From: Clement Mendes <clementstopvy@hotmail.com>
to goa.kranti@gmail.com
Date: Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 9:11 AM.
Please publish this letter in KRanti.
Regards Clement Mendes.
It is such a shame that some of the tiastrists in Kuwait think that they are Bollywood stars. They have a lot of attitude problem and some people are encouraging them. I think everybody's opinion should be taken before organising such a show. What a shame it was to see people leaving the hall and chatting in corridors. Even legendary artistes late M Boyer must have turned in his grave and the fact that the memento fell and broke when he was being honoured proves the point. I appeal to all Konkani artistes to unite and come together on one platform.
September 23, 2009
Gossip and innuendoes: KGTS PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE to Jack Gomes
Gossip and innuendoes
Friends,
The waiting was becoming uncomfortable.
For the last two days we had been dealing with mixed emotions about a revelation that came via e-mail that the KGTS musical show was not up to the mark. Of course our past presentations which we experimented something different every time, were both appreciated and criticized by the same people who wake up only from their dormant surrounding once KGTS show is announced.While we laughed back and forth at the evidence that somebody was calling our KGTS members accusing them of being somebody else and name calling, I also wondered what kind of coward would hide behind an anonymous username and send a defamatory message, full of hate and venom to a particular lists only, knowing very well that this blog does not carry substance or reputable weightage, except for things trivial such as those mentioned by the email sender(s)! A few names crossed our minds, but we are not in the habit of falsely accusing anybody.It all started, as usual, in the last week of holding the event.
As it is typical of the discussions on that blog mailing list, two factions are not formed to attack and defend the more visible representatives of the issue. One emailer who has even failed to register his/her/its email - actually they show two entities on the blog - in particular, using an anonymous handle, painted a rather bleak and unflattering picture of the whole musical show and the participating artistes/singers/musicians/participants. A slaughter will always see the cow grazing comfortably even if he knows his traditional profession feeling that it might be sick as the profit matters to him. No wonder slaughter of cows and slaughtering of respected Konkani stage artistes/musicians’ characters often go hand-in-glove as the past profession always gets to eyes!Our theory is that the coward is not interested in letting us have his venom. He/She/It is betting on an universal human flaw that makes some individuals want to believe in gossip and innuendoes for whatever reasons they may have. You see, we are very visible. and communicate with many people around the world, specially our Konkani/Tiatr loving community in Kuwait.
We are open, direct, sincere, and honest in what we have to offer. For every one who welcomes our friendship and affection, we really don’t know how many feel threatened or uncomfortable because of their feeble tenure as gatekeepers of good natured and well intentioned communities. Unfortunately they do exist, and sometimes their character assassination tactics and their harmful gossiping make people wonder and change their attitudes because of that human flaw we mentioned before, the lack of moral fortitude to come forward and face the person being vilified by the hate mongers.At this stage of my life, we can’t plead ignorance nor we can try to pass for naive. Our friends confirmed that these “illustrious masters” who have slept and eaten with us in the past, and who have made money and a name for themselves only in this country through our members’ professional efforts, have been trashing our name and questioning our motives for being on the Konkani cultural front. We, at KGTS, wear that as a badge of honor.
You know you have made it when you regularly are part of conversations thousands of miles away and your name gets trashed by these good-for-nothing creatures. But the uncomfortable feeling that we mentioned at the beginning, is what really breaks our heart. Out of the dozen of people who received the poison pen e-mail, most, if not all, know us personally, some have appreciated our efforts in the recognition of our retired and aged artistes in Goa, Mumbai and elsewhere on the Konkani stage, some have taken our professional opinions from us, all have read the Goan mailing lists including goanet, http://mangalorean.com/, http://www.indiansinkuwait.com/, gulf-goans e-newsletter, goa-goans mailing list, goan-nri@yahoogroups.com , margao-net, etc. some have had free Internet space on our friends’ websites and mailing lists.
Only a few of these were thoughtful enough to make us aware of the situation. Only a few had the courage to confront the evil doer, to implicitly ask him/her/it if we were on a mini emailing list using an assumed name, by simply doing what KGTS wouldn’t hesitate one minute to do with people we respect and call our friends. He/She/It let us know about the anonymous defamatory e-mail being circulated. He/She/It gave me a chance. The rest so far have chosen to let us walk around with the character whose stigma of a calumny hanging around his/her/its neck, who dare to call himself/herself/itself a Goan and a Konkani lover.May God help him/her/it to keep his/her/its clan prosperous.
