Dubai: Community Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Pay Rich Tributes to Konkan Kogul
by Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Mar 13: Leaders and representatives of about 30 different organizations, and a number of entrepreneurs from Karnataka Coast, living in the UAE, gathered here at Restaurant Karama – Dubai, to pay their tributes to the departed hero of Konkani community, Wilfy Rebimbus, who contributed immensely for the promotion of Konkani language through music, literature and culture.
Wilfy Rebimbus breathed his last on Tuesday, Marc 9, 2010 at Father Muller Hospital Mangalore.
Daiji Dubai, Konkani Writers' Forum of UAE, in association with Daiji Rangh Mandhir (DRM), had organized the programme at 5.30 pm on Friday March 12.
NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ronald Colaco, along with Stan Agiera, main coordinator of Daiji Dubai, and Dayan D'Souza, founder coordinator of Daiji Dubai, lit the candles in front of the portrait of the late Wilfy Rebimbus. This was followed by the offering of flowers to the portrait of the singing legend, by the leaders or representatives of various associations spread around UAE, and also a number of entrepreneurs.
"Wilfy Rebimbus was a unique figure and it is impossible to fill the void created by his exit. His talent, his humbleness and the feeling of gratitude he always exhibited, speaks about his lofty personality," said Dayan D'Souza, in his introductory remark, while paying tributes to the great man.
"Cricket-crazy people of India always talk about Sachin Tendulkar and love his game, he being the undisputed sports icon of the country. Similarly, every Konkani-speaking person knows about Wilfy Rebimbus and his talent in music, as he is the undisputed king of Konkani music. People just love him because he always touched their hearts and entertained them in his unique way," he said.
Manohar Pais, noted compere and artiste, spoke about his association with Rebimbus when he was in Mangalore, and even when the legend travelled to the Gulf. Pais had compered several Wilfy Nites in India and abroad. Manohar said that Wilfy has left behind the rich legacy of music and that the Konkan Kogul was the one who popularized and enriched Konkani music.
Konkani writer and Daiji Dubai chief, Stan Agiera, noted entrepenuer Lancy Madtha of IFL Logistics, visiting writer, Henry D'Paula, editor of 'Kutam' Weekly, noted Konkani singer and Wilfy's long time associate, Stany D'Souza too recollected their association with Wilfy and paid emotional tributes to him.
Representatives of over 30 associations including KCO - Abu Dhabi, Emirates Paradela - U.A.E, Dubai's Mangalore Konkans, SMKC, JAKC Jebel Ali, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Bellevision, Lourdes Kanajar, Karaval Milan, USWAS, Pamboor, Katapady, Belman, Pernal, Omzoor, Ferar, Pangal, Udentinchim Neketram (Moodubidri Varado), Kemmannu, Mudarangady, Thottam, Konkas Yuva, Konkan Charismatic Group, Puttur, Byndoor, Peramballi, JAKC, Udyavar and others were present.
Rony Byndoor, singer and well-wisher of Wilfy Rebimbus, compered the programme, duly quoting Wilfy's songs and their relevance.
DRM president, Olwyn Pinto, proposed vote of thanks.