Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jan 22: The 289th Wilfy Nite, presented by Fernandes Groups as part of the annual feast of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, drew a tremendous response. Held on Wednesday, Jan 21, at the Milagres Church grounds, the event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of thousands of fans of late Wilfy Rebimbus.
Wilson Fernandes and Leena Fernandes, natives of Kallianpur parish, along with their family, undertook the responsibility of phirjenth (main sponsor) of this year’s annual feast of Milagres Cathedral.
The programme commenced with a formal inaugural ceremony, followed by felicitation of achievers from various fields. Awards and prizes were presented to winners of the volleyball and throwball tournaments organised by Wilson Fernandes.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Diocese of Udupi, said, “I was born in this environment; I studied here and played on this very ground. In our younger days, we eagerly waited for Wilfy Nite, saved money to buy tickets and attend the programme. Today, watching Wilfy Nite freely and speaking on this stage makes me truly happy. I was always close to Wilfy, and at his funeral I said one line which I repeat today – Wilfy was a prophet. Educare Michael D’Souza used to say that three things are most important: mother, mother tongue and motherland. Wilfy upheld all these values throughout his life.”
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Network, said, “Today, this event has three great ‘W’s. The first is Wilfy, who has been a great inspiration to me. The second is Wilson, a special person who dared to organise Wilfy Nite even in Israel. The third is myself, who got the opportunity to be here. As Fr Denis mentioned, the message this year too is to extend help to the poor and needy. We hope Wilson will continue this service, making the programme even more meaningful.”
Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, said, “This is the first time I am witnessing such a grand utsava, and I am deeply impressed to see the entire ground filled with people who support and encourage Wilson. Organising Wilfy Nite is not easy, and Wilson and Leena Fernandes have done remarkable work. Wilson also deserves credit for providing employment to many people. I wish him all success in his future endeavours.”
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, rector of Milagres Cathedral, said that Wilson and Leena Fernandes were unique individuals who had undertaken many goodwill initiatives. “They could have organised such programmes anywhere in the world, but their love for their native place brought them to Kallianpur. Wilfy Rebimbus was a social reformer who brought change through his songs. He was a pioneer of modern Konkani music and a prolific creator,” he said, thanking the Fernandes family for organising the programme.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of the diocese of Udupi, who also attended the event, said, “Mother Mary is the patron of our diocese and cathedral. Mother Milagres is a miraculous mother. I thank Wilson and Leena Fernandes for being the main sponsors of the annual feast and for organising various programmes, including today’s Wilfy Nite. I am closely associated with Wilfy’s family and his troupe, and I thank them for performing live here.”
On the occasion, Shilpa Velhe, Shiv Sena leader from Mumbai, along with Meena Rebimbus, Vishwas Rebimbus and Charleen, were felicitated. Remona Pereira, Velona D’Cunha, Roshmitha D’Sa, Adrian D’Souza, Merleen D’Mello, Prajoth D’Sa, Joshal D’Souza, Roshan Roy, Jenifer Mendonca, Melwyn Sequeira and Anil Mendonca were also honoured for their achievements in various fields.
Addressing the gathering, Vishwas Rebimbus said, “After my father’s demise, this is the third time that Wilson and Leena Fernandes have organised this show – earlier in Mira Road, Mumbai, and in Israel. I thank them for their constant support and for giving us this opportunity.”
The 289th Wilfy Nite featured singers Veena Rebimbus Pais, Vishwas Rebimbus, Arvin Pais, Ivan Sequeira, Babita D’Sa, Dolla, Munita Veigas Rao, Ashwin D’Costa, Velita Lobo, Gavin Menezes, Jaison Lobo and Bindu Cutinha. Music direction was by Papan Joswin, while the programme was compered by Dony Correa. Fr Denis D’Sa also entertained the audience with a special singing performance.
Technical support was provided by Christopher Mascarenhas, Charleen Rebimbus, Nevis D’Souza and Davin D’Souza. A special dance performance by Urban Groove added colour to the event. Popular singer Remona Pereira, along with Team Horizon, also performed during the programme.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi; Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general; Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of the diocese of Udupi; Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest of Milagres Cathedral; Walter Nandalike; Anil Lobo; Wilson and Leena Fernandes, along with clergy, dignitaries and parishioners, were present.
Wilson Fernandes welcomed the gathering, and the formal programme was compered by Jenisha Jernis.