PANAJI
The 6th edition of All Goa Konkani Solo Singing competition of old Konkani hits, ‘Mhozo Tallo Aikat’ will be organised by The Goa Cultural and Social Centre on June 19 at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji at 6 pm. The competition will have its preliminary rounds on May 29 from 10 am to 4.30 pm at Clube Vasco da Gama in Panaji.
“The contest will have performances by young artists across Goa. This year the contest will be featured online too, on YouTube and Facebook as well as on the organisation’s channel. The event had 90 participants enrolled in all three categories – Juniors, Seniors (female), Seniors (male) and there are 27 finalists. The Juniors will be of 12 to 17 years and Seniors above 18 to 50. The event is happening after a gap of two years was last held in 2019 with 120 contestants,” informed Milagres Fernandes, secretary, The Goa Cultural and Social Centre, to The Goan.
The contest that will be captured by CCR TV this year, was initiated in 2015 for the first time as there was no stage for the children to showcase their singing talent. Over the years the competition has grown. “This year our expenses are expected to cross Rs 2.40 lakh. However, the entry forms have no fee and were accepted at three places, Margao, Mapusa and Panaji, with Margao attracting the maximum number of contestants,” said Milagres. He adds, “We offer Rs 1000 to each of the finalists to boost their morale. We have seen that the young generation is more interested in participating in ‘Mhozo Tallo Aikat’. On June 12, we will have a practice session for the finalists with a brass band.”
Briefing on the activities Milagres states, “We organised Mando festival in 2016, 2017 and 2018 which was a huge success. We also organise Carol singing competition in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) at village level and around 300-400 participate. In September we felicitate eminent citizens on ‘Goan’s Day’. We also offer scholarships in Konkani language to meritorious students of SSC and HSSC.”
The working committee consisting of president Francisco Noronha, secretary Milagres Fernandes, joint secretary Inacio Viegas, treasurer Suresh Azgaonkar and members Fabian Pinto, Padmanabh Lotlikar, Denzil Xavier, Jose Fernandes, Remedios D’Silva and Joao Viegas are all set for the event and those who wish to contact can do so on 9822137277.
