One of the most loved
group at the All Goa Mando Festival is
Goenchim
Kirnnam, the Mando group
from Deusua that has been consistently delivering excellent performances over
the last few years. Their effort and talent has resulted in them winning the
overall Best Mando group award four times. Formed in 2004, Goenchim
Kirnnam was the brainchild of founding member Professor
Cosma Fernandes. An
Associate Professor in Konkani at MES College, Vasco, Prof Cosma is currently pursing his PhD on Tiatr
at the Goa University. Despite a busy schedule, he dedicates time for the
festival. Bringing together talented singers and musicians from different parts
of the state, the group won the Mando Award at the 49th All Goa Mando Festival
organised by Goa Cultural and Social Centre, Panjim in collaboration with
Directorate of Art and Culture and Kala Academy.
Goenchim Kirnnam won prizes in all three categories: first place in the Traditional Category for their
Mando ‘Altarachea Pauvddear’,
first
place in the Dance Category for their Mando ‘Io Moga Gopant’ composed by Fr
Olavo Caiado and in the Original Category, their Mando entitled ‘Man
Tuzo Rakhtelim’, also
composed by Fr Olavo, won the second place. Overall, they won the
Mando Award and also a Rolling Trophy offered by Filipe Dias, Past President of
the Organising Centre.
The participants of the winning team include Atasha D’Souza (St Cruz), Janet Barcellos (Porvorim), Rashmi Menezes (Taleigao), Glenis Mendonca (St Inez), Ramina Mendonca (Verna), Kay D’souza (Panjim), Fr Petersimon Mascarenhas (Candolim), Fr Damacian Carvalho (Varca), Fr Freddy Barbosa (Old Goa), Augustin Fernandes (Panjim), William Fernandes (Vasco), Michael Fernandes (St Inez) and Prof Cosma
Fernandes. The musicians include
Fr Olavo Caiado on rhythm guitar (Panjim), Dominic Soares on bass guitar
(Pilerne), Luis Fernandes on ghumott (Arambol), Selvyn Braganza on first violin (Merces) and Shanom D’Souza on second violin (Azossim).
“Mando is our
identity and a complete love song followed by a dulpod, which highlights
certain issues in society. It is something that is rightfully ours and as Goans
it is our first duty to protect and preserve our culture. We practised nearly for a month after
work in Panjim. Our group members know to read music or they have a background
in music which made it easier for us to relate to the songs. We brought new
experiences to Goenchim Kirnnam from
different parts of Goa. Fr Olavo Caiado always says that Goa has blessed us
with this talent and we should make people happy with it and not just chase
prizes,” says Prof Cosma.
He further adds,
“The beauty of Goenchim Kirnnam is that everybody takes responsibility and puts
their whole heart and soul into their efforts. The performance is a group
activity so everyone puts in their best which helps us win awards.” Atasha and Fr Petersimon, are lead singers of
the group with powerful voices while Fr Olavo has the freedom to write his own
songs, that adds more elegance to the simple yet meaningful lyrics.
Goenchim Kirnnam received the award at the hands of MLA and
Chairman of EDC, Sidharth Kuncalienker at the recently held prize distribution ceremony at Club Vasco de
Gama, Panjim. Goenchim Kirnnam
won the Mando Award for the fourth time, i.e 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.
