Dubai: UAE’s most loved Konkani poetry extravaganza Geet Gazaal 2.0 is just hours away. Patronized by Karnataka’s most loved news portal, Newskarnataka.com, it will be held at the Emirates Theater in Dubai today at 5.30 PM UAE time.
Geet Gazaal 1.0 featured Poet and lyricist Wilson Kateel and was a runaway success. Geet Gazaal 2.0 also promises to follow suit.
Geet Gazaal 2.0 will feature Konkani’s ace poet, eminent writer, renowned lyricist, Sahitya Academy award winner Melvyn Rodrigues. Before he left for the programme, NewsKarnataka.com had occasion to interact with Melwyn. Here’s what he had to say: “It’s a matter of great joy that I have been chosen this year to lead the Geet Gazaal event in Dubai. Being a poet, I have received many recognitions and honours’, but this is the best; it gives me a chance to recite my poems and talk to my audience directly. My enthusiasm and anticipation for the event are growing with each passing day, and as the day approaches, my feeling is that which one gets when a flower I have nurtured is about to bloom! It’s a wonderful feeling. My gratitude goes out to the organizers of this great event for considering me as a family member and giving me this opportunity.”
He added for good measure: “A poet is the conscience of society. When society recognizes a poet, it is recognizing and responding to his thoughts and insights in a positive way. The organizers of Geet Gazaal in Dubai, both last year and this year, must be commended for organizing this show that celebrates Konkani poetry. It only goes to show their sensitivity to the cause of the language and its literature.”
About Melwyn Rodrigues
Melvyn Rodrigues, born on 8th July 1962 at Derebail, Mangaluru, is one of 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls) born to Charles and Theresa Rodrigues. He had his primary education at Holy Family Higher Primary School, Derebail, and high school studies at the Padua High School, Mangalore. He undertook his Pre-University studies at St. Aloysius College before acquiring a Bachelor of Business Management (B.B.M.) degree at S.D.M. College, Mangalore, and M.A. (Sociology) degree from Mysore University. He then went abroad to the UAE, Dubai to be specific, and was employed there until 2006. Currently, he is the Director, Operations at Daijiworld Media Pvt. Ltd.
But he always pursued his passion for Konkani Literature, writing whenever and wherever he could. His first was a novella ‘Bhesam Zallim Kalliz’ in 1983. He was so prolific that in the period 1983 – 2018, he has published in addition to the Novella, 6 volumes of Konkani poetry written in his inimitable style, 2 volumes of Essays in Konkani, edited 7 Anthologies of Poetry including a book of Konkani Legend Wifly Remimbus’s Song Lyrics, and translated a book of short stories written by Yashwant Vinobha Chittal and K.S. Narasimhaswamy’s Kannada Poetry ‘Tereda Bagilu’ into Konkani. His latest, ‘Jivatallo’ (a translation of Chennaveera Kanavi’s Kannada poetry into Konkani) is on the cusp of publication.
But that is not all. While poetry is his way of expressing himself, he has music in his heart. In 2006, he independently produced a music album ‘Dini Dini’ under the aegis of Kavita Publications. Dini Dini’ which was released in 2006, under the aegis of Kavita Publications. The ‘Rang Tarang’ group. Mandd Sobhann of which he was a co-founder has set tunes to more than fifty of Melvyn’s poems.
For his dedication and creative work in the Konkani Language, Melvyn Rodrigues has been awarded extensively. The most notable ones are: Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Goa (1989), Konkani Kuttom, Bahrain (2006), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi Honorary Award for Literature (2006); Dr TMA Pai Foundation Best Konkani Book Award (2009); and Sahitya Akademi Award (2010). He has also served on several juries set up for selection of Konkani Literary Awards.
Why should you attend it or watch it live on NewsKarnataka.com?
Geet Gazaal 2.0 is not just about poetry. It is much much more. Geet Gazaal 2.0 will feature an interactive session with poet Melvyn, live singing of songs penned by Melvyn along with an artistic fusion of drama and dance. The main attraction to the event is the Poet himself along with the singers, instrumentalists, and dancers who will enthral you and this includes Melwyn’s son, the dancer, Gavin!. Here’s what’s in store this evening.
