It was a day to remember for the group of Konkani writers who had initiated the forum called ‘Daiji Dubai’ back in 1999 with the intention of promoting Konkani language, culture and art. Founded under the leadership of Dayan D’Souza Mukamar with the support of four others, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, Stany Nirude, Hemacharya (Stephan Mascarenhas), and Melvyn Rodrigues, today the forum consists of more than three dozen Konkani writers who reside in the UAE.
The 22nd anniversary celebration was organised at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, Al Garoud ball room on Sunday February 13 from 11 am to 4:30 pm. The programme started with releasing of new title song of Daiji Dubai. Founder member Walter Nandalike released the song in the presence of other founder members and past and current convenors of Daiji Dubai. The song was originally written by Robert Fernandes Udyavar and Rony D’Cunha, and modified by Glany Fernandes by visually covering the journey of Daiji Dubai from last 21 years and beautifully sung by Vinay Lewis, Sabitha Mathias, Lydwin Cutinho, Zeena Pinto, Jeevan Vas and Anil Rodrigues for the wonderful music of Adrian Gomes.