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The Konkani community has played a major role in the development of Mangalore city
- MLA Vedavyas Kamath, while presenting the 21st Kalakar Puraskar

Kalangann stood witness to a Dual Celebration on November 2nd - The 21st Kalakar Puraskar and the 287th Monthly Theatre. Srinivasa Rao S., famously known as Kasaragod Chinna, who brought prestige to the Konkani Theatre and also won awards for his work in literature and cinema, was presented with the 21st Kalakar Puraskar. Mangalore South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath handed over the Kalakar Puraskar, which is jointly given by the Carvalho Household and Mandd Sobhann. The award includes a shawl, a garland, fruits, a memento and ₹50,000.

Speaking well of the occasion, Mr Kamath said, "The Konkani community has played a major role in the development of Mangalore city. In this, the contributions of dramatists like Kasaragod Chinna and Composers like Eric Ozario are significant. Now, Konkani can also be spoken in the Lok Sabha. We must all work together for the development of the Konkani language and pass it on to the next generation. The work on the Konkani Bhavan has halted. I will extend my support to see it to completion."

Kasaragod Chinna, after accepting the honor, shared his feelings, "I am a Konkani man. I have worked in Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. Languages should unite hearts and m

inds; they should not be a cause for hatred. Various organizations are doing Konkani work. But it is true that, for various reasons, other Konkani communities have not created as much literature as the Catholic Konkani people have. We may have two eyes, but our vision must be one. We might have differences of opinion, but the work for Konkani must be done unitedly." He then thanked everyone.

The guest of honor, Stanley Fernandes ’Dattu’, a promoter of the arts and a strong pillar for Konkani in Oman, wished the program well. Earlier, giving the introductory speech, the Carvalho Gharane’s representative and linguist, Rev. Dr. Pratap Naik SJ, explained the origins and journey of this award.

Kalakul Co-Sponser Michael Dsouza (Dubai) and Mandd Sobhann supporter Jerry Pinto (Qatar) were honored with flower bouquets. Treasurer Sunil Monteiro read the citation. Mandd Sobhann President Louis Pinto, Secretary Rony Crasta, Kalangann Pirjent Roy Castelino & Chinna’s Spouse Anita were present on the dais. Yogita Bellare compered the felicitation ceremony. Keron Madtha made the announcements.

Following this, the 287th Monthly Theatre was set in motion by Dubai-based businessman Francis Dsouza by ringing the bell. The 17th ’Maxim Nite’ was presented by Melody Star Maxim Pereira and his troupe. Maxim Pereira, Shilpa Cutinha, Prakash Dsouza, Sonal Monteiro, Priya Menezes, William Rebello, Genelia Saldanha, and Derrick Machado Sang and the ’G-Major’ band accompanied with music: Sheldon Pereira (Bass Guitar), Alister Dsouza (Lead Guitar), Veekshith (Tabla), Milton Pereira (Drums), Macklin Dsouza (Keyboard), and Sunil Kumar (Violin). Joseph D’Souza and Nilesh of team ’Maskiri Manglur’ spread laughter through their Skits. Sheldon Crasta and Glany Fernandes compered the program.