Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 2: "Fr Clement is my classmate and I consider it a profound privilege to honour him. Through his dedicated service and music, he has inspired many. Honouring artistes is the duty of society, a responsibility that the Carvalho household and Mandd Sobhann have faithfully upheld for the past 22 years. If we all join hands, our language and culture will continue to shine brightly into the future," stated Ronald Pinto, managing director of Hyssna International LLC, Abu Dhabi, and an ardent language enthusiast.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 22nd Kalakar Puraskar presentation ceremony held at Kalaangann on Sunday, November 1, where he conferred the prestigious award upon Fr Clement Mascarenhas.

Renowned musician Fr Clement Mascarenhas received the honour, which comprised a traditional shawl, garland, fruits, a memento, a citation of honour, and a cheque for Rs 50,000, presented by the dignitaries on the dais. Accepting the award, Fr Mascarenhas shared his sentiments and reflected on his extensive musical journey. He fondly remembered his late collaborator and co-musician, Fr Valerian Mendonca, and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his endeavours.

Representing the Carvalho household, Fr Dr Pratap Naik SJ delivered the introductory address, briefing the audience on the legacy of the Carvalho household and the significance of the award. Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto and secretary Rony Crasta Kelarai were present on the dais. Committee member Lavina Danty read the official citation. Vitori Karkal compered the formal stage programme and proposed the vote of thanks.

Following the award ceremony, Dorothy Pinto of Abu Dhabi officially inaugurated the 299th Mho'ynyalli Manchi (monthly theatre) by ringing the traditional bell, in the presence of Kalaangann committee chairman Ronald Mendonca.

The formal event was followed by the premiere show of a new Konkani comedy play, 'Mel'lyanche Upadr' (Trouble from the Dead), written and directed by Nellu Permannur and presented by the Comedy Company. The Kalaangann amphitheatre witnessed an overwhelming response and was packed to maximum capacity. The massive turnout, with several theatre enthusiasts having to return due to a lack of seating, served as a strong testament to the public's immense support for local artistes and Konkani theatre.