Besides the poetry of Melwyn Rodgrigues, there is music. Plenty of it. These musicians will be contributing their undoubted talent tonight: Aenson Mathias, Alwyn Fernandes and his wife Dr Rashmi Fernandes, Anil Rodrigues, Jeevan Vas, Lydwin Cutinho, Melwyn Dsouza, Preema Dsouza, Sabitha Mathias, Vinay Lewis and of course band Open High which will provide live music at the show. The band is is lead by Joston Pereira – an ace keyboardist, along with one of Konkani’s best guitarists Alwyn Fernandes, famed as Swar Maanthrik, Preema Dsouza, guitarist cum vocalist, and Eldrich Dsouza, promising drummer Fred Roshan and rhythm pad artist Sameer.
Nratya Rang: Dancer and famed son of poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Gavin Rodrigues will be joining the stage of Geet Gazaal for the beautiful musical numbers penned by his dad. Gavin was the semifinalist at Dance Plus reality show and he has presented his dancing skills in India as well as on international stage. Rhea and Vinilda will join him on stage.
Kavya Rang: Adding on to the innovation this year Kavya Rang, a new artistic experiment of dance, drama, and narration by a Team lead by Darrel Vamanjoor and Melwyn Kalakul are all set to present the unique artistic fusion based on the poems of Mr Melvyn Rodrigues. The team comprises of Darrel Vamanjoor, Melwyn Kalakul, Kavitha, Natash, Mural, Rohan Kalakul, Malcon, Hilson, Mr.Joel Mr.Prashanth, Sharmila, Wilson, Deona, Delisha, Sweeny and Master Anor are eager to take the audience of Geet Gazaal into the different world of art and poetry.
Gumta Rang: A traditional music instrument of Konkani which was used by Konkani people years ago for worship and entertainment is all set for the Geet Gazaal stage. Wilson Pinto along with his team consisting of Anitha, John, Reema, Maxim, and Fenita are going to showcase the beats of Gumta for the song which is specially narrated for Geet Gazaal. Hence the show is creating an opportunity for the young generation of Konkani artistes to witness the glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of Konkani.
Brass Band: Konkani events are incomplete if there is no Brass band. UAE’s only Mangalorean brass band team Konkan Taram Brass Band under the leadership of Dainy D’Souza is all set to enthral the audience of Geet Gazaal. The team comprising Melwyn, Preetham, Franklin, Vinod, Philip, Filipe, Dexter and Joyson are ready to raise the sound of the Brass band in the UAE today.
So, with lots of varieties of entertainment, Geet Gazaal 2.0 is expected to be an all-out entertainer and trendsetter. You’ve got to be there at Geet Gazaal 2.0. If you miss out, watch it live on Newskarnataka.com
Gold Sponsors for the event include Jerald and Roopa Lobo – Vamanjoor/Sharjah, Walter D’almeida – Regal Furnishings & Storage Systems LLC, Abu Dhabi, Michael D’Souza – Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments, Dubai, Leo D’Souza – Canara Restaurant, Dubai and Ronald Martis – Blue Royal Group of Companies Dubai.
Silver Sponsors include Valerian Dalmeida – Founder and Managing Partner of Quick Accounting & Advisory LLC, Leo Rodrigues – Al Mazroui & Clevy Automobile Services LLC, Abu Dhabi, Joel Crasta – Broadway Events, Abu Dhabi, Joseph Mathias – Merit Freight Systems LLC, Dubai, Stephan Menezes – Reach Me Advertising & Distribution Solutions LLC, Gilbert D’Souza – Al Tabadul Auto Maintenance Services, Sharjah, Gilbert and Jane Aranha – Vamanjoor/Dubai, and Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, Abu Dhabi Branch.
Support sponsors include Edwin Dsouza – Bijai/Abu Dhabi, Kishoo Gonsalves – Kishoo Enterprises Udupi/Abu Dhabi, James Mendonca – Reliable Fabricators, Dubai, Lawrence Mendonca – Standard Fabricators, Dubai, Nelson Rodrigues – Dubai, Ronald Sabi – Moodubelle/Dubai, Wilfred Menezes – Omnitec Group Dubai and Johnson Monteiro – Vamanjoor/Dubai.
If you are in the UAE, don’t miss this event. You will regret it. Call 0582997292 / 0557100065 to learn more. If for any reason, you can’t make it, catch it live on NewsKarnataka.com and Newskarnataka.com’s Facebook Page.
