Mangaluru: Mandd Sobhann in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy had organized a 9 days’ residential camp for Konkani Children, at Kalaangann, from April 23 to May 1, 2016. The Camp, title O’SMITAY (meaning ‘identity’) was inaugurated in a special way by the children, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Eric Correa, on April 23. 59 children had registered in the camp, in which children were trained in Singing, Dance, Theatre and Konkani.

The Camp concluded with the grand Closing Ceremony on Sun., May 1, at Kalaangann, at 6 p.m..

The Special Guest of the programme, Shri Roy Castelino, the President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, congratulated the children for having participated actively in the 9 days’ camp. He also congratulated Mandd Sobhann for having conducted camps regularly since the past 16 years and having trained more than a thousand children.

The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr Valerian Fernandes, Editor – ‘Raknno’ weekly and ‘Kazullo’ monthly, said that he was happy to note that the children enjoyed participating in the camp. He also appreciated the efforts of Mandd Sobhann in promoting Konkani among children through such camps. He advised the children not to leave behind in the campus, whatever they learnt in the camp, but to practice those ideals in their day-to-day life and be a role model to other children.

On behalf of all the participants, Samuel Sequeira & Donna D’Souza shared their experiences of the camp. Certificates were distributed to all the 59 participants of the Camp. The best in each category – Jason Lobo (Singing), Navisha Deona Lobo (Dance) and Greshal Sanjana Quadros (Theatre) – were honoured with a Certificate, a bouquet and cash prize of Rs. 2,000/- each. Sheldon Tauro bagged the Best Camper Award and was honoured with a Certificate, a bouquet and a cash prize of Rs. 3,000/-. The trainers of the camp – Shri Christopher D’Souza Neenasam (on behalf of Kalakul), Ms. Sonal D’Cruz, Shri Sandesh Monteiro, Shri Rahul Pinto, Shri Rony Crasta Kelarai, Shri Roopith D’Souza and Shri Stalin D’Souza – were also honoured on this occasion. Shri Louis J. Pinto – President, Mandd Sobhann and Shri Eric Ozario, the Camp Director – were also present on stage.

The children then entertained the audience with various Songs, Dances and a Play written by Rony Crasta Kelarai, titled Bhas Nato’l’lim at the 173rd Monthly Theatre – ‘Bhurgyanlem Sobhann’, which followed thereafter. 2 songs composed by the children of the camp – Deepthi D’Souza and Jason Lobo, were also presented.

Ms. Frivita D’Souza compered the Concluding Ceremony, while Vichelle Noronha & Jason Lobo (both children of the Camp) compered the Monthly Theatre.