"Konkani Daiz" Show organised by "Konkani Heritage Kuwait" (KHK) was held at Indian Arts Circle, Kuwait on 14.5.99, which commenced at 5.00 p.m. upon the arrival of His Excellency, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Shri Prabhu Dayal.

Beginning with the prayer song sung from behind the curtain, Fr. Gabriel Dias welcomed the audience and gave the background of the organisation highlighting its purpose.

Rita and Larna took control of the airwaves, and the show took off with the solo sung by the renowned singer and twice Goa Kala Academy Award winner F.X Pereira "Missachi Bhett Konkanin" where he highlighted the importance of having  translated Holy Mass from Latin to Konkani.

Well-known Mangalorean Konkani protagonist and artiste Gladdys Noronha introduced her traditional item "Xetkar & Dudkar hancho nach" in which her troupe depicted how our elders used to entertain themselves and to others by performing their performances.  Then visiting artiste and well known stage personality M. Boyer delivered his solo "Ekvott" in which he said he was pleased to see first time Konkani speaking people joining together to protect their language, culture, tradition, folklore, etc.

M. Boyer from Goa and Gratian Desouza from Mangalore were honoured at the hands of Indian Ambassador by presenting them with precious mementos and traditional Shawls. The plaque presented to M. Boyer by the ex president of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma for "Sangeet Natak Academy" Award for 94/95 and also the photograph depicting this scene was shown to the Ambassador who showed his total admiration for M. Boyer.  He showered abundance praises on M. Boyer for acquiring such a height on Konkani Stage. In the history of 107 years old Konkani Tiatr M. Boyer is the only tiatrist to have achieved this honour and thru this award of Sangeet Natak Akadamy, he enriched the Indian Dramas. Tiatr is the only Indian dramatic art that is performed all around the world wherever Konkani people are settled.

No other Indian drama is performed around the world as much as Konkani Tiatr. It is thru this form of art that the first Indian woman
acted on the stage.

The Ambassador was very pleased with the organisers for showing their wisdom by honouring such rich artistes. Gratian Desouza a local artiste also came for high praises from the Ambassador for his contribution on Konkani stage. A very good singer with his melifluent voice, his style of singing is totally different from the others.  He has done lot in the past to organise Konkani shows with the participation of Goan and Mangalorean artistes and produced audio assettes.  Besides, he is known to be a good music director and well acclaimed in his community.  Famous singer, composer, playwright, producer of video cassettes and initiator of Konkani CDs.

Rosary Ferns introduced along with his folkloric troupe original Mando "Ifernan Roddtam". Musical score for this Mando was prepared by music director Aggie Dias.  This Mando was sung jointly by Mangaloreans and Goans.  Gratian Desouza rendered his solo "Ful Bagintlem".  Then well known singer, playwright, composer, director and audio cassette producer Jose Rod depicted with his troupe atotally different type of one act play in which he stressed the importance of thinking in right direction.

Gratian Desouza and his troupe rendered a group song "Jai-Jai Konkani Mathie".  This song was dedicated to the 7 Konkani martyrs of Goa, thru their martyrdom Konkani gained recognition and thus Goa got statehood.

For the first time in the history of Konkani stage in Kuwait, Rosary Ferns performed his Operetta "Ekuch Mati" depicting some of the tradional aspects of Goan life.

Albino Fernandes, a committee member conducted the souvenir auction during the interval and declared the prizes. First prize Air ticket Kuwait-Dubai-Kuwait went to Pascoal Afonso from Divar.  Jacinta (Jessie) Desilva and Helen Almeida performed yeomen services for bringing out the beautiful Souvenir.

Lancy Pinto, a member of KHK acknowledged with thanks the help rendered by every one to stage this unique show. Thanks were showered to Lawrence Desouza, the Managing Director of Ceasars Group of Hotels.

Lawrence Desouza  was instrumental in encouraging KHK to go ahead with this show so that all the Konkani speaking people are brought together and in this direction he helped the organisers immensely.  Without his contribution and parti- cipation things would not have been that successful.

Known for his philanthropic attitudes, a soft spoken Lawrence Desouza and a deeply religious man is very much known in  Kuwait among the Konkani people in general and Mangaloreans in particular. His assisting of KHK should definitely help KHK to ease many of their burdens in organising such events in future also for the greater cause of Konkani people and ultimately to help the suffering maids for whose assistance the proceeds of this show will be utilized.

F.X. Pereira and his troupe under the banner of "Faheheel & Ahmadichim Lahram" performed their traditional Mando. The main focus of this group was none other than the tiny boy of 8, Benedicto Fernandes who on his Violin dazzled the entire audience.  It was he who gained the total limelight and became the darling of everyone.  His style of playing naturally brackets him among the best in Goa.  Commenting on his performance, well known violinist Francis Machado said given right direction he can be a genius. Another noted musician and music teacher Aggie Dias said he is the great asset of Konkani world and his parents and Konkani world in Kuwait  should encourage this wonder kid to attain the peak.  Then M. Boyer rendered his comedy solo "Tisro Hath" for which he was called again - again. After completing his song he paused for a while and thanked the audience for applauding him so fabulously even at this so old age.  He appreciated the kind gesture of the audience in giving him so much of importance and while speaking in praise of his fans and audience he was choked with emotion.

M. Boyer himself confessed that rarely he received such a warm and touching welcome any time before.  He finally requested the audience to remain united to promote and uphold the richness of Konkani.

Gladdys Noronha and her troupe performed a beautiful traditional item "Kazaracho Hor" in which it was depicted how our elders used to organise their wedding ceremonies. For this unique item costumes and "Tambddi Sontri" known as "Damascachi Sontri" were especially brought from Mangalore. It was great to listen to the traditional "Zotim". This item surprised many of the youngsters and those who never knew the richness of Konkani culture.

Young girl Lolita endered her solo "Chondrima", and Gratian and Jasmine rendered their duet "Moga". Jasmine, a young teacher from one of the Indian Schools, charmed the audience with her sweet melodious voice.

The show ended with yet another comedy solo "Hindu-Christaum-Mussolman" by M. Boyer who was called a number of times.

{{The name M. Boyer was derived from the then well known English actor, Charles Boyer.  Earlier M. Boyer was known as M. Taylor also after another the then well known English actor, Robert Taylor}}.

Fidelis Fernandes from behind the curtains controlled the entire stage settings and proceedings.

M. Boyer left Kuwait on 18th May 1999 by Indian Airlines direct flight where he was seen off by the members of KHK and well wishers.  Olavo Joao from Merces and the owner of Patxa Video helped the organisers by providing photographs of the event and during the visit of M. Boyer.

A. Veronica Fernandes   (Courtesy: GoaNet Digest)
Email:averonicaf@usa.net