Panaji, August 2025: Goa’s rich musical legacy resonated through classrooms-turned-concert-halls as students from 17 schools and colleges experienced ‘Cantaram for the Community,’ a cultural outreach initiative by Communicare Trust to mark its 20th anniversary. The twin events, hosted at Carmel College, Nuvem and St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, introduced a new generation to the timeless magic of Konkani cantaram.
The programme featured captivating live renditions by the musical collective Entre Nós, who performed classics like Molbailou Dou and a Claudia medley. Vinyl record collector Leaxan Freitas offered students a rare look at vintage music formats — from shellac discs to analogue gramophones — sparking awe among those who had only read about such devices in books.
Through music, stories, and interactive quizzes, the event revived the works of legendary Goan composers and singers such as C. Alvares, Frank Fernand, Chris Perry, Ophelia Cabral, and Antonette Mendes. Performances included beloved pieces like Nachom-ia Kumpasar, Sobit Amchem Goem, and Bencdaita Pai, reintroducing students to melodies that once defined Goa’s soundscape.
Dr. Glenis Mendonca of Carmel College highlighted the event’s camaraderie and engagement, noting how students even danced to the tunes. Student Sofia Haokip described the joy of seeing a gramophone and vinyl in action for the first time.
Manager at Communicare Trust, Nalini Elvino de Sousa, explained that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between generations, showing how music technology evolved while celebrating Goa’s cultural roots. Supported by the Maria Crescencia Menezes Memorial Educational Trust, ‘Cantaram for the Community’ continues the Trust’s mission of preserving and promoting Goan culture for future generations.
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