By Violet Pereira - Team Mangalorean

Mangalore, Sept 23: The Launching ceremony of 'Konkani Nirantari' - world’s longest singing marathon by multiple singers was held on September 23 at 3p.m here at ‘Kalaangann’.  Titus Noronha welcomed the dignitaries and the guest.

The programme has been chalked out to earn a place for Konkani language and culture in the Guinness book of world records by transcending the existing record of 36 hours non-stop singing, which stood in the name of Communicade evangelica luterana sao Paulo, Ulbra, Brazil, sung during July 3 and 4, 2004.

The organizers are planning to include 1200 multiple singers, who will be divided into 40 groups each comprising of 30 members accompanied by three music groups, who will be singing their way to world records beginning 6:00am on Jan 26 and conclude on the next day.

The Konkani Flag along with the famous Mangalorean Harry's Century Band was marched inside the hall.  The flag was passed on to each audience hand to hand finally reaching the dais.

NRI business tycoon and Premier sponsor of the program – Mr. Ronald Colaco, mounted the flag on the globe shaped ‘Nirantari’ emblem.

President of Mandd Sobhaann – Mr. Louis J. Pinto, Chief Co-ordinator and Technical director of Konkani Nirantari -  Arun Raj Rodrigues, Mandd Sobhaann Gurkaar - Eric Ozario (heading Konknai Niranthari) and Stany Alvares co-coordinator of Mandd Sobhaann were present on the dais.  Music guru Joel Pereira is the music director of the Konakani Niranthari.

On this occasion, Mr. Ronald Colaco released corporate brochure of Konkani nirantari.  During his address to the gathering, he promised his unconditional support to Konkani niratari, and asked everyone – press, community and general public to support this event for the Konkani cause.

Mr. Eric Ozerio thanked the supporters and sponsors for their unconditional support. This world record is an attempt to raise the funds for the completion and sustenance of "Kalaangann",  the only Konkani heritage centre, he informed.

Titus Noronha master of the ceremony proposed vote of thanks. Program concluded with a beautiful performance of "shinv jalem gadhaanv" a production by kala kul, Mandd Sobhaann repertory.