Doha: The Mangalore Cultural Association, a frontline association affiliated to the ICC, bestowed Konkani poet and writer Melvyn Rodrigues with the ‘MCA Kala Puraskar’ award in a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel, Doha on October 18 evening.

The evening commenced with an inaugural address delivered by Gladson D’Almeida followed by a rendition of the MCA Geeth. MCA President Veena Rebimbus Pais extended a formal welcome to the gathering and provided a glimpse of future MCA events. Veena also announced that auditions for “Mozo Thalo Gaithalo”, a Konkani reality show will be held on November 20. She also asked talented singers to register themselves for the auditions online.

This was followed by the performance of a few songs penned by Melvyn Rodrigues. Qatar’s talented singers Carol Dsouza, Preema Pinto, and Clement Fernandes sang a few songs from Melvyn’s musical album “Dini Dini”. The live music for the evening was provided by Qatar’s well-known musicians, guitarist Kirthan Rodrigues and Royston Lobo.

MCA Vice-president Clement Saldanha, General Secretary Hema Fernandes, Advisory Committee members Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto, and others were present on the dais. The Roshow Programme compere and Melvyn’s wife Averyl Rodrigues was also escorted to the stage.

A citation highlighting Melvyn’s literary achievements was read out by Arthur Pais. Following this, Melvyn was conferred with the ‘MCA Kala Puraskar’. While Felix Lobo draped Melvyn with a shawl, Jerry Pinto presented him with the floral bouquet, Wilfred Fernandes presented the memento, Clement Saldanha presented fruits, while Arthur Pais and Harry Lobo presented the Maan Patr and cheque of Rs 1 lakh to the awardee. Presidents and office-bearers of various Karnataka associations in Qatar also felicitated Melvyn with mementoes and congratulated the couple.

Acknowledging the honour, Melvyn addressed the gathering in his own spectacular style that was laced with chaste Konkani. It was a meaningful speech during which the audience could catch a glimpse of Melvyn’s poetic language and his vast knowledge as well as his revolutionary thoughts. He explained to the audience how poetry had nurtured his personality and helped him form his own identity. He ended his speech with the presentation of his well-known poem ‘Pirluk’ (Flute).

Afterwards, MCA presented prizes to the winners of the Konkani Bhashan Spordho (Public Speaking Competition) and Konkani Inquisitive Quiz Competition that was held on August 30, 2019.

This was followed by a short message by MCA advisory Felix Lobo to the audience. In his speech, Felix Lobo touched upon the achievements of Melvyn and bestowed praises on the poet for taking Konkani poetry to the national and international level. Clement Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks.

KSQ vice president and well known community Leader Ravi Shetty, President of Karnataka Sangha Qatar Venkata Rao, Tulu Koota Qatar president Chaitali Uday Shetty, Bunts Qatar president Deepak Shetty, South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association president Abdul Majeed, Qatar Billawas president Raghunath Anchan, MCC vice president Joachim D’Souza, MCC former president Prakash Noronha, KSQ coordinator Dinesh Gowda, Tulu Koota Qatar vice president Seetharaman Shetty, director of Daijiworld TV Alexis Castelino and versatile and talented compere Ronald Olivera were also present on the occasion.

MCA had organized a scrumptious dinner for the audience. During dinner, a few local singers such as Naveen Pinto, Naveen D’Souza, Jeevan Ferrao, Melita Lobo, and Wilson Mendonca enthralled the audience with Konkani songs.

More than 400 audience members went home with a sweet recollection of poetic words in Konkani penned by Melvyn Rodrigues.