The 11th ‘Carvalho Ghorannem-Mandd Sobhann Kalakar Puraskar’ was bestowed upon young theatre artiste and director Christopher D’Souza Neenasam, on Sun., Nov. 1, 2015, at Kalaangann, Mangalore. 

Rev. Fr. Vijay Victor Lobo, Director of Sandesha, presented the Award. In his presidential address, he said that Awards come searching those who strive to live their dreams. Christopher truly deserves this Award for his contribution to Konkani theatre. He also added that the contribution of actors and actresses are always recognized but the person who trains and directs them is always forgotten. 

The Award comprises of Rs. 25,000/- cash, shawl, memento, citation and public honour. 

Christopher said that many people made fun of him for having chosen Theatre as a profession after his graduation. He said that he has satisfaction in his work and gave a call to the youth to join this field. He also thanked all those who helped him grow in this field. 

Dr Pratap Naik, representative of the Carvalho Ghorannem, Mandd Sobhann Gurkar – Eric Ozario and President – Louis Pinto, were present on the dais. Mandd Sobhann Secretary, Kishore Fernandes read out the citation. Vitori Karkal compered the programme. 

This was followed by the 167th Monthly Theatre ‘Sur-Tall-Mell...Sumell’ – a choral presentation, by ‘Sumell’, the Singing Club of Mandd Sobhann. A team of 55 artistes presented 12 songs in 4 voices, and received a rousing response from the house-full audience for their outstanding performance. Rev. Fr Denis D’Sa was present as a special guest on the occasion. He congratulated the team for their wonderful presentation and for all the effort that had been put in it. He also invited the team to perform in Udupi. Sangeet Guru Joel Pereira provided music direction, while Eric Ozario compered the show.