Mangaluru: The 284th edition of Mandd Sobhann’s monthly cultural series, titled Kavita Fulotha, unfolded in grandeur at Kalangann on August 3, celebrating Konkani poetry through music and art.
The evening commenced with a heartfelt tribute to late Konkani writer Gladys Rego. Writer Rony Arun delivered a touching eulogy, while Rohith Sanctus, director of Paschim Trust, offered floral respects. The event was graced by Mandd Sobhann office-bearers Eric Ozario, Elron Rodrigues, Clara D’Cunha, Rayna Sequeira, and Karen Motha. A symbolic bell-ringing by Everest Crasta officially inaugurated the program.
The centerpiece of the evening was a musical rendition of twelve Konkani poems penned by acclaimed poet and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy member Rony Crasta Kelarai. These verses were beautifully composed and sung by a talented ensemble featuring Eric and Joyce Ozario, Shilpa Coutinho, Sunil Monteiro, Robin and Raynal Sequeira, Sonal Monteiro, Jeevan Siddi, Prithuma Monteiro, Simon Monteiro, and Alani D’Souza. The compositions were brought to life under the musical direction of Sanjay Rodrigues, with accompaniment by Roshan Bel, Sanjeeth Rodrigues, Vikhshit, and Stalin D’Souza.
Adding a visual layer to the celebration, Nach Sobhann’s Delishia Pereira performed a graceful dance to the song Mhayn’ge Mhaje Konkani, choreographed by Rahul Pinto. Inspired by the song, a painting by artist Wilson Kayyar was auctioned to support local artists. Olwin Rodrigues, a passionate language advocate, secured the artwork, while Gloria Vegas facilitated the auction.
The evening concluded with Rony Crasta sharing the creative journey from poem to song, as he emceed the musical segment with charm and insight.