Konkani Natak Sabhas Drama Festival concludes

Mangaluru: Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) which began with the motto ‘Natak Dwarin Dharmik Sadhan’ (efforts towards spirituality through dramas) has staged several dramas in the last 75 years.

The drama festival held by KNS, including 12 dramas concluded after two Konkani dramas ‘Magdelachi Mori’ and ‘Home Sweet Home’ on the final day of the festival on Sunday October 21 at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru.

‘Magdalachi Mori’ is written by Fr Alwyn Serrao, directed by Christopher D’Souza Ninasam played by Padua Rang Adhyana Kendr. ‘Home Sweet Home’ is written by P Lankesh, translated by Roshu Bajpe, directed by Clanvin Fernandes, Kalakul and played by Asthitva.

Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, President of Konkani Natak Sabha, welcomed and thanked Konkani drama lovers for the support they gave since last seven decades.

“Konkani Natak Sabha has the motto of enacting dramas with religious motto. This motto should be taken in right spirit. Bringing the dramas of other cultures, languages and societies into Konkani has been our achievement. I thank one and all for the support and patronage,” he said.

Austin Prabhu, Chicago who was the chief guest of the programme, commended the drama festival held on the eve of the anniversary of Konkani Natak Sabha. He recollected the six years when he served as secretary of Konkani Natak Sabha.

Wishing KNS (Konkani Natak Sabha), Austin said, “People do not come to watch Konkani dramas these days. People used to stage dramas selling tickets visiting houses in the past, but they do not come now even when dramas are shown free of charge with the help of sponsors. It is disappointing. The efforts of KNS staging twelve dramas in a row are praise worthy. May Konkani art grow.”

“Konkani Natak Sabha office bearers should meet and think what development can be brought to Konkani dramas, orelse hold a workshop bringing leaders here and discuss about further steps. The leaders should construct a new well equipped auditorium. We can see new auditoriums everywhere, but we are lagging behind. Therefore, it would be better if our brethren here and in foreign countries do something about it”, he added.

Vice president of KNS Sunil Menezes, General Secretary Judith D’Souza, Joint Secretary Jossy Theodore, Treasurer Jerry Concessao and others were present.

Floyd D’Mello compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.