Mangaluru: Mandd Sobhann, as part of its Ruby Jubilee celebrations, launched the invitation and fundraising campaign for the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention at a programme held at the Mangalore Club on August 18.
The ambitious convention is expected to bring together thousands of Konkani music enthusiasts and performers from across the world, with organisers also planning an attempt to create a Guinness World Record.
Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo inaugurates campaign
Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo, Director, Father Muller Institutions, inaugurated the campaign and praised Mandd Sobhann for its continued efforts to preserve and promote the Konkani language and culture.
In his address, Fr Faustine highlighted Mandd Sobhann’s role in pioneering initiatives connected with the Konkani language and said the proposed mega convention would demonstrate the cultural richness and adventurous spirit of the Konkani community on a global platform.
He appealed to the Konkani community to extend wholehearted support to the initiative through their time, efforts and financial contributions and wished the organisers success in conducting the convention.
Over 6,000 singers expected to participate
Giving details of the proposed convention, Louis J. Pinto, President, Mandd Sobhann, outlined the scale of the event and the planned Guinness World Record attempt.
According to the organisers, more than 6,000 singers from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities across the world are expected to participate. Around 300 teams are proposed to perform approximately 5,000 Konkani songs as part of the mega convention.
The event is expected to go beyond musical performances and provide a broader platform for discussions and celebrations surrounding Konkani music and culture.
₹3 crore estimated budget
The organisers have estimated a budget of around ₹3 crore for the convention.
The programme is planned to feature symposia on the history and future of Konkani music, cultural exhibitions, a Hall of Fame and felicitation of senior artists.
The invitation to the community was extended in keeping with Konkani tradition. Louis J. Pinto symbolically offered betel nuts, betel leaves and water to the chief guests, formally inviting the community to participate in the initiative.
Promotional jingle released
Another highlight of the campaign launch was the release of the promotional jingle for the mega convention by CA Olvin Rodrigues.
Anil Lobo, President of MCC Bank, also addressed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes to Mandd Sobhann for the proposed convention.
The programme began with a welcome address by Roy Castelino, Chairman, Mega Convention Finance Committee.
The event was compered by Arun Raj Rodrigues, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Stany Alvares, Coordinator, Mandd Sobhann.
The evening also featured musical performances by Raina Sequeira and her team, adding a vibrant musical dimension to the launch programme.
Community support sought for global Konkani celebration
The launch of the invitation and fundraising campaign marks an important step towards the proposed First World Konkani Music Mega Convention. With thousands of singers expected to participate and a Guinness World Record attempt planned, the initiative seeks to bring Konkani music and its diverse cultural traditions together on an international platform.
The organisers have called upon the Konkani community to support the project and contribute towards making the proposed convention a major celebration of Konkani music, heritage and cultural unity.
