Konkani community played a major role in M’luru development

Mangaluru: The 21st Kalakar Puraskar and the 287th monthly theatre was held at the Kalangann on Sunday. Srinivasa Rao S, famously known as Kasaragod Chinna, who brought prestige to the Konkani theatre and also won awards for his work in literature and cinema, was presented with the 21st Kalakar Puraskar. Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath handed over the Kalakar Puraskar, which is jointly given by the Carvalho Household and Mandd Sobhann. The award includes a shawl, a garland, fruits, a memento, and Rs 50,000 cash.MLA Kamath said, "The Konkani community has played a major role in the development of Mangaluru. In this, the contributions of dramatists like Kasaragod Chinna and composers like Eric Ozario are significant. Now, Konkani can also be spoken in the Lok Sabha. We must all work together for the development of Konkani language and pass it on to the next generation. The work on the Konkani Bhavan has halted. I will extend my support to see it to completion."Kasaragod Chinna, after accepting the honour, said "I am a Konkani man. I worked in Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. Languages should unite hearts and minds; they should not be a cause for hatred. Various organisations are working in the Konkani language, but it is true that, for various reasons, other Konkani communities have not created as much literature as the Catholic Konkani people have. We may have two eyes, but our vision must be one. We might have differences of opinion, but the work for Konkani must be done unitedly," he added. Stanley Fernandes ‘Dattu', a promoter of the arts and a strong pillar for the community in Oman, wished the programme well. Earlier, in his introductory speech, the Carvalho Gharane's representative and linguist, Rev Pratap Naik, explained the origins and journey of this award.Kalakul co-sponsor Michael Dsouza (Dubai) and Mandd Sobhann supporter Jerry Pinto (Qatar) were honoured. Treasurer Sunil Monteiro read the citation. Mandd Sobhann president Louis Pinto, secretary Rony Crasta, Kalangann Pirjent Roy Castelino, and Chinna's spouse Anita were present. Following this, the 287th monthly theatre was set in motion by Dubai-based businessman Francis Dsouza. The 17th ‘Maxim Nite' was presented by Melody Star Maxim Pereira and his troupe. Nilesh of team ‘Maskiri Manglur' spread laughter through their skits.

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