THE GOAN
PANAJI
As the first World Konkani Music Mega Convention draws towards its concluding days, Goan artistes and musical groups continue to make their presence felt at the ambitious celebration. Bringing together performers from different backgrounds, generations and musical traditions, the event has offered Goan troupes an opportunity to showcase their talent while contributing to a larger effort to celebrate Konkani. For several participants, however, the occasion goes beyond a performance, with a shared intention of keeping the mother tongue alive through music.
Led by Purnanand Chari, Bhangrallem Goem is a registered institution dedicated to promoting music, drama and culture. The troupe performs folk, Indian classical and Western music, including geet and kantar, and has staged over 160 shows across India, including at IFFI and state film festivals in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala. It also blends traditional Goan percussion instruments with Western instruments and regularly performs at award ceremonies, amateur dramas and bhajan festivals. Associated with Mandd Sobhann for over 25 years, its members have contributed as musicians, comperes and jury members. Chari said the troupe was also part of the 2008 world record attempt, when it was one of only two teams from Goa. “Being part of such a prestigious event along with my team gives us immense pleasure. We are proud to contribute towards our Maay Bhaas Konkani and be part of an initiative that celebrates and promotes our language,” he said.
Edwin D’Costa is participating in the convention with two teams from Goa, Holy Family Church Nuvem and Edwin D’Costa Production. While the former comprises members from Nuvem, the latter brings together acclaimed artistes and singers from across the State. He said the common intention behind bringing both teams together was to promote Konkani and encourage more people to celebrate and preserve their mother tongue. “For both my teams, the main intention behind participating is to promote our mother tongue Konkani. Each team brings together people with a shared love for the language, and this platform gives us an opportunity to showcase Goan talent while contributing to the larger celebration of Konkani,” said D’Costa.
Milagres Pereira said HLI Goa, a pro-life group and affiliate of the US-based Human Life International (HLI), has been active in Goa for 22 years. The group has been organising pro-life musical shows across Goa and other parts of the country for several years. Participating in the Konkani music convention has been a memorable experience for its members, who are scheduled to perform the following evening. “Being part of an event of such magnitude and grandeur feels really great. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together with so many others to celebrate Konkani music,” said Pereira.
From a troupe with decades of association with Mandd Sobhann to groups bringing together artistes from across Goa and organisations using music to further their own causes, the Goan participants reflect the many ways in which Konkani continues to find expression. As the convention approaches its finale, their performances stand as a reminder that the language is carried forward not just through its established artistes but also through the collective efforts of groups that continue to sing, perform and bring people together in Konkani.
