Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Oct 10: Mumbai-based Konkani theatre troupe Ammi Rangakarmi (Regd) has been lauded as a leading institution in Konkani drama for its distinguished contribution to cultural and theatrical excellence across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. The accolade came during a grand Dharmasabha and cultural evening hosted at Kaivalya Math in Mumbai, presided over by His Holiness Srimad Shivananda Saraswati Swamiji, the revered head of Kaivalya Mutt.

Swamiji lit the ceremonial lamp and inaugurated the event, where he praised the troupe’s impactful performances, calling Ammi Rangakarmi ‘a beacon of refined, educational and entertaining Konkani theatre that continues to enrich generations through language, values, and cultural identity.’ He observed that amateur artistes and cultural groups like these play a vital role in preserving and promoting the Konkani language and its rich traditions, and that their efforts must be supported and celebrated.

The group is directed by C N Shenoi, who has guided Ammi Rangakarmi for decades in staging plays in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Goa, and towns across North Karnataka. Shenoi addressed the gathering, speaking about the troupe’s journey, its mission to foster meaningful theatre, and its commitment to cultural education through the performing arts.

Several organisers and veteran artistes—including Kamalaksha Saraf, Sudhakar Bhat, Venkatesh Shenai, and Kamath—were acknowledged for their long-standing contributions. A comprehensive report on the troupe’s pan-regional impact was delivered by Saraf, outlining performances in places such as Sirsi, Sagar, Shivamogga and beyond.

The event attracted dignitaries from the Konkani speaking community and beyond, among them Satish Nayak, an educationist and proprietor of Shri Krishna Boarding, Matunga; Dr Surendra Kumar Hegde, president of the Maharashtra Kannada Artistes’ Forum; Ullas Kamath, president of the Konkani Triveni Kala Sangam in Mumbai; Anant Pandurang Pai, who heads the GSB Ganeshotsav Committee in Wadala; and Madhu Sundar Pai, a retired banker and theatre patron.

Special guests included Dr Suresh Rao, president of the Gokul Krishna Temple BSKB Association, and Govinda Acharya, chief priest of Shri Rama Mandir Wadala, who were welcomed with ceremonial honours. Many long-time contributors from musicians to backstage crew and patrons were felicitated with Shreephal (coconut offerings), mementoes, and spiritual blessings from Swamiji.

The evening culminated in a full-house staging of the Konkani play ‘Nandadeep,’ featuring artistes from both Ammi Rangakarmi and Dahisar’s Gurukrupa Kalaranga. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Trustee Sudhakar Bhat and cultural coordinator Kamalaksha Saraf managed the event’s coordination. At the close, traditional phala mantrakshate (ritual blessings) were offered, and prasada (blessed food) was served to attendees, marking a joyous celebration of Konkani theatre and community.