Fr. Clement Honored with Kalakar Puraskar followed by a Housefull Primiere of ʻMellyanche Upadrʻ
“Rev. Fr. Clement is my classmate and I consider it a profound privilege to honor him. Through his dedicated service and music, he has inspired many. Honoring artists is the duty of the society, a responsibility that the Carvalho Household and Mandd Sobhann have faithfully upheld for the past 22 years. If we all join hands, our language and culture will continue to shine brightly into the future,” stated Ronald Pinto, Managing Director of Hyssna International LLC, Abu Dhabi, and an ardent language enthusiast.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 22nd Kalakar Puraskar presentation ceremony held at Kalaangann on November 1, 2026, where he conferred the prestigious award upon Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas.
Renowned musician Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas received the honor, which comprised a traditional shawl, garland, fruits, a memento, a citation of honor, and a cheque for Rs. 50,000, presented by the dignitaries on the dais. Accepting the award, Fr. Mascarenhas shared his sentiments and reflected on his extensive musical journey. He fondly remembered his late collaborator and co-musician, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his endeavors.
Representing the Carvalho Household, Rev. Dr. Pratap Naik, S.j. delivered the introductory address, briefing the audience on the legacy of the Carvalho household and the significance of the award. Mandd Sobhann President Luvi J. Pinto and Secretary Rony Crasta Kelarai were present on the dais. Committee member Lavina Danty read the official citation. Vitori Karkal compeered the formal stage program and proposed the vote of thanks.
Following the award ceremony, Dorothy Pinto of Abu Dhabi officially inaugurated the 299th Mho’ynyalli Manchi (Monthly Theatre) by ringing the traditional bell, in the presence of Kalaangann Committee Chairman Ronald Mendonca.
The formal event was followed by the premiere show of a new Konkani comedy play, ‘Mel’lyanche Upadr’ (Trouble from the Dead), written and directed by Nellu Permannur and presented by the ‘Comedy Company’. The Kalaangann amphitheater witnessed an overwhelming response and was packed to maximum capacity. The massive turnout-with several theatre enthusiasts having to return due to a lack of seating-served as a strong testament to the public’s immense support for local artists and Konkani theatre.
