THE GOAN
PANAJI
With the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention in Mangaluru crossing the halfway mark, Goan teams continue to showcase the language through original compositions and folk songs. The 12-day, 12-hour and 12-minute singing marathon, organised by Mandd Sobhann, has brought together around 300 groups from India and abroad, including 53 from Goa, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest Konkani singing marathon.
Formed in June on his initiative, the Faleiro Art and Cultural Academy is led by Joaquim Faleiro, a Konkani writer and composer who has written five books and several tiatrs and other plays. Its 22 members have spent four months preparing 15 original, educational songs for their one-hour performance, with music composed by Joyson Faleiro in different styles. “It is a matter of pride for us to participate. We will give 100 per cent of our talent,” Joaquim Faleiro said.
The 22-member Chinchinim-Deussua Panchayat troupe, the only panchayat from Goa among the participating groups, was formed by sarpanch Gerson Gomes, with deputy sarpanch Sharmila Gracias training the singers over four months. Group leader Allen Viegas said 11 of their 14 songs were composed by Antoniel Lopes, while the remaining three were written by Graciano Furtado and conductor Bro Melcher Pinto. The initiative is part of the panchayat's Community Social Responsibility efforts, with expenses met through well-wishers. “Being part of the Guinness World Record attempt is an achievement in itself. Having a platform that gives our mother tongue global recognition is an added source of pride. Our songs celebrate Chinchinim's wards, people, festivals and traditions,” Viegas said.
Don Bosco College, Panaji, is represented by 37 students and faculty members, including Principal Prof Teotone Vaz. Team coordinator Asst Prof Archie Michael Fernandes said the opportunity would allow students to take Konkani beyond its traditional regions and give it greater cultural recognition. Vaz said he wanted the college to be part of the attempt, particularly as few educational institutions were participating. “I wanted Don Bosco College to be part of this event so that it remains in history that our institution participated in the Guinness World Records attempt for the longest Konkani singing marathon,” he said. Led by choral conductor Asst Prof Stanford Julio Dias, the group includes student musicians and has practised for nearly a month, putting in three hours daily.
Drishti Entertainments, Curchorem, led by president William Fernandes, has brought together 22 singers and musicians. The nine-year-old institution nurtures young talent through theatre and music, and its troupe includes Konkani stage singer Anthony San, who has contributed lyrics, and four singers from the Hindu community. The group has been practising for a month and a half. Fernandes said two groups from Curchorem, Drishti Entertainments and Hortencio's Melodies, are participating. “It gives us immense joy to represent Goa in an attempt to create a Guinness World Record. Bringing Konkani to such a large platform and showcasing it to the world gives us pride in being Konknniwadis,” he said.
Beyond the record attempt, the participation of these groups reflects the efforts of institutions, village communities and individual artistes to keep Konkani music alive across generations. With original compositions, local folk traditions and young voices sharing the same stage, the convention has also given Goans an opportunity to take their language and cultural identity to a wider audience.
