Udupi: Preparations underway for mega Interparish Konkani Singing Competition at Pangala Parish

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 15 Oct 2015: Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, ICYM Pangala Unit of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pangala is organizing Inter-Parish Singing Competition for the 12th consecutive year.  All the previous singing competitions were held successfully and this year being the 12th year,  preparation for the event is much more as a large number of entries from most of the parishes of Udupi Diocese are expected.  The air is filled with enthusiasm, the media banners are out, the huge banner in front of the St. John the Evangelist Church, Pangala highlight the importance and significance of the grand event.

 

Also, a huge banner to this effect is placed in front of Shirva Mother of Health Church. Many of the leading singers of today who have been singing for several Konkani CDs have been benefitted from these contests as they all participated from their childhood in competitions which started in Pangala parish twelve years ago. 

 

 

On the occasion of the 12th year contest, our correspondent Alphonse Mendonsa had an interaction with ICYM members and Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza,  Parish Priest as to how the preparations for the mega contest going on and the response from the parishes for registration.

 

Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza (Parish Priest) along with ICYM organizing committee: Frankline Martis (President), Oliver D’Sa (Vice President), Rolson Fernandes (PRO), Rhea D’Souza (Secretary) and Johncy Monis (Former President) were present during the media release.

 

BV:  What is the highlight of this year’s competition?  Have you made any changes in rules and regulations compared to previous years?

ICYM: No, we haven’t made any changes.  The contest shall be held on same rules and regulations as previous years.  Only difference is this year being the 12th year, more entries for registration are expected.  We have already have confirmation from some of the parishes.

 

BV:  How Many judges will judge the contest and from which field they have been selected?

ICYM: There are 3 judges and all are renowned musicians and well known singers who have sung in many Konkani audio CDs and stage performers.  The names of judges will be disclosed when the contest begins.

 

BV:  How many times Pangla Parish has won the overall championship?  What are the chances this year?

ICYM: Our parish has won consecutively thrice the contest in a row.   However, we did not contest for some years.  Since the parents of Pangla Parish complained that their kids and singers need chance to compete as well and hence we have allowed Pangalites to participate in the competition.  Many other parishes have won the championship even when Pangla Parish participated in the competition. On the question of chances of Pangla Parish, we have no idea although rehearsals are going on daily .  But our point is not only to encourage talent from our parish but more to other parish singers.  It is already envisaged that the competition this year is going to be tough.

 

BV:  What is the significance of this competition?  What happens to the winners after winning the contest?

Fr. Leslie:  We are only giving a platform for the singers to enhance their singing talents.  It is an encouragement and push for all the singers who participate in this mega contest every year.  We also encourage them to contest in other diocesan level or major contests.  Many have benefitted and recognized by leading singers and have given opportunity for them to sing in their CDs and during stage performances.  Winners should continue singing in other singing competitions as well.

 

BV:  Is the ICYM all set for the grand competition? What about the preparations for the event?

ICYM:  Yes, we are almost there and what we need is prompt enrollment by parishes.  We request all parish representatives to register as early as possible as entries are flowing in and we want to give chance to every parish.  Earlier and timely enrollment would be much easier for us to organize this mega contest well in time which will help manage properly.  We request all parishes to avoid last moment rush for registration which puts everyone at great inconvenience.  Secondly, the prize money is much more than the previous years and new special trophies are being designed which will be sent to all media people when ready.

 

Yes, that is what I learnt when I reached to meet ICYM members they were returning from Kota Kundapura where these special attractive trophies are being made.  ICYM Pangla has a dedicated team and there is no doubt this contest is one of the best held in the region and it is not to be missed.  ICYM Pangla has been involved in activities throughout the year and have been helping the youth to shape up and to be responsible persons.  They also help the parish in various activities.

 

 

Some of their activities which have been completed successfully and planned for the year 2015-2016 are:

Activities completed/held so far:

 

June 28- Conducted orientation programme.

• July 19- Organized Moriyesangieksanz (Cultural programme)

• Scholarship work- Helped the students of St.John’s institution in filling up the forms for pre and post-matric scholarships.

• August 2- Conducted a Dharmikbhet to Badhyar.

• August 9-  Organized Prayer service and confessions for the youth of Pangla parish. It was conducted by Rev. Fr.Roshan, OCD.

 
• August 15- Celebrated Independence Day and ’Parisarothsav’- a campaign to support ’Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and Pope’s encyclical ’Laudatosi’.

• September 8- Successfully organized  various fun filled  games, competition to the parishioners on the occasion of the feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary.

Future Events marked for the year 2015-2016:

• October 25- 12th Diocese level inter-parish Konkani singing competition.

• December- Singing of Christmas carols Christmas day celebration and helping the church during the parish feast.

• February 7- Celebration of ICYM day.

 

 

BV wishes ICYM Pangla and all contestants who will be participating in this mega singing contest all the best and also wishes ICYM Pangla good luck for all their future programs.

 

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