A grand musical evening titled ‘Kala Sangam’, presented by the SSVP Bondel Unit in association with Daijiworld Media, was held on Sunday, April 12 at 6:15 PM at the St Lawrence Shrine grounds, Bondel, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.

The event, a visionary initiative of Parish Priest Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, sought to unite the Konkani community by bringing together artistes, donors, and art lovers for a noble cause. The programme commenced at 6:15 PM with a soulful prayer song by Konkan Kogul’ Late. Wilfy Rebimbus , setting a serene and uplifting tone for the evening.

The dignitaries present on the dais included: Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church; Mr Walter Nandalike, Founder and Managing Director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; Mr Bonaventure D’Souza, donor; Mr Lawrence Cutinha;Engineer ,Mr John D’Silva, Vice President; Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of PPC; Mr Jason Fernandes, Convenor of St Lawrence Shrine; Kala Sangam organisers Mr Stany Bela, Mr Sanjay Rodrigues-Daijiworld Media, Mr Prakash Pinto, President; and Mr Gratian Pinto, Secretary of SVP.

SVP President Mr Prakash Pinto warmly welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. The guests on the dais were honoured with roses as a token of respect and appreciation.

A significant highlight of the evening was the foundation stone laying ceremony for a housing project for the needy, initiated by the SVP. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza led the prayers, after which the dignitaries symbolically placed cement on the foundation stone, signifying unity, solidarity, and a shared commitment to the noble cause.

The land donor, Mr Bonaventure D’Souza, was introduced by Mrs Neris D’Sa and felicitated with a shawl, garland, fruits, memento, and flower bouquet in recognition of his generous contribution. Engineer Mr. Lawrence Cutinha, introduced by Treasurer Mrs Shiney Monteiro, was also honoured with a shawl, garland, fruits, memento, and flower bouquet for his support and involvement in the project.

Guest of Honour Mr Walter Nandalike, Founder and Managing Director of Daijiworld Media Pvt. Ltd., was felicitated with a shawl and memento in appreciation of his constant support to the parish and the event.

In his address, he described ‘Kala Sangam’ as a dream turned reality for Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, who envisioned uniting all Konkani artistes under one roof. He commended Rev. Fr Andrew as a dedicated priest, an inspiring leader, and a meticulous organiser who successfully brought such a grand event to life. He also lauded Mr. Bonaventure D’Souza for his generous donation of 15 cents of land to the SVP, calling it a noble gesture and a shining example of compassion and service to the poor and needy.

As Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza was specially felicitated by the SVP members in grateful appreciation of his eight years of dedicated and selfless ministry in the parish, marked by his constant support, guidance, and fatherly care. His citation was read by Denis Master, after which he was honoured with a citation, shawl, garland, flowers, and fruits as a heartfelt token of gratitude. The moment was deeply emotional, touching the hearts of all present.

In his address, Rev. Fr Andrew expressed his deep love for Konkani culture and shared that it had always been his dream to bring all Konkani artistes under one roof. He sincerely thanked the donors and supporters for their wholehearted cooperation. Marking the Golden Jubilee of the SVP, he noted that the event, organised in collaboration with the Daijiworld team, was for a noble cause, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their love and generous support.

The musical line-up featured an incredible blend of legendary voices and modern sensations, headlined by the renowned Sangeeth Sardar Wilson Olivera. He was joined on stage by popular vocalists including Vincent Fernandes Cascia, Shilpa Cutinha, Joshal D’Souza, Zeena Pereira, Robin Sequeira, Roshan Belman, Jason Lobo, Dealle D’Souza, Ronald Nazareth, and Stephan Cutinha.

The programme also featured the popular Trio-fame singers Ronald D’Souza, Ronald Lasrado, and Ronald Lobo, along with Leona Olivera, adding charm and nostalgia to the evening.

The Fr Walter Albuquerque Memorial Choir led by Simon Bajal and the Chili Pili children’s choir led by Jasmine D’Souza added melody, vibrancy, and youthful energy to the celebration.

Entertainment beyond music came from Konkani’s popular comedy team Team Memory, whose lively humour kept the audience engaged, while the Urban Groove dancers impressed with their graceful and well-choreographed performances.

The musical arrangements were led by Sanjay Rodrigues, supported by Roshen Crasta Bela, Ketan Castelino, Sanjeeth Rodrigues, Prajwal Frontiero, Stalin Fernandes, and Veekshit Kodacha, creating a rich and captivating musical experience.

The event was gracefully compered by renowned TV host Shanthi Priya Lasrado, whose vibrant presence added elegance and charm to the programme. The show was thoughtfully curated by Stany Bela, making ‘Kala Sangam 2026’ a truly memorable and landmark cultural celebration.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Mr Gratian Lobo. Food counters were thoughtfully arranged by the Ladies Association, adding to the hospitality of the event. The large gathering made it a grand and memorable success.

Photography:Daya Dayanand Kukkaje ,Ronald

Report:Meena Serrao Barboza