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Popular Konkani Movie Director, Harry Fernandes, Barkur, conferred prestigious, ‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’ title….

It was a great and pleasant day of first parish Feast of renovated Church / parish of St Peter in Barkur and in the evening, the Church open ground  was filled with thousands to watch the Movie Benddkar, at 7.00 p.m. on 18th December, 2019. The ICYM Barkur, SPA Barkur – Mumbai, ICYM Barkur Ex Members Association, jointly organized this mega show, where most part of this super hit film had its shooting, in the surroundings locations, earlier had the Muhurtam and on 16th February, 2019.

During felicitation programme held just before the show, veteran Director, Producer, Harry Fernandes, Barkur was honored with a citation conferring the most deserved title, ‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’. Parish Priest of St. Peter Church, Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha presided over the glittering ceremony, accompanied by pastoral Council Vice President Jerald Gonsalves, Secretary Vivet Lewis, all ayog Convener Dolphy D’Souza.

Seasoned pair of - Former President of St Peters Association, Felix Barnes and Secretary Vincent D’Almeida, California USA, were the Chief Guests. Rev. Fr. Cyprian Henry D’Souza, wellknown priest from native Barkur, Superior of the IHM Convent Sr. Jasmitha, Varado ICYM President Venrold Lewis, Yuva Ayog President Alwyn D’Almeida, were escorted to the dais by ICYM President Glen Furtado with roses to welcome all of them.

The highlight of the event was to honor popular, son of the soil, the man who earned a distinct recognition in films in four Indian languages, viz. Hindi, Bhojpuri, Marathi and Konkani.

On behalf of SPA, The ICYM, The ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association and the Parishioners, the well-worded citation (mann-potr) describing manifold achievements of Harry Fernandes was read out by Archibald Furtado, founder Secretary of SPA Barkur - Mumbai, conferring the Title, KONKANI CINE-KALA SAMRAT, witnessing a thunderous round of applause and a standing ovation to endorse and acknowledging the deserving honor, by the full packed audience. The Parish Priest, Guests on the stage garlanded, with a bouquet, colorful headgear (traditional Mundas) and basket full of fresh fruits handed over to the recipient…..

In his humble and emotional reply to the recognition of this magnitude, Harry recalled his days in Barkur in 60’s and thanked all Barkurians for their kind support, encouragement and magnanimity at all times. Also expressed his contentment to see the great reception the Movie Benddkar received all over the Konkani world….

Vincent D’Almeida, who spoke on behalf of all the organisations, praised Harry for his rich talents, ‘we all being Barkurians assure our patronage in all your activities’ he continued….ICYM the SPA etc. very dear to his heart, will stand like rock to encourage and in coming days he expected greater service through silver screen…..He also appreciated the ICYM for its initiatives and extended an Invitation to attend the grand Re-union  of all ICYM Members of last 43 years (1976 – 2019) on 23rd December, 2019.

Vicar also honored all Benddkar Movie artists, Alwyn and Sujatha Andrade, Archibald Furtado, Dolphy D’Souza, Jessie Menezes, Ivan Furtado, Sylvan D’Almeida, John Picardo, Oswald Fernandes, Patrick D’Silva, Edwin Picardo, Patrick D’Almeida, and others who were present on this occasion, including the live New Jolly Band team Perampally, Production Manager Prem D’Souza, Editor of the film Abhishek etc.

In his Presidential address Rev Fr. Philip Neri Aranha, heartily admitted to be proud, and  part and parcel of Barkurians, since last 2-3 years….He  expressed his great satisfaction to know about veteran movie personality in four languages and congratulated Harry Fernandes Barkur, on behalf of the citizens, as well as parishioners of Barkur….while wishing a roaring success to the film Benddkar, he expected Harry to come out with many more master pieces in Konkani language in years to come…Konkani Cine-Kala-Samrat, deserve all praises and need people’s encouragement in his future endeavors he concluded.

Once the stage programme was concluded with vote of thanks on behalf of Dolphy D’Souza, the animator and one of the former President of ICYM, the man behind this free show in Barkur, Archibald Furtado, who aptly handled proceedings, announced to the spectators, almost full to its capacity in the Church open ground, be ready watch nonstop two and a half hours Movie Benddkar…..!

The Movie received a glorious welcome in Barkur…. and the people from the neighboring parishes too, glued to their seats till 10.00 PM, soon after, the live band brought dance lovers to the floor to rejoice and celebrate.