Mangaluru: August 7, 2016 is a significant day in the history of Mandd Sobhann as the ‘Unity in Diversity Wall’ depicting various Konkani communities, has been erected at Kalaangann, on this day.

20 artisans deputed by the Shilpakala Academy created the 15 life-size cement statues installed on the ‘Unity in Diversity Wall’, during the 14-days ‘Cement Shilpakala Camp’ organised by Mandd Sobhann in association with the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy.

Shri Roy Castelino, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, unveiled the stone which had the names of the artisans engraved on it and Shri Mahadevappa Shambhulingappa Shilpi, President of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, inaugurated the Unity in Diversity Wall by cutting the ribbon.

Camp Director, Shri Gowrishankar B. G., spoke on behalf of the artisans. He said that the Shilpakala Camp at Kalaangann was a unique experience. He applauded Mandd Sobhann for the love and respect they showered on the artistes.

Shri Mahadevappa Shambhulingappa Shilpi, President of Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, speaking on the occasion, said that the 15 statues are a reciprocation of the artisans’ love towards Mandd Sobhann. He said that the environment at Kalaangann also helped the artisans in artistically creating the statues.

Smt. Indramma H. V., the Registrar of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, said that this was the first Shilpakala Camp held in the Dakshina Kannada District. She congratulated the artistes for their outstanding work and said that it is their work that gives prestige to the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy.

Shri Roy Castelino, the President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, said that the work of the Shilpakala Academy is everlasting and through each camp it organises, the Academy leaves behind its footprint through the work undertaken there.

Mandd Sobhann presented the artisans with a memento and they also received certificates from the Shilpakala Academy. Mandd Sobhann also honoured all those who provided assistance during the Camp. Shri Louis J. Pinto, President of Mandd Sobhann, Shri B. Devdas Pai, Registrar of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Shri Lawrence D’Souza, Camp Co-ordinator, were also present on the dais.

A Siddi troupe from Mainalli (Yellapur) performed on the occasion and they were backed by members of the Sumell Singing Club.

Shri Eric Ozario, Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann proposed the Vote of Thanks. Shri Victor Mathias compered the programme.