Francis de Verna
KGTS President
francisji@yahoo.com
Tel. No. 99884681
Friends,
The waiting was becoming uncomfortable.
For the last two days we had been dealing with mixed emotions about a revelation that came via e-mail that the KGTS musical show was not up to the mark. Of course our past presentations which we experimented something different every time, were both appreciated and criticized by the same people who wake up only from their dormant surrounding once KGTS show is announced.While we laughed back and forth at the evidence that somebody was calling our KGTS members accusing them of being somebody else and name calling, I also wondered what kind of coward would hide behind an anonymous username and send a defamatory message, full of hate and venom to a particular lists only, knowing very well that this blog does not carry substance or reputable weightage, except for things trivial such as those mentioned by the email sender(s)! A few names crossed our minds, but we are not in the habit of falsely accusing anybody.It all started, as usual, in the last week of holding the event.
As it is typical of the discussions on that blog mailing list, two factions are not formed to attack and defend the more visible representatives of the issue. One emailer who has even failed to register his/her/its email - actually they show two entities on the blog - in particular, using an anonymous handle, painted a rather bleak and unflattering picture of the whole musical show and the participating artistes/singers/musicians/participants. A slaughter will always see the cow grazing comfortably even if he knows his traditional profession feeling that it might be sick as the profit matters to him. No wonder slaughter of cows and slaughtering of respected Konkani stage artistes/musicians’ characters often go hand-in-glove as the past profession always gets to eyes!Our theory is that the coward is not interested in letting us have his venom. He/She/It is betting on an universal human flaw that makes some individuals want to believe in gossip and innuendoes for whatever reasons they may have. You see, we are very visible. and communicate with many people around the world, specially our Konkani/Tiatr loving community in Kuwait.
We are open, direct, sincere, and honest in what we have to offer. For every one who welcomes our friendship and affection, we really don’t know how many feel threatened or uncomfortable because of their feeble tenure as gatekeepers of good natured and well intentioned communities. Unfortunately they do exist, and sometimes their character assassination tactics and their harmful gossiping make people wonder and change their attitudes because of that human flaw we mentioned before, the lack of moral fortitude to come forward and face the person being vilified by the hate mongers.At this stage of my life, we can’t plead ignorance nor we can try to pass for naive. Our friends confirmed that these “illustrious masters” who have slept and eaten with us in the past, and who have made money and a name for themselves only in this country through our members’ professional efforts, have been trashing our name and questioning our motives for being on the Konkani cultural front. We, at KGTS, wear that as a badge of honor.
You know you have made it when you regularly are part of conversations thousands of miles away and your name gets trashed by these good-for-nothing creatures. But the uncomfortable feeling that we mentioned at the beginning, is what really breaks our heart. Out of the dozen of people who received the poison pen e-mail, most, if not all, know us personally, some have appreciated our efforts in the recognition of our retired and aged artistes in Goa, Mumbai and elsewhere on the Konkani stage, some have taken our professional opinions from us, all have read the Goan mailing lists including goanet, http://mangalorean.com/, http://www.indiansinkuwait.com/, gulf-goans e-newsletter, goa-goans mailing list, goan-nri@yahoogroups.com , margao-net, etc. some have had free Internet space on our friends’ websites and mailing lists.
Only a few of these were thoughtful enough to make us aware of the situation. Only a few had the courage to confront the evil doer, to implicitly ask him/her/it if we were on a mini emailing list using an assumed name, by simply doing what KGTS wouldn’t hesitate one minute to do with people we respect and call our friends. He/She/It let us know about the anonymous defamatory e-mail being circulated. He/She/It gave me a chance. The rest so far have chosen to let us walk around with the character whose stigma of a calumny hanging around his/her/its neck, who dare to call himself/herself/itself a Goan and a Konkani lover.May God help him/her/it to keep his/her/its clan prosperous.
Francis de Verna
KGTS President
francisji@yahoo.com
Tel. No. 99884681
In response to the posting (prior to the KGTS show) by Agelo !!!
KGTS says "Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem"
Dear Tiatr Lovers and Konknni communities,
It is indeed again a time for vested interests to defame KGTS!!! Yes, KGTS has a grand musical show around the corner and this irks many so-called Konkani lovers to re-unite to vilify and spill the venom around the corners. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for KGTS, despite all such dirty attempts, KGTS stands clean and solid in its commitment to serve the interest of Tiatr and Tiatrists in Kuwait and Goa.
