Mangaluru: “Mandd Sobhann has consistently provided a platform for young minds to discover and showcase their artistic abilities. Due to their tireless commitment, many budding performers have found a voice in Konkani arts,” remarked Silvia Ruth Castelino, vice president of Kulshekar Church and a physical education educator.
She was addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony of the ten-day children’s cultural camp ‘Kaajal’—a name symbolising ‘kohl for the eyes’—hosted at Kalangann, Shaktinagar, on Friday. In a unique moment, the camp was launched by gently applying kohl to the eye of one young participant, symbolising clarity and vision.
A highlight of the event was the release of a beginner’s Konkani textbook, “Ami Konkani Shikun Ya” (Let’s Learn Konkani). The guest of honour, Eric D’Souza, handed over the inaugural copy to the members of the textbook development team.
This year, 61 children from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, and Bengaluru have enrolled. They are receiving focused instruction in music, dance, and theatre, while all participants will be guided in basic Konkani communication, emceeing, and public oration.
The camp will culminate on May 4 with a cultural presentation during the 281st Monthi Vedik, showcasing the children’s learning and creativity.
Also in attendance were Mandd Sobhann leaders Eric Ozario, Luvie Pinto, and Karen Mardtha. The trainers for the camp were formally introduced. Arun Raj Rodrigues anchored the programme with finesse.
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