LONDON
It was a special moment for the Goan community as a Konkani song was presented for the first time at the official Republic Day celebration at the High Commission of India in London on Friday.
Two sisters and upcoming singers, Lanisha and Delisha Vaz, were invited by the Indian Mission in the UK to perform and they sang the Konkani song ‘Ami Soglim Ek’ which was originally composed and sung by the Goan legend, late Alfred Rose, during the official cultural event.
The Indian national flag was unfurled at India House by High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.
Later, a cultural programme was organised in the High Commission’s courtyard, which featured presentations from different states of India. A special attraction was the presence of Bollywood actor Boman Irani.
A Konkani song was presented for the very first time at the official Republic Day event. Lanisha and Delisha, the Vaz sisters who are known as ‘Melodious Konkani Stars’ performed the song ‘Ami Soglim Ek’.
Before the start of the song, Delisha spoke about the song ‘Ami Soglim Ek’ and in her address to the packed gathering, said the message of the song is simple and timeless.
“We may be from different states, speak different languages and we may be Christian, Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs, but at the end of the day, we are all united together as one, as Indians,” said Delisha.
The audience were enthralled with the Goan song and applauded the performance of Lanisha and Delisha. Bollywood actor Boman Irani praised the Goan sisters and even requested them to perform a verse again on stage.
“It was a proud moment for the Goan community to have a song in their mother tongue presented at the official Republic Day celebration,” said Clayton Barreto, a Goan who serves as the social secretary to the High Commissioner.
“I had requested the High Commission to include a Konkani song and they readily agreed. We then shortlisted these sisters and upcoming Goan singers who have been making waves in London and invited them to perform.”
“The Goans present at the event were delighted to hear a song in Konkani. They praised the HC Vikram Doraiswami for inviting and encouraging two singers from the Goan community to present a song from Goa.”
“Incidentally, this is the second time that Lanisha and Delisha have performed at an event hosted by the Indian High Commission. Previously, they had sung at a Christmas event in 2017,” he added.
The Vaz family was grateful to Barreto for giving Lanisha and Delisha the opportunity to sing at this prestigious event attended by the Indians and persons of India origin along with the officials of the High Commission of India.
“Clayton Barreto had made great efforts to propose Lanisha and Delisha for a performance and they were able to perform and showcase their talent of singing, on behalf of the Goan community,” acknowledged Pascoal Vaz, father of Lanisha and Delisha.
In the evening, there was a Republic Day reception hosted at London’s famous Guildhall. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk KC MP was the chief guest, while other guests included Lord Bilimoria, other Lords along with MPs, government officials from different cabinet offices in the UK, heads of missions and community heads of the Indian diaspora along with members of the Indian community.