In all honesty, KGTS has no need to answer any such queries or clarify the malignant accusations from such scrupulous individuals since the facts are out in the open and will be further ratified during our show on 18 September 2009 at Al-Masrah Hall, Hawally.
However, we owe it to our patrons, well-wishers and Konkani tiatr lovers to clarify the issues deliberated in this email.
Jose Rod is a pillar of KGTS, a founder member, a great artiste and true Tiatrist. He is recovering from his brain tumor operation and has been advised complete rest for six months by his medical team. KGTS is in touch with Jose Rod and we have his blessings and guidance for our every activity.
KGTS Musical Show has a galaxy of Konkani stars from Kuwait and Goa. Mr. Barretto should have done a thorough homework before fabricating and spreading baseless stories. Sylvester, Irene and Manuel de St. Cruz are very much a part of KGTS Musical Show while Comedian Philip is on a vacation in India.
As for Musician Socorro, he has been an integral part of KGTS since its inception and participated in a major way in every KGTS Musical Show. Due to personal reasons owing to his forthcoming trip aboard, he promised all assistance but requested to excuse being unsure whether he would be in Kuwait during KGTS event.
Since its inception, KGTS has been an open ground for accusations and slander by certain groups of individuals that find it hard to digest the praiseworthy work done by KGTS for the tiatr community. We are determined to carry our work forward despite all the odds and nothing can deter our commitment.
The KGTS Managing Committee is open for genuine queries regarding the Musical Show but have no time to argue with fools who are out to waste our valuable time. Our humble request and warning to such people to refrain themselves from indulging in getting free publicity for them by publishing rotten baseless stories on the net.
We welcome you all to watch the spectacular presentation by KGTS Team and the befitting tribute to the late Padmashree M. Boyer.
Mog Assum dhi
Francis de Verna
KGTS Managing Committee
francisji@yahoo.com
Dear Tiatr Lovers and Konknni communities,
It is indeed again a time for vested interests to defame KGTS!!! Yes, KGTS has a grand musical show around the corner and this irks many so-called Konkani lovers to re-unite to vilify and spill the venom around the corners. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for KGTS, despite all such dirty attempts, KGTS stands clean and solid in its commitment to serve the interest of Tiatr and Tiatrists in Kuwait and Goa.
In all honesty, KGTS has no need to answer any such queries or clarify the malignant accusations from such scrupulous individuals since the facts are out in the open and will be further ratified during our show on 18 September 2009 at Al-Masrah Hall, Hawally.
However, we owe it to our patrons, well-wishers and Konkani tiatr lovers to clarify the issues deliberated in this email.
Jose Rod is a pillar of KGTS, a founder member, a great artiste and true Tiatrist. He is recovering from his brain tumor operation and has been advised complete rest for six months by his medical team. KGTS is in touch with Jose Rod and we have his blessings and guidance for our every activity.
KGTS Musical Show has a galaxy of Konkani stars from Kuwait and Goa. Mr. Barretto should have done a thorough homework before fabricating and spreading baseless stories. Sylvester, Irene and Manuel de St. Cruz are very much a part of KGTS Musical Show while Comedian Philip is on a vacation in India.
As for Musician Socorro, he has been an integral part of KGTS since its inception and participated in a major way in every KGTS Musical Show. Due to personal reasons owing to his forthcoming trip aboard, he promised all assistance but requested to excuse being unsure whether he would be in Kuwait during KGTS event.
Since its inception, KGTS has been an open ground for accusations and slander by certain groups of individuals that find it hard to digest the praiseworthy work done by KGTS for the tiatr community. We are determined to carry our work forward despite all the odds and nothing can deter our commitment.
The KGTS Managing Committee is open for genuine queries regarding the Musical Show but have no time to argue with fools who are out to waste our valuable time. Our humble request and warning to such people to refrain themselves from indulging in getting free publicity for them by publishing rotten baseless stories on the net.
We welcome you all to watch the spectacular presentation by KGTS Team and the befitting tribute to the late Padmashree M. Boyer.
Mog Assum dhi
Francis de Verna
KGTS Managing Committee
francisji@yahoo.com
GOA BIDS ADIEU TO NOEL DA LIMA LEITAO.
GOA BIDS TEARFUL ADIEU TO CHARISMATIC COMMENTATOR.
Daniel F de Souza.
Well-known TV football commentator and Goa’s most adorable and admired football administrator Noel da Lima Leitao was laid to rest at the St. Andrew’s cemetery Vasco amidst a sea of grieving family, friends, football lovers, players, club representatives, Senior Government Officers, Administrators, Ministers, politicians and people from all walks of life who came to pay their final respects to someone who touched each one of them in many different ways. The funeral cortege left his palatial mansion at Vaddem to the St. Andrew’s church for the Eucharistic service and final rites and burial at 4 p.m.
