Mangalore Diocese News

“It is the Society’s Duty to Respect the Artistes” – Rev. Fr. Melwin Pinto

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 7, 2023 : The 19th ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ ceremony jointly presented by Mandd Sobhann and ‘Carvalho Gharane’, was held on November 5 at Kalaangann. The honour, comprising Rs 50,000 cash, a shawl, fruits, flowers, citation of honour and a memento was conferred on singer, songwriter and composer Apolinaris D’Souza.

The Rector of St. Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr. Melwin Pinto did the honor and addressed the gathering. He said, “Devotional hymns can only be composed with spiritual intuition. It is a great pleasure to honor Mr Apolinaris, who has made our childhood memorable through his devotional hymns. It is the society's first duty to respect artistes. This encourages them to contribute more to the society through art and to inspire others.''

Mr. Apolinaris, who received the award, said, "Music came naturally in my family, as my elders and siblings have worked in the field of music. With that encouragement and motivation, I too could achieve. When Catholic Religious Ceremonies transitioned from using Latin to Konkani, the opportunity to translate hymns to Konkani was presented to me. I also had the opportunity to work with Eric Ozario. It is Eric's unlimited encouragement to the artists that has brought great changes in the field of Konkani music”, while sharing his impressions.

The representative of the Carvalho family, Rev. Dr. Pratap Naik S. J., delivered the introductory speech.

On the same occasion, Baby Alani D'Souza, a young singer who became popular on social media for her rendition of the song ‘Monam Monam’ from the movie 'Osmitay' was felicitated by handing over the cash prize Sponsored by Kalaangann Chairman Mr. Ronald Mendonca.

Mannd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario, President Louis J. Pinto, Secretary Kishor Fernandes were present on the stage. Arun Raj Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and compered the program.