Apolinaris D’Souza Honored With the 19th Kalakar Puraskar Award

19th Kalakar Puraskar Award

The 19th edition of the esteemed ‘Kalakar Puraskar,’ organized by the Carvalho Household of Kundapura in collaboration with Mandd Sobhann, Mangaluru, was presented to Apolinaris D’Souza, a distinguished Konkani singer, lyricist, and composer. The award ceremony was held on November 5, 2023, during a public event at Kalaagann, Mangaluru, celebrating his significant contributions to the world of Konkani music.

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A Journey of Dedication and Creativity

Apolinaris D’Souza, born in 1953, embarked on a journey of artistic excellence from a young age. After completing his education at St Aloysius College, Mangalore, he sought opportunities in Oman. His passion for Konkani music, coupled with his unwavering dedication and creative talents, paved the way for an extraordinary career. Apolinaris’s contributions to Konkani music have made a lasting impact both in Oman and his hometown, Mangalore.

Musical Legacy

Throughout his life, Apolinaris actively participated in and won numerous singing competitions, gaining recognition as a popular Konkani singer, songwriter, and composer. He has released nine audio albums featuring a diverse collection of songs and hymns and authored two books containing a rich assortment of musical compositions.

Embracing the digital age, he expanded his reach by creating over 250 videos of Konkani and English hymns for his YouTube channel, making his music accessible to a global audience.

Timeless Hymns

Apolinaris D’Souza’s hymns continue to be celebrated today, particularly for their role in the transition from Latin to Konkani in religious liturgy. Some of his popular compositions include ‘Møn’dirant Bhitør Sørun,’ ‘Ørgam Tuka Somiya,’ ‘Ye Ye Jezu Mogalla,’ ‘Unddya Vayna Søvem,’ ‘Vetam Somiya,’ and ‘Sasnnacho Vishev.’ His role in organizing the first Konkani program in Muscat in 1976 is a testament to his pioneering spirit. He also organized ‘Apoli Night’ and served as the choirmaster at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Ruwi for nearly two decades. Apolinaris made significant contributions to the Muscat Konkani Catholic Community (MKCC) and the Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish (MCCP) organizations in Oman.

The Significance of the Kalakar Puraskar

The ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ was established in 2005 by linguist Pratap Naik, SJ, and his Carvalho Household of Kundapura. This annual award is presented to individuals from the Karnataka region in recognition of their outstanding achievements in various fields related to Konkani culture, including music, dance, theatre, folklore, and cinema. The award not only celebrates the recipient’s contributions but also serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of Konkani art and culture.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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