It is not always that one can witness such a massive assembly of people at funerals, but, in the case of Noel it was just that. Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio da Costa parish priest of St. Andrews parish concelebrated the funeral mass with 14 other priests. In his introductory words at the mass service Fr. Jose Antonio da Costa said “Noel was a friend to all, and a man for everyone. He was kind hearted, loving, cheerful and committed to any cause, a devout person. Today his family is in deep sorrow as also his numerous friends. He was a gifted man who could unite and build communities with his loving nature. His youthful voice over the TV network was loved by millions of friends across the globe”.
As a prelude to the funeral service Emiliano D Cruz rendered a violin solo as the stream of mourners filed in silently and in grief after the coffin was brought in and placed before the altar. Late Noel’s four daughters sang the hymn ‘Lord I offer my Life’ during the mass service in harmonious voices. During the communion service Padmashree Remo Fernandes rendered a touching and melancholy solo recital ‘ Farewell to a friend’ his own composition on the flute, while the choir took a break. The entire congregation listened in pin drop silence and attention as the touching notes flew from the wooden instrument. Post communion the Cota choir sang the hymn ‘Ave Maria’ in a classical version, a hymn that Noel during life time loved and sang very often. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar MD V. M. Salgaocar Bros ltd., a close friend and confidante of Noel da Lima who was present at the funeral with his wife Deepti, read out a touching and glowing tribute to his childhood friend and companion which literally brought tears to many an eye. He recalled the happy times they spent together and extolled the qualities of head and heart of Noel. In an emotionally charged voice Raj said ‘Entire world is sad, for we have lost a true friend, a true champion. Time will not heal this wound caused by his sudden and untimely demise.
Noel was a good human being and a finest person on this planet. Above all the things in life, he most valued the gift of life itself and the gift of his wife Nayantara whom he loved a lot. We have in the past often sung the song ‘Knocking on Heavens door’ together. But today the staircase to heaven was laid down to receive him first. At this moment let us not grieve for the loss of our friend, but let us look back and recall how he loved us, for our loss is heavens gain. Noel, we will some day together sing ‘Knocking on heavens door’ in heaven once again” he concluded .
As a mark of respect, the President and members of GFA led by their president Joaquim Alemao carried the coffin from the altar to the main door of the church outside. From here the football players of Vasco Sports Club dressed with the club jerseys, of which Noel was the patron carried the coffin to the cemetery which was draped in the Vasco club black and white flag. It was truly a sad and painful moment to all present there to see the man who enjoyed a larger than life image, and so passionately loved and nurtured the game of football lying lifeless in the wooden coffin and on his last lap to his final resting place.
As a mark of tribute Noel’s brother in-law played and sang Noel’s favourite song ‘Knocking on Heaven’s door’ on the organ after the service. The atmosphere in the church was charged and there was a look of sadness and grief all around, for everyone irrespective of their social background they came to bid a final adieu to someone they loved and adored for all that he was in life, a true gentleman to the core and a great human being. Noel’s sister Natasha in a choked voice paid rich and touching tributes to her beloved brother as also his daughter Chantale extolled the qualities of her Papa while Alisha his elder daughter thanked the congregation. The church was full of family and friends and overflowing with mourners. The newly constructed side wing of the church on the Port-side end was thrown open and used to seat the people, besides a shamiana also accommodated people on the outside. There were closed circuit TVs installed so that no one missed the solemn funeral service. The parish priest Fr. Da Costa who was personally saddened by the sad demise of Noel, left no stone unturned to ensure that the funeral service was smooth in all respect befitting a man who lived and loved life to the fullest.
The entire parish council of members worked for 3 days in preparation for the funeral service under the guidance of the parish priest and rendered all assistance at the service. The Vasco police and the traffic cell did a marvelous job in controlling the traffic and organized systematic parking in and around the church compound. It is often said; Life has two uninvited guests, Love and death. Sadly and unexpectedly the second guest arrived uninvited a little too early and took away Noel da Lima for an eternal companionship. But for his family and numerous friends Noel will forever live in their hearts.
n.b.: This report appeared in today's (17/9/09) Gomantak Times.
Daniel F de Souza.
