Dharmadam Chandrakala Mohan Rao Cultural Forum Celebrates Mandd Sobhann’s Historic Guinness World Record Achievement
Mangaluru: The Dharmadam Chandrakala Mohan Rao Cultural Forum celebrated Mandd Sobhann’s historic Guinness World Record achievement with great enthusiasm and joy. Forum members marked the remarkable accomplishment by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets, turning the occasion into a memorable celebration. The feat of completing 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes of continuous singing has brought immense pride and honour to the entire Konkani-speaking community.
An online meeting was also organised by the Forum to celebrate this historic milestone. The meeting was presided over by Forum President V. Rajesh Mohan Rao. Members from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Mumbai participated in the virtual gathering and expressed their happiness and appreciation for Mandd Sobhann and its organisers.
During the meeting, members recalled that the musical marathon brought together 300 teams comprising 6,789 singers, who collectively performed more than 4,500 Konkani songs composed by over 250 composers. Completing 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes of uninterrupted singing was an extraordinary feat and a magnificent demonstration of the richness, diversity and enduring appeal of Konkani music.
The musical performances were the heart and soul of this historic initiative. The wide variety of songs presented during the programme reflected Konkani’s rich musical heritage, traditional melodies and evolving musical expressions. Songs representing different generations, regions and cultural traditions created a memorable musical experience. The participation of individual singers and groups demonstrated that Konkani music continues to flourish through the dedication of senior artistes and emerging talents. The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of composers, lyricists, musicians and singers who have enriched Konkani music over the years.
Gowri R. Bhat, Professor Vasanthi J, Gayathri R. Bhat, Shaila Kamath, Rajeev Seemya Palini, Vybhav Kamath, Mahesh Rao, Vasanth V. Kamath, B. C. Prabhu, Jayanthi Kini, Vittal Das Prabhu and Sainath M. addressed the gathering. They congratulated Mandd Sobhann and appreciated the dedication, teamwork and commitment behind this historic musical initiative. They also expressed their happiness that Mangaluru had become the venue for such a significant milestone in Konkani cultural history.
The Forum members particularly recalled the vision of the late Eric Ozario, whose dream of promoting Konkani music and culture inspired initiatives of this magnitude. They also congratulated Mandd Sobhann President Louis J. Pinto, its office-bearers and members for their leadership, dedication and tireless efforts in making the programme a success.
The Forum extended its heartfelt congratulations not only to the organisers but also to every singer, musician, composer, lyricist, volunteer, technical professional, coordinator, backstage worker and support staff member who contributed to the magnificent event. The efforts of those working behind the scenes were equally important in organising a programme of such extraordinary scale. Every participant who came forward to sing and every individual who supported the initiative played a valuable role in making the musical marathon a grand success.
Members also observed that bringing together thousands of singers from different generations, regions and backgrounds on a single platform was an exceptional achievement. Participation from various parts of India and abroad transformed the event into an international celebration of Konkani identity. The excellent coordination, smooth conduct of the programme and enthusiastic participation of singers and spectators made it an unforgettable experience.
The meeting also highlighted the power of music to unite people. Music is a source of joy, peace and inspiration for the mind and soul. A beautiful song can create lasting memories and evoke emotions that remain with us throughout our lives. Transcending geographical boundaries, music connects people, preserves memories and strengthens cultural bonds. This historic musical marathon demonstrated how a shared love for one’s mother tongue and music can bring people together across generations and countries.
The members emphasised that Mangaluru had earned a special place in the history of Konkani culture by hosting this magnificent musical celebration. The achievement was not merely about setting a world record; it was also about preserving the mother tongue, celebrating cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations to take pride in the Konkani language and its music.
The Konkani language and everyone who loves it can take immense pride in this historic accomplishment. The event demonstrated the strength, unity, creativity, and cultural spirit of the Konkani-speaking community. It also sent a powerful message that a language grows stronger when its people come together to celebrate, preserve and promote it.
The Dharmadam Chandrakala Mohan Rao Cultural Forum once again extended its wholehearted congratulations to Mandd Sobhann, President Louis J. Pinto, all office-bearers, members, organisers, participants and everyone who worked behind the scenes. The Forum expressed its sincere appreciation for their dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to this unforgettable achievement.
Describing the occasion as a proud moment for the entire Konkani community, Forum members said that the celebrations at Dharmadam, marked by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets, reflected their immense happiness and collective pride.
They expressed hope that this historic achievement would inspire many more initiatives to promote and preserve Konkani language, literature, music and culture.
Long Live Music! Long Live Konkani!