Goemkarponn Desk
CHICALIM: Jacqueline Sequeira lifted the C. G. Varkey (IRS) Heritage Silver Rolling Trophy on Saturday at the Parkonnem Cultural Mahotsav as the joint winner of the 4th edition of the Parkonnem Kitem Tem Sang contest 2023-24. She received the heritage trophy at the hands of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who was the chief Guest on the occasion.
Jacqueline and Raisa Fernandes had topped the contest organised by Chicalim Bio-Crusaders with full honours answering all 50 konkani parkonnim (riddles) at stake.
Albert Jacques from Canacona took the third position by scoring 47 correct answers.
The Parkonnem Cultural Event and the prize distribution took place on Saturday, in Chicalim at Mohiddin Gardenia venue.
Mithun H. N (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Coastal Security Police, Karnataka, Kamna Upadhyay and Francis Varkey were the Guest of Honours. They handed over the runners-up prizes to the respective winners.
The runners-up prize was shared by Remedious Fernandes from Margao, Angelo Pires sailing in USA, Sophia Fernandes Borate from Sweden, Jovito Fernandes from Quepem, Mita D’Costa from Cuncolim, Thelma Fernandes from Pune, Maria Olga Pires from Ponda, Melvita Anne Braganza from Belgaum, Jovann De Souza from Curtorim and Austin Fernandes from Tisk, Usgao.
Chicalim Bio-Crusaders members Vinny Fernandes, Cynthia D’souza Silveira, Gladys Frias, Ema Mascarenhas, Dagmar Pires Da Silva, Suzanne Da Costa and Fernanda Nunes took turns to hand over mementos to all the Quiz masters who had presented the Konkani riddles in this 4th edition contest.
This was followed by felicitation of renowned folk artiste of Goa Ladu Shamba Parwar, International Compere Tase Noronha and Chicalim born young painter and artiste Presley Da Costa. They were felicitated by Chicalim Bio-Crusaders at the hands of Govind Gaude.
Chicalim Bio-Crusaders offered a portrait painting by Presley Da Costa of the Chief Guest and Minister of Art & Culture to Govind Gaude. Cynthia Lima Leitao Miranda unveiled the portrait of Mr Gaude and handed it over to him amidst huge round of applause.
Chicalim Bio—Crusaders also acknowledged the support received from various patrons and well-wishers by offering mementos to them.
‘Naman’ the traditional prayer was invoked by Cotigao Kala Manch, Canacona at the start of the programme.
This was followed by Dhalo by Shree Brahman Narsinv Sateri Chikolkar Pathak, Chicalim, Fuggddio by Shree Narsinv Sateri Fuggddi Mahila Mandal, Chicalim, Kallshi Naach by Natraj Mahila Mandal, Dabolim, Morulo Performance by Shyam Purus Kala Pathak, Bicholim and Manddo & Dulpods by award winning troupe ‘CURTORCARES’.
Govind Gaude congratulated the winners and the runners-up besides showering praises on Chicalim Bio-Crusaders for organizing the unique contest of Konkani riddles attracting global participation.
The Minister particularly praised the concept of organizing the Parkonnem Cultural Mahotsav with participation of folk artistes and dance troupes of both north and south region of Goa from the Hindu and Catholic communities. He claimed that there are very few such events of this nature that are organised in Goa and asked Chicalim Bio-Crusaders to continue this secular and harmonious practice.
Govind Gaude also admired the effort of Chicalim Bio-Crusaders to involve the Parsi community in this event by inviting Yazdi Parekh to light the lamp in the beginning. He claimed that such small gestures go a long way to underline and strengthen the Communal harmony in Goa.
Adv. Fr. Michael Fernandes, Secretary of Chicalim Bio-Crusaders welcomed the gathering and President Cyril A. Fernandes offered a vote of thanks at the end.
The event was compered by Tase Noronha who flew from Kuwait for the function. She was assisted by Kaveena Fernandes who excelled herself during the prize distribution
