St Mary's Mangalorean Community (SMMC) Dubai organized its first ever Konkani lenten hymns singing competition for children on April 1 at Bishop Paul Hinder Hall (Mini Hall), St Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai upholding the aspects of singing events. Fr Victor Fernandes, spiritual directorof SMMC along with core committee and volunteers of SMKV graced the occasion.

Nitin Castelino, SMMC's vice coordinator welcomed gathering. Diany D'Souza introduced the judges, Sr Jacintha Cutinha, Nisha Sequeira and Dony Correa and were welcomed with flower plants. The event was inaugurated by lighting of lamp by Fr Victor Fernandes along with judges and SMMC core team.

Fr Victor Fernandes in his address said, "We have abundant resources and talents in our community. Today's participation shows the number of singing stars our community has." He thanked all the contestants, parents and all those involved in this. He also congratulated SMMC for organizing such an event to promote our mother tongue among younger generation and giving them an opportunity to sing our traditional lenten hymns.

A total of 67 participants took part in the competition under three categories based on their age range. All the participants exhibited their talents with their melodious singing of traditional Konkani Lenten hymns and they were awarded with certificate and medal as a token of appreciation.

The closing ceremony was held in the evening. Fr Victor Fernandes thanked the judges and presented memento. On behalf of judges Dony Correa in his address said, "Music opens the ears of everyone. Music always has a role from our birth to death in our life. You may not win but you will not fail because you have put your efforts. We should be proud about Konkani language as it is our mother tongue." He also appreciated the SMMC's efforts in organizing this singing competition for children and get to know them of our traditional lenten hymns.

The winners of the various category were announced by Savitha Fernandes. Winners will be felicitated during Konkani mass on Friday, April 14.

The following are the winnersunder each category:

Category 5 - 8 years
1st place - Zeke Izyk Coelho
2nd place - Reanne Grace Alvares
3rdplace - Megan Janell Lobo and Lauren Monis

Category 9 - 12 years
1st place - Vianna Sarah Dsouza
2nd place - Brianna Naomi Dsouza
3rdplace - Lanisha Noronha

Category 13 - 16 years
1st place - Leora Vevin Dsouza
2nd place - Lisha Cutinha
3rdplace - Niharika Fernandes

As the competition was organized for the children, SMMC ensured to involve the young talents in the event. The certificates were calligraphically written by Lisha Cutinha with her beautiful handwriting. The whole event was compered by young talent Deona Correa in Konkani.

Boniface Carlo expressed indebted gratitude to all. Franklin Rodrigues, FRS Studio captured the beautiful smile on the children's face and lively moments of the entire event.

All the children happily went home with the joy and pride in their heart, smile on their face, medal in their neck, certificate and snacks box in their hands.

Parents too applauded the organizers with various feedback on the time management, distribution of certificates and medals to all the participants and for rekindling their childhood memories with the beautiful singing of little angels.

Overall, the children's singing competition was a great success. The participants displayed exceptional talent and enthusiasm, and the judges were impressed by the high level of performance. The organisers look forward to holding similar events in the future to continue promoting Konkani language and showcasing the talent of young performers. At the end, refreshments were served to all the audience.