Shankerpura: Pangla Parish is well known and quite famous for the Jasmine Flowers which spreads its fragrance all over the globe. Likewise the Parishioners of St. John the Evangelist are also involved in dozens of activities through the various associations of the parish. One among them is ICYM Pangla Unit. The Pangla ICYM unit is actively involved in various services to the parish and also extends its support during the many events organized on Udupi diocesan level. It participates and also encourages its members to enrol themselves into the sports and other competitions held every year.
Konkani Singing Competition, one of the well known mega events organised annually by ICYM Pangla will be held on Sunday October 29. This being its 14th year in succession, the unit is all geared up for the grand event and will witness a participation of singers from most of the parishes.
Preparations for the event have been done in advance and invitations have been sent to all parishes. The response has been good as almost 20 parishes have enrolled themselves so far and a few more last moment entries are expected. On the spot registrations are available if the participants of the parish decide to participate in this mega event at last moment. The dazzling championship trophies have already arrived for the lucky winners.
On this special occasion a brief press meet was held at its premises. The committee members were present along ICYM spiritual Director and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Rev. Fr. Vincent Coello (Principal, St. John’s Academy), Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes (Asst. Parish Priest).
Speaking on the occasion ICYM President Nihal Dias said that the response from the Parishes of the diocese was very good. More parishes as far as Byndoor will be participating in this completion. Though the cut off date is October 15, still we welcome last moment on the spot registration if singers from any parish who have not enrolled as of now. He is also said that the provision is made for a new category i.e. solo and group singing for children in two categories i.e one below age group of 10 and second from 11 to 15 age group. He said due to large number of children participating this year, the competition will be held at two venues i.e. at the Community Hall located at the church compound for the children up to 15 years and for the senior group the competition will be held at the Sabha Bhavan. He further said that the registration for all children as well adults will be done only in Sabha Bhavan and inauguration will also be done at Sabha Bhavan and then the children will be taken to the community hall.
Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, who will be witnessing the program for the first having taken over as a new parish priest of the Pangla St. John the Evangelist Church said that he is very happy to be a part of this mega Konkani singing competition. ICYM Pangla is doing a yeoman service by encouraging Konkani language by holding the Konkani Singing Competition for the 14th year in a row. First of all I congratulate them for their initiative year after year and especially this year under my guidance I’m very happy to be part of their dedication and hard work.
“I congratulate the President and office bearers of ICYM for their great efforts in organizing this mega event for the last 14 years. It is not a easy task but a lot of dedication, hard work and follow ups required to organize the event at the diocesan level. What I feel is that the Pangla people firmly believe in giving prominence to Konkani Language and give lot of encouragement for Konkani singing. It is also a occasion to give lift to the talented singers of Udupi diocese a platform to enhance their talent. Great efforts have been made by ICYM and Pangla Parishioners in organizing and encouraging many budding talents to exhibit their talents. I also feel after organizing several this type of events, it is also an effort to bring all parishioners of the diocese together for which I have lot of appreciation for ICYM unit of Pangla church.
I have also known by now after spending a few months with ICYM members their dedication, spirituality and determination for any tasks they are assigned to and also a lot of social work they are doing. I really thank them and congratulate them for their service to the parish and wishing them all success. I also wish for the mega event all the best and blessings on them for the grand success of the event. “
President Nihal Dias informed that the Inaugural function will begin at 1: 30pm and hence requested all singers those who are participating to come in time and register their names prior to the inaugural function. The competitions will begin sharp at 2:00pm at both venues.
There will be 6 judges this year three each for both categories. The competition will be held simultaneously at the community hall and at the Sabha Bhavan. However, the registration, the inauguration and the valedictory functions will be held at the Sabha Bhavan.
