MCA conducts enthralling ‘Konkani Bhashan Spordho’

Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Doha – Qatar, as a part of its decennial celebration, hosted a ‘Konkani Bhashan Spordho’ on May 25. Like all other events organized by the organization, this initiative was also received with great zeal and enthusiasm.

It has always been a motive of MCA to encourage new and budding talent and provide a platform to exhibit talents. With this motive in mind and with the intention of keeping the Konkani language flying high the organization announced the rules, guidelines and topics for the competition.

The competition was divided into 3 categories - under 12 years of age, 13 – 18 years of age and above 19 years of age. The topics for each of these categories were ‘Mhoji Mam’mi Mhoji Poili Ttichor’ (My mother, my first teacher), ‘Adhunik soulotaye vorvim zamvchi porinnama -borim toxem vaitt’ (Consequences of modern technology – advantages and disadvantages) and ‘Mojem porichor ani mhoji zovabdari’ (My environment and my responsibility) respectively.

The response received was commendable. The participants were:

Under 12 years
Ethan D’Souza (6)
Nathania D’Souza (6)
Waylon Mendonca (11)
Rishon Fernandes (8)
Viola Monteiro (11)

12 – 18 years
Reevan Fernandes (13)

Above 19 years
Jeevan Ferrao
Gladson Almeida
Naveen D’Souza
James D’Souza
Della Rego
Hemalatha Fernandes
Jane Pinto

The programme began with MCA Geeth. Jovita Pereira D’Souza, the compere for the evening invited Aloysious D’Souza to welcome the gathering. She then introduced and welcomed the judges. The judges were presented with a flower and the marking sheets by president Veena Rebimbus Pais. The panel of judges were experts in the Konkani language and in the field of public speaking. Alfred Cyril Sequeira, Merlyn D’Souza and Freeda Lobo comprised the panel. The judging criteria were aptness to the topic, clarity of words, style of speaking and fluency in the language.

The competition began with the tiny tots presenting their thoughts on their mothers. It was a treat to see the budding children speak in the mother tongue with fluency, grace and confidence. The only participant in the teenager’s category spoke aptly on the topic winning many hearts. The competition in the adult’s category was nerve racking. Beautiful speeches were rendered by the participants mesmerizing the audiences’ and making the judgement tough for the judges.

Participation certificates were presented to the participants by MCA’s 1st president and honorary member Harry Lobo. The judges were presented with a token of appreciation by past president and honorary member Arthur Pais. A thank you note was presented by Sandeep Noronha at the end of the competition. Felix Lobo presented the winner certificates.

The winners were as follows:

Under 12 years
First Place - Waylon Mendonca
Second Place - Viola Monteiro 
Third Place - Rishon Fernandes
Consolation Price - Ethan D’Souza and Nathania D’Souza

12 – 18 years
Consolation Price - Reevan Fernandes

Above 19 years
First Place - Naveen D’Souza
Second Place - Gladson Almeida
Third Place - Hemalatha Fernandes

The organizers received positive comments and were encouraged to hold such competition often. With the success of the Konkan Bhashan Spordho, MCA has added another beautiful feather to its cap.