Mangaluru: The third academic year of ‘Sur Sobhann’, Mandd Sobhann’s Hindustani Classical Vocal Training programme, was inaugurated at Kalaangann on Sunday with an inspiring message encouraging young musicians to cultivate listening skills, discipline, and humility alongside regular practice.
Renowned music director Sanjay John Rodrigues inaugurated the new academic year by lighting the ceremonial lamp and distributing certificates to students of the 2025–26 batch.
“Be a good listener before becoming a good singer”
Addressing students and parents, Sanjay John Rodrigues emphasised that listening is the foundation of musical excellence.
“Before becoming a good singer, be a good listener. The more you listen, the more you learn. Do not just sing; observe, listen, understand, and study. Listen to a song, write it down, replay it, and write it again. Seek guidance from elders. Above all, be humble. While constant practice will take you to greater heights, humility will bring you more opportunities,” he advised.
He also appreciated parents for dedicating their Sundays to nurture their children’s musical talents. Rodrigues encouraged them to motivate their children without becoming overly excited by early achievements such as television appearances or performances on large stages. Instead, he urged parents to help children dream big while respecting every opportunity they receive to perform.
Discipline key to classical music training
Presiding over the programme, Mandd Sobhann President Louis J. Pinto stressed the importance of discipline and regular attendance in formal music education.
He said that as an academic training programme, students should attend classes consistently and maintain discipline throughout the course. He also noted that structured classical music training has the potential to elevate Konkani music to greater heights.
Earlier, Chief Trainer Shilpa Cutinha welcomed the gathering and presented an overview of the programme’s achievements over the past two years while outlining plans for the new academic year.
Sumell member Alron Rodrigues was also present on the dais.
Students and volunteers honoured
During the programme, Lenora Eva Mascarenhas, a Grade I student, was honoured for achieving 100 per cent attendance during the 2025–26 academic year.
Mandd Sobhann also felicitated Dealle D’Souza, Ashwil Colaco, Victor Mathias, Savitha Saldanha, and Sandeep Mascarenhas in recognition of their dedicated support and contributions to the vocal training programme throughout the year.
The programme was compered by Vikas Lasrado, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
Nurturing young Konkani musicians
Inspired by Eric Ozario, Sur Sobhann was launched three years ago with the objective of providing structured Hindustani classical vocal training to children while nurturing the growth of Konkani music.
The programme has witnessed steady growth since its inception. It trained 77 children in its inaugural year, followed by 107 students across two grades in its second year. For the 2026–27 academic year, 110 students have enrolled in the programme.
Classes are conducted every Sunday from 3 pm to 5.30 pm at Kalaangann, with students receiving the required textbooks as part of the course.
Apart from maintaining a minimum 75 per cent attendance, students are required to clear both theory and practical examinations. Mandd Sobhann also provides regular performance opportunities through its Monthly Theatre programme, enabling students to develop confidence and showcase their musical progress before audiences.
The inauguration of the third academic year reaffirmed Mandd Sobhann’s commitment to promoting Hindustani classical music and nurturing the next generation of Konkani musicians through systematic training and cultural engagement.
