Artists here consider migrants from Dakshina Kannada to West Asian countries as the backbone for activities related to protection of native culture and art. The non-resident Indians in West Asia are held in high esteem for their unending support in organising activities on the foreign soil and in funding cultural programmes held in Mangalore and neighbouring areas.
A cross section of artistes in the city appreciates the way people born in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi who have kept in touch with the native art and culture. “It's because of their patronage that many things are happening in Konkani culture. They have kept Konkani art alive,” said writer Eric Ozario, the Gurukaar (Chief) of Cultural organisation Mandd Sobhann and also the former president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
Similar was the reaction of playwright Vijaykumar Kodialbail.
“Our culture and art is more alive in West Asian countries than here. Bhoota Kola and Chande (instrument used in Yakshagana and Talamaddale) sound attract a bigger crowd there than here. Our dialogues get a better appreciation there. This might be because they rarely get occasions to be in touch the native culture and art,” he said.
Music and drama troupes have been holding shows in the West Asian countries for over five decades. The popular among the shows were the “Wilfy Rebimbus Nite” staged by the late singer Wilfy Rebimbus. According to Mr. Ozario, Rebimbus, who died last year (March 9 2010), was the most sought after artiste in West Asia. “His skill of crafting songs, the tunes and his singing attracted many. Many of his songs are still popular,” Mr. Ozario said.
People of West Asia were so fond of Rebimbus that many of them came down to Mangalore and held the Wilfy's Sentimental Nite in remembrance of the contribution of the singer. The programme was held at the T.M.A. Pai auditorium in August 2009, Mr. Ozario said.
Clubs and association
The clubs and associations of the migrants have also been functioning for a long time in these countries. Earliest of the associations has been the Milkway Friends Circle in Kuwait that started in 1976. Associations such as Konkani Kutam, Konkani Singers Club and Karnataka Club have been functioning in Bahrain. Mangalore Catholic Club has been functioning in Doha. “These clubs have been supporting lot of activities of Konkani here,” Mr. Ozario said. A major portion of the funding for the first World Konkani Conference held in November 2010 was from immigrants, Mr. Ozario added.
Organisations such as Tulu Koota and associations of Bunts, Billavas and other castes in the Middle East countries host Tulu comedy plays. On an average 20 shows are staged in a year by music and drama troupes in the Middle East countries.
Singer Melwyn Peris, who has held many shows in West Asia, said the support of immigrants to the native art and culture has got restricted to the older generation. “The younger generation, especially those born in Gulf countries, are not showing much interest,” Mr. Peris said.
