Mangaluru: The Silver Jubilee year of the renowned monthly theatre initiative of Mandd Sobhann was inaugurated with great cultural fervour at Kalaangann, marking 25 years of uninterrupted commitment to Konkani theatre and performing arts.
Speaking at the inauguration of Mho’ynyalli Manchi (Monthly Theatre), MLC Ivan D’Souza described the initiative as an achievement worthy of being recorded in history. He said the series has played a significant role in providing a continuous platform for artistes while bringing honour and recognition to Konkani language and culture. Emphasising its cultural importance, he stated that the government should formally honour Mandd Sobhann for sustaining such a rare and consistent artistic movement and assured his personal cooperation towards this cause.
Unique inauguration highlights 25 years of theatre
In a packed amphitheatre, Ivan D’Souza inaugurated the Silver Jubilee celebrations in a symbolic and innovative manner. He turned a modelled sugarcane juicer, which revealed the names of all 289 monthly theatre programmes staged so far — a visual representation of the organisation’s remarkable consistency and creative endurance over a quarter of a century.
The Monthly Theatre series, conceptualised to ensure continuous artistic activity at Kalaangann, has evolved into one of the longest-running cultural initiatives in the region, setting an example for arts organisations across the country.
Revamped digital initiatives unveiled
The Guest of Honour, entrepreneur and philanthropist Austin Roach from Bengaluru, symbolically launched a set of major digital initiatives undertaken by Mandd Sobhann. These included the organisation’s revamped official website, www.manddsobhann.org, an e-library of Konkani books titled e-Bongsall — a digital portal dedicated to Konkani literature — and konkanishow.com, a platform providing information on Konkani cultural programmes.
The launch was conducted by opening the door of a traditional granary (Bongsall/Bandasale), symbolising preservation, continuity, and cultural wealth. Keron Madtha, who worked closely on these projects, briefed the audience about their scope and objectives. Members of the Mandd Sobhann team, including Vikas Lasrado, along with Ajay D’Souza and Prinson Cardoza of TechHarmonix, who provided technical support, were felicitated on the occasion.
Austin Roach felicitated for cultural support
Austin Roach was honoured for his sustained support to the Monthly Theatre series. In his address, he stressed the importance of taking pride in one’s mother tongue and actively working towards its use, preservation, and promotion. Referring to Mandd Sobhann’s work, he said that while financial assistance is relatively easy to provide, it is extremely challenging to carry out such diverse cultural activities in a systematic, punctual, and continuous manner.
He lauded the organisation’s president and committee members, stating that their dedication and discipline over 25 years deserved special appreciation and respect.
Vision behind the Monthly Theatre project
Welcoming the gathering and introducing the programme, Mandd Sobhann President Louis J. Pinto recalled the vision of late Eric Ozario, who believed that Kalaangann should not remain merely a physical structure but must remain alive with continuous artistic activity. This philosophy led to the birth of the Monthly Theatre initiative, which has now successfully completed 25 years.
Calling it a rare record in the world of art and culture, Pinto congratulated the organisation, the artistes who performed over the years, and the audiences whose continued support made this milestone possible.
Research grant sanction letter presented
A significant academic highlight of the event was the presentation of the Eric Ozario Amritotsav Research Grant – 2026 sanction letter to Jasmine Lobo from Agrar. Under this grant of ₹1 lakh, a detailed study will be undertaken on the topic “Gumott Songs – A Linguistic Study (Historical, Linguistic, and Socio-Cultural Background)”. The research is expected to contribute valuable documentation and analysis to the understanding of Konkani musical traditions and their cultural contexts, strengthening scholarship related to the Konkani language.
Cultural evening concludes celebrations
Mandd Sobhann Secretary Rony Crasta and Treasurer Sunil Monteiro were present on the dais, while Vitori Karkal compered the formal programme with clarity and grace.
The inaugural event concluded with a musical concert presented as the 289th monthly programme by Prajoth Dsa, a software engineer based in Australia. He was accompanied by Sonal Monteiro, Cleon D’Silva, Ayush Menezes, and the Blue Angels Choir for vocals, while Russell Rodrigues, Rishikesh Upadhyaya, Joswin D’Cunha, and Milton Braggs provided musical accompaniment.
The evening reaffirmed Mandd Sobhann’s role as a vital cultural institution dedicated to sustaining theatre, music, and research, ensuring that Konkani art and heritage continue to thrive across generations.
