Mangalore : The annual competitions of Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) were inaugurated at Don Bosco hall here.The competitions were inaugurated by Doctorate Austin D’Souza Prabhu Chicago by lighting the lamp. On this occasion he released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir ‘Kalamruth’ and aplouded the achievement of cultural association. Referring the elocution competition, he said expressing properly our thoughts is the day’s need. We should be competitors for life irrespective of winning prizes.

The 2019 Annual competitions are Elocution, Singing, Fancy Dress, Dance, Poetry Recital and Vovio Verse.

KNS President Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, Vice President Sunil Menezes, Secretary Judi D’Souza, Joint Secretary Floyd D’Mello, Treasurer Jerry Concessao, competition conveners Raymond D’Cunha, Liston D’Souza and Jossy Theodore were on the dias.

Soon after the brief stand-up stage program  ended, the competitions commenced with a wide range of elocution participants  gracing and blessing this beacon of Konkani spirit of Mangalore . The competitions lasted till 2pm noon Jossy Theodore, Judith Dsouza, Lucy Mascarenhas  and Cletus Lobo compered the completion and served as timers.
Back end service efficianly organized by the manager of the KNS Bonifase Pinto and Deni.
Walter Montero of Belman, Joachim Dsouza of Kadaba, Celestine Dsouza of Madyanthar were the Juries
Konkani stalwarts like Arun Raj Rodrigues, Melwyn Rodrigues, Eddie Siker, Irine Rebello, concept fernanades,Dolphy Saldanha  and others were present

RECAP :  Konkani Natak Sabha - KNS (1943-2018) :   This 75 years old, a  dynamic cultural and entertainment beacon for Konkani progress and support of it's people. With the meaningful motto "Natak Dwarin Dharmik Sadan" (Drama as a means of goodness),  is the revered call of 'Konkani Natak Sabah' (KNS) that has reverberated far and wide. Rev George A F Pai (Albuquerque)  SJ, a Jesuit, a lover of language and culture was a pioneer.   Capuchin Friars of St.Ann's Friary were from earliest times leaders who directed this unique 'Konkani Sabha'.  KNS was formally established Sept 19, 1943...it launched Konkani from a rusted dialect locally, to an evolving live language which has spread globally.  It is noteworthy that the land mark pioneer venue that is 'Don Bosco Hall' (DBH) ,   still visible today in it's original form,  was opened on Aug 19, 1951..  

Competitons and Results :

The 1st competition i.e. 52nd Elocution Competition was held on that day. The Competition was held in three categories – 5 to 10 years, 10 to 16 years and 16 to 35 years.

In the 5 to 10 years category 28 competitors from 16 Parishes took part in the competition. In the ladies category Aldreena Diya Rodrigues from Bendur Parish bagged first place, Elma Gabriyela Noronha from Cascia and Ninish Prasha Monteiro from Bondel Parish stood second place, Samantha Rosario from Milagres and Risha Jevel Fernandes from Urwa Parish third place. In gents category Denith Rodrigues, from Bondel Parish bagged first place, Bren Garick D’souza from Permannur Parish stood second place and Arvin Lobo from Permannur Parish third place.

In the 10 to 16 years category 23 competitors from 15 Parishes took part in the competition. In ladies category Sezel D’Souza, from Mudipu Parish bagged first place, Elain Jiya Fernandes from Bellore Parish stood second place and Jonita Pinto from Vitla Parish and Rishel Monteiro from Permannur Parish third place. In gents category Lenn Shawn Sequeira from Derebail Parish bagged first place, Viyon Preston Lobo from Bantwal Parish stood second place and Arvin Chris D’Cunha from Cordel Parish third place.

In the 16 to 35 years, 8 competitors from 7 Parishes took part in the competition. In the ladies category Sushmitha Jane Tauro from Bantwal Parish bagged first place, Preema D’Souza from Derebail Parish stood second place and Joyce Maria Miranda, Ferar Parish third place. In gents Category Loyston Fernandes from Milagres Parish bagged first place and Ashwin D’Souza from Mudipu Parish stood second place.