Youth light up world Konkani fest

With youth from different parts of the country taking part in the programme exclusively meant for them, the event began with Mr World Raymond D'Souza passing the Convention flag to top of a human pyramid formed by the youth.

“The Yuva Mell is a good opportunity for the youth to exhibit their talents and hence enhance the richness of Konkani Culture and Language. The enthusiasm should spread to the future generations,” said D’Souza.

As many as 19 teams battled to win ‘The Best Vishwa Konkani Youth Group’ award’ performing in contests like Singing (solo and group), Dancing, Skit. A special award for the ‘Best Master of Ceremony’ was also on the anvil.

Beauty Contest

The beauty contest for titles Miss and Mr Konkani Photogenic and Miss and Mr Konkani World was the key event of the Youth Convention.

Miss and Mr Konkani Photogenic was open for Konkani contestants from around the world. The winners were announced on the basis of the photographs sent by the contestants.

Miss and Mr Konkani world had two rounds such as Traditional dress and Western Dress round. Beauty, personality and smartness were the key criterion based on which the winners were declared.

“The future of any culture rests on the shoulders of the youth. Unless the youth are inspired there is no hope for any culture and language.

Yuva Mell is an attempt to give the Konkanis a taste of their culture when many today are driven away from it due to modernisation and introduction of western culture,” says Mandd Sobhann Gurkaar Eric Ozario speaking to Deccan Herald.

“We are very excited as this is a wonderful stage to show the world our culture,” says an enthusiastic participant Neville D'Souza.

Endorsing D’Souza’s view another participant Betsy Rodrigues says that the Yuva Mell helps youth to open up and also helps to interact with Youth from other parts of the country.

Winners

Melita Jean Pinto and Ashwin Preetham D'Costa won the Miss and Mr Konkani Photogenic contest. Rashmi Rebello and Clement Fernandes were the first runners up and Teena Sharal D'Sa and Prince Jason D'Almeida were the second runners up of the photogenic contest.