Media Release
Canada, March 31, 2008 : Canara Kala Saanz, an ambitious cultural show, with maiden performance from Claud D`Souza was held in Mississauga on March 30th 2008 for the fourth successive year. Canara Kala Saanz is an ingenious idea of Maxim Mendes of Max Mendes Group who sought to establish a platform for Mangaloreans to maintain their cultural ties with their homeland. With over 25 entries, the function was an enormous success with enthusiastic participation from the young and old ranging from 3 to 60 years. The event started at 4.30 pm with the national anthem of India & Canada. The highlights of the evening - the songs, dances and instrumental ensemble by children, youngsters and adults captivated the audience and the tremendous effort and hard work of the participants were applauded.
The community, who overwhelmed the hall to its full capacity enjoyed the evening packed with various cultural activities like folk dances, cinematic dances, songs, drama, band and special performance by the Baila king Claud who was specially flown from Mangalore to perform at the Canara Kala Saanz.
A welcome dance by the children set the event rolling and gave momentum to the evening. Mr. Flavian Pinto a leading business person of Mangalorean community, a great Orator and an active member of the organizing committee welcomed on stage the dignitaries to inaugurate the event by lighting the traditional lamp. The function was inaugurated with the blessings of Fr. Henry Alva, Mr. Omar Alghabra- M. P Mississauga, Pauline Lalla & Hafeez Khan as Platinum sponsors & Mr. Paul Mathias who represented the Mangalorean community.
The guest of honour, Hon. M.P Mr. Omar Alghabra in his speech commended the Organisers, volunteers and the community for a wonderful display showcased in their culture in this distant land. He mentioned that once an immigrant had said to him that "Canada is a land of Opportunities" but Mr. Omar replied to him saying that "it is not a land of opportunities, but a land of opportunity makers". He was very pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the community to come in such a large number to revive and retain the culture which has now become a Canadian culture.
Flavian added that the Wilfy Nite was a precursor to cultural shows in Canada. In his inauguration speech he said, "7500 miles away, across seven seas, we have found "Home away from Home in Canada". He announced about 'CANARA KALA SANKET', an award to be presented to Claud D`souza has been initiated by Canara World Foundation and will be presented to people who promotes Konkani literature and culture.
Claude who was the star entertainer of this cultural event mesmerized the crowd with his songs "Wilma Maria, Konkan Tharam, Bapaipon, Althar, Konkani Shikoi, Dream Girl, Adli Kazara & Vadyanthlo Roce" He was brilliantly supported by Anita Prabhu, Lara Rebello, Gerry D'Mello, Sonia D'Souza, & Oscar Nazarath. Claud in his baila performance pulled the audience to the dance floor and the crowd enjoyed this non- stop final finale.
The local artists performed apart from their individual performances a short Drama "Khobrancho Bhirankul Parinam" written by Melvyn Pernal and directed and acted by Oswald Sequeira with Melissa & Raymond Monteiro, Kevin Sequeira, Fatima D'Lima, & Lydia Sequeira.
Flavian Pinto, Peter D`Souza, Max Mendes, Micheal Serrao, Leo Rego, Janice D`Souza lightened the mood with their hilarious just for laughs jokes.
Claud D`souza was felicitated with the life time achievement award `Canara Kala Sanket` on behalf of Canara World Foundation for his dedication and commitment for Konkani, by Max Mendes, President of MaxMendes Group.
Fr. Henry Menezes gave thanks to God and invoked his blessings and congratulated the organisers and the community for keeping the spirit of Konkani culture alive in Canada.
Nancy Mendes in her vote of thanks thanked God because of his umpteen blessings their 4th function has been moving on successfully. She thanked all the youth, volunteers and the members of the Organising committee Mr. Paul & Irene Mathias, Mr. Flavian & Miriam Pinto, Mr. Donald & Sandra Alva, Mr. Michael Serrao and Mr. Joyson D'souza. She thanked all the guests, participants, sponsors, volunteers, band, the food and compere of the evening on behalf of Max Mendes group.
Max Mendes in his brief announcement recognised the contribution of Late Herbert Lobo and his accomplishments to the cause of our culture. He also announced that there would be a function dedicated in his memory and the proceeds raised from that show would be donated to the cancer treatment facility. The entire community observed a minute of silence to pay respect to this outstanding personality.
The special raffle draw was conducted for the cause of the Congregation of the sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes Uganda in support for their projects in nursery, education, pastoral, medical and social developmental activities.
The Emcees for the evening were Donald Alva and Mr. Gerry D'Mello.
The scintillating live music was provided by Joyson D'Souza of Casual Encounters, the sumptuous ethnic Mangalorean food was catered by Konkan Delite.
This mega event was supported by the generous sponsorship of:
PAULINE LALLA - Global Business Park
HAFEEZ KHAN - Platinum 1 Realty Inc Brokerage
FLAVIAN PINTO - Sunlife Financials
NANCY MENDES- Canadian Immigration www.visatube.com
MARTIN MENEZES - Mortgage & Business consultant
VIJAY DANTE - Udupi Madras Cafe
RONNIE D'SOUZA - Craig Hind Chrysler
MAX PINTO - Co-operators Insurance
WILSON D'SOUZA - Bank of Montreal- Mortgage Consultant
RAVI FERNANDES - Trinity Auto Garage
WILLIAM D'SOUZA - Globe Travels
VIVEK BHATT- Risk Management & Insurance
AYOUB ALI - Barrister & Solicitor
EDMUND PEREIRA - Coldwell Banker Terrequity Realty Brokerage