Mangaluru: Breathtaking 'Prem Ragini' ballet held at 'Daivik Amrith' decennial event

Mangaluru, Feb 22, 2016 : 'Daivik Amrith' Konkani spiritual monthly which has completed its decennial year marked the celebration by staging a musical ballet 'Prem Ragini' at Cordel Church grounds, Kulshekar here on Sunday February 21. The ballet, based on the Bible from the creation of the earth to the resurrection of Jesus, was presented by Sangeeth Abhinay Academy Mumbai under the leadership of Fr Dr Charles Vas. The enchanting show sent the spectators into a different world with superb blending of music and dance.

Two separate stage programmes were held during the show, one by ‘Daivik Amruth' Konkani spiritual monthly and another by Sangeeth Abhinay Academy Mumbai.

In the first one, Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Kulshekar presided over. Fr Andrew D'Souza the director and publisher of 'Daivik Amrith’ briefed about ‘Daivik Amrith' monthly and welcomed the crowd.

Fr Machado in his presidential speech said, "God's love is universal and ultimate. There is no parallel to it. His love is unconditional. God created this earth with utmost love. But humans committed sin to move away from Him. But God always shares his infinite love with his creation."

Santhosh Alwyn Lobo, editor and manager of 'Daivik Amrith', Fr Boniface Pinto and Praveen Patrao, vice-president of parish council, Kulshekar were also present on the dais.

Fr Charles Vas, who hails from Omzoor and who is a genius in music, was felicitated on the occasion. Simon Pais Bajal read out the citation which was written in a poetic style.

Daivik Amrith committee honoured the main sponsors of the event and media sponsor Daijiworld.

In another stage programme held by Sangeeth Abhinay Academy Mumbai, Fr Valerian Mendonca from Barkur parish, an accomplished musician with more than 35 musical CDs in four different languages to his credit, was felicitated. Fr Charles Vas SVD read out the citation. Officer-bearers of the Academy were on the dais.

Richard Alvares compeered the programme.

What followed later was a virtual journey into musical and dance world. The show had two parts. In the first part, the troupe exhibited Goan, Koli (from Vasai area in Mumbai), fusion and Bharatanatyam dances by all the members of the Prem Ragini troupe. In the second part 'Prem Ragini' nonstop ballet was presented for one and half hours. The ballet started with the depiction of creation of earth, Adam and eve and their first sin by eating forbidden fruit. Then the story of Jesus from birth and resurrection was enacted by the troupe.

The words in music and narration mainly had Hindi except a song in Konkani. But that was not barrier for devotees and music lovers. It was a total visual treat for spectators who had gathered in thousands. Till the end they remained glued to their chairs.

About Daivik Amrith Monthly

Daivik Amrith Konkani spiritual monthly was started on April 6 in 2006. This year it celebrated the decennial year. It is publishing religious, spiritual, and social articles which reach many people in the district, state, nation and abroad. Daivik Amrith Trust is functioning in three modes, Daivik Amrith Konkani monthly and publications, Daivik Amrith media and Daivik Amrith tours. Daivik Amrith Publications has published 8 books and 2 CDs. Daivik Amrith media is broadcasting different spiritual programmes. Daivik Amrith Tours is planning spiritual pilgrimages in holy places in India and abroad. Thousands of people get benefits because of these initiatives.

On June 7, 2015 decennial celebrations were inaugurated and on October 22, 2015 a seminar on Konkani spiritual literature was held.

About Prem Ragini troupe

The ballet 'Prem Ragini' is a beautiful sound and light programme which has completed more than 500 shows in India and abroad. 30 artistes from different religions and languages from Mumbai participate in the show which is a beautiful presentation of communal harmony too. Sangeeth Abhinay academy has been training the youth identifying their musical talents and bringing them up for the last 35 years. Fr Charles Vas is the main architect of the ballet.