Media Release
Pics: Sidhick, Kannur
Doha, Sep 13: The importance of Monthi Fest for Mangaloreans has grown over the years owing to its emphasis on family life and values. In these times of dwindling values and broken families, Monthi Fest sends the clear cut message and drives home perfect lesson on the importance of having a family and living in a family. Just the celebration of Monthi Fest with the fellow Mangaloreans is matter of sheer joy and an opportunity to strengthen personal bonds for people residing overseas.
This was clearly evident during the sharing of new corns and Novem Jevann at the Monthi Fest celebrations organized by Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Qatar’s premier association that is the binding force for Mangaloreans spread across Qatar, tiny oil-rich country and jewel of the Arab world. The Novem Jevann organized for the fourth successive year by MCA was held at the Asoka hall of the Indian Cultural Centre here on Saturday September 10, 2011.
But this year’s Novem Jevann celebrations by MCA had one more reason to celebrate the gift of family. ‘Amchem Resper Patim Kada’, a Konkani social play written by the late Wilfy Rebimbus in 1966 was staged by the talented team of MCA. The plot of the play that runs through the unexpected twists and turns ends up driving the message of the importance of marriage and significance of family life. The play directed by well-known actor-director Alfred Cyril Crasta was staged under the guidance and supervision of senior Konkani actor, director, writer and versatile compere Eddie Sequeira. The young actors, most of whom are just the novices in Konkani theatre did a fabulous job with their flawless performance. Naveen D’Souza as the Gurkar, Sandeep as Gustin and Jyoti as Gustin’s wife Celly left the audience spellbound with their impeccable acting skills. They were ably supported by Vincent Fernandes as the parish priest, Rupert Sunil Lobo in the role of sacristan (mirnyam) and Remy-Namita D’Souza as evergreen couple. But it was young Riyona Malaika Lobo who stole the limelight and hearts of the audience with her stellar performance and crisp dialogues. It was her maiden performance in a play and nowhere did anyone was a given a feel that she was novice. She along with the entire team MCA have proved that hardwork and commitment to the cause will always bring in best results. While Kirtan Rodrigues scored the background music for the play, Remy-Namita D’Souza were the playback singers. The beautiful stage was set by Victor Alwyn D’Souza.
The programme began with the compere of the evening Aloysius D’Souza inviting the guests of the evening to the dais. Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Doha Konkani Speaking Community was the chief guest while MCA advisory committee member Jerry Pinto was the guest of honour. The programme began with a prayer led by MCA secretary Benjamin Reberio. MCA president Harry Lobo who was present on the dais delivered the welcome speech.
In his short address, Fr Anand Castelino again laid emphasis on living a family life emulating the Holy family of Jerusalem. He further stressed on the importance of preserving and nurturing Konkani in order to enhance the family life. “Mother tongue carries an extra ounce of values than any other language and imparts a greater feel for one’s own family, friends, near and dear ones,” he opined.
Once the guests took their seats among the audience, the cultural began with the foot-tapping Konkani number ‘Angelina’. The popular number composed by Gration D’Souza Kuwait was presented by Voice of Qatar Rupert Lobo. The much-loved finalist of the GVOM II provided a perfect start to the cultural programmes with the soulful rendition in his usual mellifluous voice. Next in line was one of the most popular numbers of the yesteryears ‘Aya-Mest’ composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus. The song was presented by GVOM II runners-up Preema Pinto along with her equally-talented and melodious life partner Navin Pinto. Their performance was well appreciated by the audience with a round of applause. The up and coming musician-turned-singer of Qatar Remy D’Souza is promising to be a great talent. Gifted with a melodious voice Remy has all that could make him a very good singer in the next few years. His rendition of the late Wilfy Rebimbus’ enchanting number ‘Oh Sonia’ was indeed one of the highlights of the evening. He needs a further appreciation for having set the track for the song for the evening performance.
All the actors and behind-the-stage artists of the play ‘Amchem Resper Patim Kada’ were felicitated by the MCA advisory committee member Wilfred Fernandes.
Aloysius D’Souza who was the compere of the evening was precise in his presentation and prompt in managing show. He along with his wife Merlyn D’Souza entertained the audience with a rib-tickling comedy skit. At the end Veena Rebimbus Pais proposed the vote of thanks. The well-organized evening programme came to an end with the delicious ‘novem jevann’.
This is the fourth successive Novem Jevann being organized by the MCA. The organization started three years ago with the prime aim of reaching out to the poorest of the poor back home, has succeeded to a great extent in living up to its commitment. A number of school children are being helped, sick taken care of and orphans and destitute looked after through the generous contribution of the MCA over the last three years. MCA in this short period of three years has come into prominence owing to its ‘quality programmes’ and its growth shows that it will never ever compromise with this at any stage.
The next programme on MCA’s schedule is the much-awaited Wilfy Nite to be held on October 21, 2011 at the Doha cinema. With their strong organizational skills coupled with a strong penchant for maintaining quality, the upcoming Wilfy Nite promises to be great show.