Dubai: Rs 12 Lac Daiji Nidhi, Comedy Play, Propel Tempo at DD Anniversary
Pics: Vivian Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Apr 10: The 11th anniversary event of Daiji Dubai – a forum of Konkani Writers in the UAE, succeeded in keeping the spirit of Konkani language high with the announcement of Rs 12 lac 'Daiji Nidhi' for the betterment of Konkani writers, and with the presentation of 'Kasale Gahachar Saibha', an out-and-out comedy play staged by Daiji Rang Mandhir team here at Emirates Theatre on Friday April 9, 2010.
Daiji Dubai, founded in the year 1999 by the Konkani Writers spread around the UAE, has contributed significantly to the betterment of Konkani artistes and writers during the last 11 years. The creation of 'Daiji Literary Award' comprising Rs 50,000 in cash, is a land mark occurrence in the history of Konkani literature.
"It is heartening to witness the unity of Konkani at its best in the Gulf, especially in the UAE. Despite the fact that people come here to earn their daily bread, they dedicate their prime time for the cause of Konkani," said NRI entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco, who was the chief guest of the event.
The Four-hour programme commenced at 5.00 pm with a paying respect to the great legendary musician Wilfy Rebimbus who passed away on March 9, 2010 and “gumot” artiste Joachim Pereira (75) who passed away on April 6, 2010 in Mangalore. The achievements of both these great musicians of high calibre who immensely contributed to the upliftment of Konkani music was hailed. Wilfy Rebimbus' portrait was displayed on the stage throughout the program.
Formal inauguration was conducted by lighting the traditional lamp by Ronald Colaco the chief guest accompanied by Michael D'Souza of Oasis Court and Rohan Monteiro of Mangalore Property who were the guests of honour.
Lancy Pinto Nayak, considering his immense contribution to the field of Konkani literature, stage and culture, was awarded the 11th Daiji Dubai Literary Award at a glittering ceremony. His wife, Jacintha Pinto, also accompanied him. The award consists of a citation, cash component of Rs 50,000, and a memento.
Lancy Nayak thanked Daiji Dubai for its dedicated efforts and for flying the Konkani flag higher and higher in this desert land.
Stan Ageira, convener of Daiji Dubai, announced the creation of Rs 12 Lac 'Daiji Nidhi', a corpus Fund towards the conferring of future awards. Daiji Dubai founder members, Dayan D’Souza, Stany Pinto Nirude, Walter Nandalike, along with the core committee members, Robert Fernandes and Linus Moras, received the fund amount symbolically.
Daiji Rang Mandir convener, Alwyn Pinto, was also present.
‘Dakteracho Gutt ani Her Katha’, a collection of short stories, and ‘Kathkuthloi’, a collection of short poems, authored by Vincy Pinto Anjelore, a young writer and member of Daiji Dubai, were released on this occasion. Francis Dsouza of Johnson Arabia and Mark Denis D’Souza of Fortuna Engineering released these books.
'Kasale Grahachar Saibha', which was the prime entertainment event slated for the occasion, was presented at around 6.30 pm. The play, written by Stan Ageira Mulki and directed by Pradeep Barboza, kept the audience fully entertained throughout its two-hour duration. The comedy was at its best with Ramcy Fernandes, Deepak D’Silva, Santosh D’Souza, Sunitha Menezes, Cynthia Pinto, Melvyn Cardoza, Laveena Fernandes, Clevin D’Souza, Richard Saldanha, Sunil Pinto and Pradeep Barboza excelling in portraying their respective roles. Cyril Baptist provided scintillating music, which happened to be the highlight of the play.
The main theme of the play was the life of the people, who share common accommodation. The comedy was created, keeping in mind the people coming from different regions, environments and cultures, and how they get adjusted with the other people. The play was created, specially keeping in mind those who live the life of a bachelor in the Gulf, and how they cope with the situation in Dubai.
During a brief break, sponsors of the event were felicitated. Merit Freight Systems was the main sponsor of the event, and Oasis Court was the drama sponsor.
Dayan D'Souza proposed vote of thanks. Walter Nandalike compered the event.
Bondala Jagannath Shetty, a political leader from Puttur who was on private visit to Dubai was honoured with flower bouquet.
Daiji Dubai also honoured Walter Nandalike, one of the founder members of the organisation for his outstanding contribution to the society through Daijiworld.com. Dayan D'Souza narrated the succes story of Daijiworld.com,a journey from year 2001 till todate. He was honoured along with his wife Wilma D'Souza. Stan Ageira presented a flower bouquet, and Rohan Monteiro presented gold pendent with Daiji Dubai logo and memento. In his acceptance speech, Walter thanked the entire team for thier dedication, and hinted at forthcomng several new projects in the coming days.