Well-known TV football commentator and Goa’s most adorable and admired football administrator Noel da Lima Leitao was laid to rest at the St. Andrew’s cemetery Vasco amidst a sea of grieving family, friends, football lovers, players, club representatives, Senior Government Officers, Administrators, Ministers, politicians and people from all walks of life who came to pay their final respects to someone who touched each one of them in many different ways. The funeral cortege left his palatial mansion at Vaddem to the St. Andrew’s church for the Eucharistic service and final rites and burial at 4 p.m.
It is not always that one can witness such a massive assembly of people at funerals, but, in the case of Noel it was just that. Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio da Costa parish priest of St. Andrews parish concelebrated the funeral mass with 14 other priests. In his introductory words at the mass service Fr. Jose Antonio da Costa said “Noel was a friend to all, and a man for everyone. He was kind hearted, loving, cheerful and committed to any cause, a devout person. Today his family is in deep sorrow as also his numerous friends. He was a gifted man who could unite and build communities with his loving nature. His youthful voice over the TV network was loved by millions of friends across the globe”.
As a prelude to the funeral service Emiliano D Cruz rendered a violin solo as the stream of mourners filed in silently and in grief after the coffin was brought in and placed before the altar. Late Noel’s four daughters sang the hymn ‘Lord I offer my Life’ during the mass service in harmonious voices. During the communion service Padmashree Remo Fernandes rendered a touching and melancholy solo recital ‘ Farewell to a friend’ his own composition on the flute, while the choir took a break. The entire congregation listened in pin drop silence and attention as the touching notes flew from the wooden instrument. Post communion the Cota choir sang the hymn ‘Ave Maria’ in a classical version, a hymn that Noel during life time loved and sang very often. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar MD V. M. Salgaocar Bros ltd., a close friend and confidante of Noel da Lima who was present at the funeral with his wife Deepti, read out a touching and glowing tribute to his childhood friend and companion which literally brought tears to many an eye. He recalled the happy times they spent together and extolled the qualities of head and heart of Noel. In an emotionally charged voice Raj said ‘Entire world is sad, for we have lost a true friend, a true champion. Time will not heal this wound caused by his sudden and untimely demise.
Noel was a good human being and a finest person on this planet. Above all the things in life, he most valued the gift of life itself and the gift of his wife Nayantara whom he loved a lot. We have in the past often sung the song ‘Knocking on Heavens door’ together. But today the staircase to heaven was laid down to receive him first. At this moment let us not grieve for the loss of our friend, but let us look back and recall how he loved us, for our loss is heavens gain. Noel, we will some day together sing ‘Knocking on heavens door’ in heaven once again” he concluded .
As a mark of respect, the President and members of GFA led by their president Joaquim Alemao carried the coffin from the altar to the main door of the church outside. From here the football players of Vasco Sports Club dressed with the club jerseys, of which Noel was the patron carried the coffin to the cemetery which was draped in the Vasco club black and white flag. It was truly a sad and painful moment to all present there to see the man who enjoyed a larger than life image, and so passionately loved and nurtured the game of football lying lifeless in the wooden coffin and on his last lap to his final resting place.
As a mark of tribute Noel’s brother in-law played and sang Noel’s favourite song ‘Knocking on Heaven’s door’ on the organ after the service. The atmosphere in the church was charged and there was a look of sadness and grief all around, for everyone irrespective of their social background they came to bid a final adieu to someone they loved and adored for all that he was in life, a true gentleman to the core and a great human being. Noel’s sister Natasha in a choked voice paid rich and touching tributes to her beloved brother as also his daughter Chantale extolled the qualities of her Papa while Alisha his elder daughter thanked the congregation. The church was full of family and friends and overflowing with mourners. The newly constructed side wing of the church on the Port-side end was thrown open and used to seat the people, besides a shamiana also accommodated people on the outside. There were closed circuit TVs installed so that no one missed the solemn funeral service. The parish priest Fr. Da Costa who was personally saddened by the sad demise of Noel, left no stone unturned to ensure that the funeral service was smooth in all respect befitting a man who lived and loved life to the fullest.
The entire parish council of members worked for 3 days in preparation for the funeral service under the guidance of the parish priest and rendered all assistance at the service. The Vasco police and the traffic cell did a marvelous job in controlling the traffic and organized systematic parking in and around the church compound. It is often said; Life has two uninvited guests, Love and death. Sadly and unexpectedly the second guest arrived uninvited a little too early and took away Noel da Lima for an eternal companionship. But for his family and numerous friends Noel will forever live in their hearts.
n.b.: This report appeared in today's (17/9/09) Gomantak Times.
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