Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 6: The 62nd edition of the Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) Children's Singing Competition – Audition round was held with great enthusiasm on Sunday, July 5, at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, as part of KNS's prestigious annual competitions.
The programme commenced with a prayer and the KNS anthem, setting a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for the young contestants. Fr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, president of KNS, warmly welcomed the participants, judges, guests, parents, and music lovers.
The competition was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, along with chief guest Santhosh Sequeira (Kankanady), general secretary Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, competition convenors Loy Rego, Joseph Theodore and Gladys Pereira, together with the judges.
The chief guest, Santhosh Sequeira (Kankanady), a well-known philanthropist and long-time supporter of KNS, was thanked for his continued encouragement and generous support towards the Sabha's annual competitions over the years.
Speaking on the occasion, Floyd D'Mello Cascia, vice president of KNS, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, parents, donors, sponsors and well-wishers. He specially acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Michael D'Souza and family, who have generously sponsored the entire KNS Singing Competition for five consecutive years (2025–2029), making it possible for KNS to continue nurturing young Konkani singing talent.
The audition witnessed an overwhelming response, with 240 talented children participating through 166 entries across six categories, covering solo, duet and group singing for the 5–10 years and 10–15 years age groups. The auditorium echoed with melodious Konkani songs as young singers impressed the audience and judges alike with their confidence, passion and remarkable talent.
The performances were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising renowned singers Vincent Fernandes Cascia, Rynel Sequeira Cordel and Deepak Hanson Pinto Bajpe.
The successful conduct of the event was made possible with the dedicated efforts of KNS manager Gerald Concessao. Sunil Menezes, former vice president of KNS, and treasurer Ivan D'Silva efficiently handled the tabulation process. The overall coordination was carried out by the KNS Cascia and Bendur unit members, along with the KNS Managing Committee, whose teamwork ensured the smooth execution of the competition.
The programme was compered by Loy Rego, assisted by Jyothi D'Souza and Gladys Pereira, while Joseph Theodore introduced the judges. Glanny D'Souza Bajal was in charge of stage arrangements, and Christopher Mascarenhas provided technical support.
The second round of the competition will be held on Sunday, August 16, at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, where the qualified participants will compete for a place in the finals.
Qualified participants for the second round (To be held on August 16 at Don Bosco Hall):
5 to 10 years girls solo:
* Angel Meghan Cutinha, Hospet
* Clanita Anne Dsouza, Derebail
* Princita D’Souza, Neermarga
* Renisha D’Souza, Permannur
* Lara Joshal D’Souza, Taccode
* Rochelle Jasleen Andrade, Bejai
* Christina Alice Nazareth, Cordel
* Flavia Monteiro, Surathkal
* Asharal Crasta, Milagres
* Remegia Teresa D’Souza, Bondel
* Siyona Nesvita Monteiro, Cordel
* Siara Evelyn D’Souza, Omzoor
* Ashel Menezes, Cordel
5 to 10 years boys solo:
* Aiden Shaun Menezes, Bejai
* Shannon Reeve Crasta, Paldane
* Geon Fernandes, Paladka
* Ruben Samuel D’Souza, Taccode
* Calvin D’Souza, Gantalkatte
* Neel Rasquinha, Kelarai
* Aden Chris D’Souza, Ammembal
* Raunak Jeron Saldanha, Neermarga
* Aayden Cutinha, Hospet
* Jadon Aaron D’Souza, Cordel
10 to 15 years girls solo:
* Siona Mendonca, Pangla
* Tina Caris Veigas, Paldane
* Liana D’Mello, Moodubelle
* Tiara Rebello, Valencia
* Lisha Rachel D’Souza, Taccode
* Viona Janice Pinto, Bajjodi
* Leona Olivera, Perampalli
* Katelyn Angela Rodrigues, Omzoor
* Riva Vania D’Souza, Kinnigoli
* Richel Pearl Serrao, Loretto
* Ceana Sarah D’Cunha, Gantalkatte
10 to 15 years boys solo:
* Ayush Regan Menezes, Pangla
* Nathan Preeth Figueira, Jeppu
* Keith Jordan D’Souza, Bajal
* Eyan Noah D’Souza, Bendur
* Shaun Braden D’Souza, Omzoor
* Sweethan Reece Lobo, Cordel
* Eyan Keith Lobo, Bejai
* Reon Aloysius Pinto, Derebail
* Asher Crasta, Milagres
* Eion Christen D’Almeida, Moodubelle
* Shaun Pais, Vittal
10 to 15 years boys & girls duet:
* Shaun Pais & Gevin Veigas, Vittal
* Prithesh Saldanha & Rozel Saldanha, Neermarga
* Viona Janice Pinto & Tiara Rebello, Bajjodi/Valencia
* Siona Mendonca & Ayush Regan Menezes, Pangla
* Reon Aloysius Pinto & Chris Pinto, Derebail/Bajpe
* Eyan Noah D’Souza & Sweethan Reece Lobo, Bendur/Cordel
* Riyona Pearl D’Souza & Joshma Rodrigues, Bejai
* Joycelyn Shanel Vas & Ashlin Lisha Saldanha, Neermarga
* Shaun Braden D’Souza & Riva Vania D’Souza, Omzoor/Kinnigoli
Qualified participants for the Singing Grand Finale (To be held on September 13 at Don Bosco Hall):
Below 15 years – Mixed group:
* Team Gantalkatte
* Siona Mendonca & Group Pangla
* Delisha Andrea D’Souza & Group, Bejai
* Konkani Naktiran, Kodiyal
* Bajal Church Group
Upcoming KNS competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru:
July 12, 9:30 am onwards: 61st Singing Competition – First round for elders
July 19, 3:00 pm onwards: 24th Dance Competition
August 2, 9:30 am onwards: 24th Kavitha Competition
August 2, 3:30 pm onwards: 5th Voviyo Verse Competition
August 16, 2026: 62nd Singing Competition – Second round
August 23, 3:30 pm onwards: 3rd Gumtam Gayan Competition
August 30, 1:30 pm onwards: Konkani Skit Competition
September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58th Elocution Competition
September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Singing Competition – Grand finale
September 27, 5 pm onwards 83rd Annual Day celebration of KNS