54 Teams from Goa Perform at First World Konkani Music Mega Convention – Michael J. Gracias
Goa’s enthusiastic participation adds a special dimension to the 12 Days, 12 Hours and 12 Minutes musical celebration; Michael Gracias plays a key role in bringing 54 teams to Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The city is reverberating with the melodies of Konkani music as singers from different parts of India and abroad come together to showcase their talents at the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention, organised by Mandd Sobhann at Town Hall, Mangaluru, as part of its Guinness World Record title attempt.
Inaugurated on November 3, the mega convention is scheduled to conclude on November 15, following an extraordinary musical marathon of 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. Singers from various parts of India, as well as Australia, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain and Qatar, have travelled to Mangaluru to participate in this historic initiative, expressing their love for their mother tongue, Konkani.
Among those who have made a significant contribution to this grand musical celebration is Michael J. Gracias, whose dedicated efforts have brought an impressive 54 teams from Goa to participate in the convention.
Team Mangalorean met Michael Gracias to learn about his initiative and the tremendous effort involved in mobilising such a large number of singers from Goa for this historic event.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, Michael said, “It is a matter of great pride for every Konkani-speaking person to be part of this historic event. When Mandd Sobhann President Louis J. Pinto approached me and requested me to form teams from Goa, he initially asked me to organise at least 20 teams. I managed to bring together 20 teams from Goa within just two days.
“Later, I felt that many more singers from Goa should be allowed to participate in this historic musical celebration. When Pinto approached me again and requested additional teams, I gladly took up the challenge and successfully organised more participants. Subsequently, he asked me to form a few more teams, and I managed to increase the number to 53.
“After arriving in Mangaluru, I formed one additional team from St Aloysius College. I approached Goan students pursuing their B.Ed. courses at the college and, with the support of some local students, successfully formed another team. This brought the total number of teams from Goa to 54.
“This is a proud moment for Goa, as such a large number of teams from our state have come together to participate in an event of this magnitude. Mandd Sobhann has provided a wonderful platform for our singers to showcase their talents. I wanted people from Goa to step beyond the boundaries of their state and perform in Mangaluru, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Konkani-speaking community.
“Mobilising so many singers from Goa was not an easy task. It required considerable coordination, motivation and commitment. However, when it comes to our mother tongue, Konkani, I was determined to do my best. I am delighted that my efforts have resulted in 54 teams from Goa becoming part of this historic musical celebration.”
Michael also expressed his appreciation for the arrangements and hospitality extended to the participating teams.
“The arrangements for the convention are outstanding. From coordinating the singers and preparing them for their performances to providing hospitality, everything has been organised exceptionally well. I sincerely thank Louis J. Pinto and the entire Mandd Sobhann team for giving me this wonderful opportunity to bring 54 teams from Goa to participate in the mega convention.
“I sincerely hope Mandd Sobhann achieves its goal and creates history through this remarkable initiative, bringing greater recognition to Konkani music and our mother tongue,” he added.
A Celebration Beyond Boundaries
The participation of 54 teams from Goa is a significant contribution to the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention. It demonstrates how music can transcend geographical boundaries and bring together people across generations and communities through a shared love for their language and cultural heritage.
Michael J. Gracias’s initiative also highlights the importance of community participation in making large-scale cultural events successful. Bringing together hundreds of singers, coordinating their travel and participation, and motivating them to perform on a common platform requires dedication, commitment and organisational skills.
The convention is much more than a musical event; it is a celebration of Konkani identity, unity and cultural pride. With participation from Goa, Karnataka and Konkani-speaking communities across the world, the initiative has created a unique opportunity for singers to connect, share their talents and strengthen their bond with their mother tongue.
As the musical marathon moves towards its grand conclusion on November 15, the contribution of Michael J. Gracias and the 54 teams from Goa will remain an important part of this extraordinary celebration of Konkani music and culture.
