Fr Clement Mascarenhas
Fr Clement entered the music scene in 1994 in collaboration with the late Fr Valerian Mendonca. Together, they came to be known as the ‘Laxmikant-Pyarelal of Konkani music’ and released 49 devotional music albums. He has written lyrics and composed music for more than 500 songs across 51 albums.
After Fr Valerian’s demise, Fr Clement continued his musical journey. His work includes hymns for church liturgies and songs on social themes, some of which have been translated into Hindi. Following the award ceremony, the 299th programme in the monthly theatre series, Mho’ynyalli Manchi, will feature the premiere of a new Konkani play, ‘Mel’lyanche Upadr’, written by Nellu Permannur and presented by Comedy Company.
The award will be presented at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar, on Nov 1. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a memento, citation certificate, shawl, fruits and flowers. A multifaceted personality, priest, educator, musician, composer and administrator, Fr Clement was born in Kelmbet-Bola in 1954. Ordained as a priest in 1981, he has served in various parishes and educational institutions. In recognition of his service to education, the Dakshina Kannada district administration honoured him with the Best Teacher Award in 2005.
Mangaluru: Fr Clement Mascarenhas, musician, composer and parish priest of Karkala Town Church, has been selected for the 22nd Kalakar Puraskar, instituted jointly by the Carvalho family and Mandd Sobhann, in recognition of his contribution to devotional music and encouragement of young musical talent. Ronald Pinto, a non-resident entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Abu Dhabi, will be the chief guest, while Pratap Naik, a linguist from Goa, will attend as the guest of honour. Louis J Pinto will preside over the function. He also served as the first secretary of Catholic Board of Education of Udupi Diocese.