended the late Eric Ozario’s lifelong contribution to promoting Konkani culture and providing platforms for young talent. He extended his best wishes to all participating teams and highlighted the strong representation from Goa.
The entire event is dedicated to the cherished memory of the late Eric Ozario, visionary Gurkar and founder of Mandd Sobhann, whose monumental contributions laid the groundwork for this historic celebration.
Dignitaries present
The inaugural event witnessed the presence of prominent leaders and dignitaries from Goa and Karnataka. Guests of honour included Ivan D’Souza (MLC, Karnataka), Michael Lobo (MLA, Calangute), Delilah Lobo (MLA, Siolim), Dolphy Prashanth D’Souza (member of the reception committee), Stany Alvares (president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi) and Joyce Ozario.
Dignitaries present on the stage included Roy Castelino, Prakash Shetty Mangaluru, Eric Correa, Ronald Silvan D’Souza and Krishnaprasad.
Louis J Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann, welcomed the gathering with floral bouquets, while Rynel Sequeira compered the stage programme.
At 6 am sharp, Dr Pramod Sawant played the gumot, a traditional percussion instrument, and kick-started the singing marathon.
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