Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 7, 2022 : Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS) celebrated its 79th annual day on Sunday November 6 at Don Bosco Hall here.

The programme began with the recitation of KNS Anthem. Vice president of KNS Liston Derrick D'Souza welcomed the gathering, and Fr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, president of KNS presided over the function. Ronald Rodrigues (Rons London), an eminent film producer (RR Films) was the chief guest of the programme. Santhosh Sequeira was the guest of honour. As KNS is stepping into its 80th year, the inauguration of the 80th year was done with the lighting of lamp. The chief guest launched the logo.

General secretary of KNS Floyd D'Mello read the annual report which included the activities conducted by KNS in the past one year.

Three veteran theater artistes were awarded with Kalakar Puraskar for their meritorious service to Konkani theater. The award included honour with a shawl, fruits-flowers, memento, citation and Rs 10,000.

John M Permannur was awarded with MP D'Sa Kalakar award (Instituted by Nelson Rodrigues, Dubai), Joseph Rego was awarded with Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu Chicago Kalakar Award and Judith D'Souza was awarded with James Mendonca Kalakar Award.

On behalf of all three honourees, John M Permannur thanked KNS for recognising their service to Konkani theater.

Prizes were awarded to the winners of the various annual competitions which were conducted by KNS between August and September this year.

In his address, chief guest Ronald Rodrigues appreciated the work done by KNS in the last 80 years in uplifting art and culture and called upon the Konkani language lovers to support the work of KNS.

Fr Rocky D'Cunha said, “The well-wishers of KNS have donated generously for art and culture in the past years and especially during the renovation of Don Bosco Hall.” He urged all to lend the same support in KNS’ future endeavours.

Treasurer Gerald Concessao rendered the vote of thanks. Assistant secretary Praveen Rodrigues accompanied the dignitaries on the stage.

Senior member and former vice president of KNS Dolphy Saldanha compered the formal programme.

The special attraction of the annual day celebration was the entertainment part with singing and comedy skits by various singers and actors which was compered by Floyd D'Mello Cascia.