Catholic Sabha Omzoor Unit Organises Elocution Competition

The Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Omzoor Unit, organised an elocution competition for the parishioners on Sunday, October 11, at Omzoor.

The programme began with the invocation of God’s blessings through a melodious prayer hymn rendered by Jenisha Lewis. Joldin Lewis, President of the Catholic Sabha Omzoor Unit, welcomed the gathering.

A total of 20 enthusiastic participants took part in the competition, which was conducted in five groups, with topics in Konkani and Kannada. The participants displayed their confidence, creativity and oratory skills.

Arthur D’Souza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Omzoor; Daffny Lewis, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Omzoor; Laveena D’Souza, Bellur, and Sylvia Nisha Lobo, Thodambil, who served as judges for the competition; Joldin Lewis, President of the Catholic Sabha Omzoor Unit; and Anita Lobo, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha Omzoor Unit, were present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, Arthur D’Souza extended his greetings and best wishes to all the participants and their parents. He encouraged parents to motivate and support their children in participating in such activities, emphasising that elocution competitions provide valuable opportunities to develop communication skills, self-confidence and leadership qualities. He also urged the young participants to make the best use of such opportunities in the coming years.

Anita Lobo introduced the judges to the gathering.

All 20 participants impressed the audience with their speaking abilities, preparation and enthusiasm. At the conclusion of the competition, the judges announced the winners in each category. First, second and third prizes were declared, while consolation prizes were announced for all participants in recognition of their efforts and dedication.

The prizes will be distributed on November 1 during the Children’s Day celebration at Omzoor Church.

The programme was compered by Babitha D’Souza. Refreshments were served to all those present.

The competition concluded on a joyful note, encouraging young talents to develop their public speaking abilities and inspiring them to participate actively in future events.

‘Sur-Sargam’ Inter-Parish Anthyakshari Competition – 2026

An exciting and closely contested Inter-Parish Anthyakshari Competition, ‘Sur-Sargam’, organized by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R), Omzoor Unit at the Bantwal Deanery level, was held on September 6, 2026, at the Holy Family Sabha Bhavan, Omzoor.
The event commenced with the registration of participating teams at 1:30 p.m. A total of 10 teams from Agrar, Bellore, Bambil, Farla,  Omzoor, Kuppepadav, Nirkan, Loretto, Modankap and  Vamadapav church comprising four members each, took part in the competition. The formal inauguration was held at 2:00 p.m. in the presence of distinguished guests and representatives of the Catholic Sabha, Parish Pastoral Council and religious community.
The dignitaries included Rev. Fr. William Menezes, Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, Omzoor and Spiritual Director of Catholic Sabha Omzoor; Sr. Luciana Fernandes, Superior of St. Charles Borromeo Convent, Arkula; Mr. Alphonse Fernandes, President of Catholic Sabha Bantwal Deanery; Mrs. Veena Gonsalves, Secretary of Catholic Sabha Bantwal Deanery; Mr. Arthur Dsouza, Vice-President of PPC, Omzoor; Mrs. Daffny Lewis, Secretary of PPC, Omzoor; renowned singer and competition judge Mr. Robin Sequeira; Mr. Joldin Lewis, President of Catholic Sabha Omzoor; and Mrs. Anitha Lobo, Secretary of Catholic Sabha Omzoor.
The formal programme was compered by Ms. Ashlin Fernandes and began with a prayer song presented by members of Catholic Sabha Omzoor. Mr. Joldin Lewis welcomed the gathering and the dignitaries. The competition was formally inaugurated as all the guests jointly unveiled the scrolls bearing the name ‘Sur-Sargam’. The trophies and medals were unveiled by Mr. Alphonse Fernandes and Mrs. Veena Gonsalves.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Alphonse Fernandes extended his best wishes to all the participating teams. Ms. Tenisha Pinto introduced the judge, Mr. Robin Sequeira, highlighting his musical background and experience. Rev. Fr. William Menezes delivered the presidential address and encouraged the participants to make the event a celebration of music, fellowship and healthy competition.
The much-awaited competition then commenced under the energetic leadership of Mr. Steevan Dsouza, who hosted the event with the assistance of the Sur-Sargam team.
The competition featured two qualifier rounds, with five teams competing in each round. Each qualifier consisted of six different games, testing the participants’ knowledge, memory, speed and versatility in music. The top three teams from each qualifier advanced to the final round.
The final witnessed six teams, three from each qualifier, competing across seven different games. The competition remained intense throughout, with the participating teams putting up a strong performance and keeping the audience engaged. The closely fought rounds showcased not only the participants’ extensive knowledge of songs but also their quick recall, teamwork and enthusiasm.
After a thrilling final, Team Nirkan emerged as the Champions. Team Bellore secured the First Runner-up position, while Team Modankap finished as the Second Runner-up.
The valedictory ceremony was compered by Mr. Elroy Saldanha. The ceremony was attended by Rev. Fr. William Menezes; Rev. Fr. Rahul Dexter Dsouza, Resident Priest; Sr. Luciana Fernandes; Mr. Alphonse Fernandes; Mrs. Veena Gonsalves; Mr. Arthur Dsouza; Mrs. Daffny Lewis; Mr. Robin Sequeira; Mr. Joldin Lewis; and Mrs. Anitha Lobo.
All the sponsors who supported the event were honoured with mementos in appreciation of their valuable contribution towards the successful conduct of the competition.
The event was proudly supported by Leyton Shipping LLC, Bangalore & Mangalore (Prop. John Lancy D’Souza, Dubai) as the Champions Trophy sponsor, Mr. Praveen Lobo & Family (Qatar) as the 1st Runners-Up sponsor, and Mr. Junus Monteiro & Family (Thodambila) as the 2nd Runners-Up sponsor, with co-sponsorship from Mr. Walter Braggs & Family (Omzoor) and Jyasni & Jian Mendonca (Mumbai)
Mrs. Anitha Lobo, Secretary of Catholic Sabha Omzoor, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, judge, participating teams, sponsors, volunteers, organisers and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, where the winning teams were presented with their trophies and medals by the distinguished guests.
The first edition of ‘Sur-Sargam’ at the Bantwal Deanery level proved to be a memorable celebration of music, camaraderie and community spirit, with all ten participating teams contributing to the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of the day.