A record turnout witnessed the 40th Mando Festival organised by the Goa Cultural and Social Centre at the Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir (Auditorium) of the Kala Academy at Campal Panaji this evening. The function started at 3.48 p.m there were 23 groups viz; 8 in the Junior Group (comprising children ) the Senior Group - Original 4 Traditional Category 8 Dance category 3. The groups hailed from Merces, Dona Paula , Navelim Velim, Margao Mhapsa Chimbel (comprising of senior citizens) and Fatorda. This time the Government gave a grant of Rs. 1,00,000/- for the ocassion. The Kala Academy provided the Hall free of charge. The Goa Konknni Academy pleaded lack of funds and did not contribute its mite. The prizes ranged from Rs.200/- to Rs.3500/- . Each of the participating groups were paid transport and sundry charges of Rs.2300/- for those from Margao/Fatorda the Group from Mhapsa was paid Rs 1900/- the others from Merces Chimbel Rs.1600/-
With the function coming just after the conclusion of the 3 days Goan Overseas Convention many of the NRG's were present on the ocassion. This time there were several non Goans and even foreign tourists. It was also noteworthy that the Portuguese audio visual media also covered this event besides national and local channels. The uniqueness of the event was that for the first time perhaps there was no Chief Guest appointed; who otherwise in recent times was a political figure. According to the President of the Goa Cultural and Social Centre Mr Antonio (Tony ) Ivor Barreto they felt that in the 40th year (since the first one was held on 29.8.1965 by Clube Nacional one of the oldest cultural Clubs of Goa) it was proper to make each of those Mando lovers that had helped sustain the Mando Festival all these years be conferred the honour of Chief Guests, this was recieved well by the audience with a thunderous applaud. The inimitable Dr Bhicaji Ghanekar whose name has been synonymous with the festival for well nigh forty years was at his wittiest best regaling the audience who burst out in guffaws of laughter at the snide remarks and jokes he cracked , there was Michael Gracias the editor of Jivit -niz goenkaranchem Rongit Masik, Mr Cosme Fernandes the Konkani Romi lipi activist and Joanas Correia who shared their moments of wit and humour. This time it must be said and many were thrilled to see that most of the seasoned groups did not participate viz; groups from Curtorim Candolim and Quepem, this apparently led the youth to come forward and their performance was commendable . Even the audience had a word of praise for the stage decor and setting and the costumes and stage presentation which was excellent compared to past standards. The jury consisted of Fr Eufemiano Miranda Mr Bomfilho da Cruz Mr Alino da Costa. The prizes awarded went to a) Junior Group Suadik Nad Merces Merces Firgojecho Saad Merces Merxechim Sobit Fulam b) Senior Group Original Category a) Mando Mogi Margao b) Vellechim Fulam Velim c)Merces Firgojecho Saad Merces Traditional category a) St Xavier Collegicho Naad Mhapsa b) Fatordechim Fulam c) Merces Firgojecho Saad Dance Category None measured to the expectations for the first prize and hence St Xavier Collegicho Naad was given the 2nd prize with none qualifying for 3rd prize other. A well designed souvenir was released on the ocassion by Principal of Mother of Mercy School Vasco-da-Gama. There are excellent write up "Artful Mando Dancing " by emminent cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco besides the veteran suited and booted member since 1967 Octavio da Costa Rodrigues Treasurer another excellent write up by Isac Hilario Dias the Banker and Vice President who wrote on Mando Festivals -- memorable expression. The souvenir was sold for a measly Rs 30/- and is "must buy" souvenir for all those who would cherish the Goan traditional mando. This writer has a collection of Mandos and Dulpods which can be made available via email free of cost for wide circulation to any one desiring them. Most of the members of the audience and especially the MRG's felt that the Goa Government should come with a VCD featuring the Mando and other Goan traditional musical festivals so that the youngsters who are not conversant with the Goan culture ethos would be able to assimilate such unique blend of cultural exposition of the East and West combine for posterity. The Vice President of the Goa Cultural and Social Centre has expressed regrets that the Government has not provide the Centre with a premise till this date despite assurance and paying lip sympathy. The reason why this is necessary is that students world wide could do research on this Goan heritage an expression of music song and dance. It may also be noted that at the International Film Festival of India instead of featuring filmi or foreign cultural programmes Goas rich east west fusion -- Mando ought to have taken centre stage -- indeed this was what Polish actress Grazina Szapolowska had to say at the last film festival event in Goa. Photos of the event available on request. >From the Kala Academy GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send free SMS to your Friends on Mobile from your Yahoo! Messenger. Download Now! http://messenger.yahoo.com/download.php
