Melody king Alfred Rose’s 90th birthday was celebrated amidst renditions of his memorable songs, book release and felicitation programme at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, yesterday.
The curtains unfolded on stage with solos and a duet of Alfred Rose, rendered in melodious voices by the students of Carmel College, Nuvem. They were well accepted and appreciated by the family of Alfred Rose and the audience.
The formal function was followed by the release of the book of song lyrics, rendered by Alfred Rose. The Rose Blooms, the book researched and penned by Dr Glenis Maria Mendonca, lecturer at Carmel College, Nuvem, was released at the hands of Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Joshua D’Souza, in the presence of Rita Rose, wife of Alfred Rose, and members of the Dalgado Konkani Academy (DKA).
A TREASURE TROVE OF HITS
At the onset, former speaker of the Legislative Assembly and ex-president of the Dalgado Konkani Academy (DKA), Tomazinho Cardozo, threw light on the contents of the book. He categorically mentioned that it is a document which will be very useful for future generations, especially students, who would like to research the lyrics of songs, rendered by Alfred Rose.
Cardozo said that Alfred Rose’s songs focused on varied subjects, ranging from religion, saints, language, culture, superstitions and unity among Goans and people across the nation. “He never had the habit of criticizing anyone, but through witty songs, would convey a message to the listeners and his fans,” he added.
“In Alfred Rose’s songs there was also a focus on women as some of the titles depict,” Cardozo said, “but there was never discrimination in the contents of the songs. Instead, he showed equal respect to both genders.”
Cardozo reminded the audience that August 5, being Alfred Rose’s 90th birthday, songs of the melody king were aired for almost half an hour as a befitting tribute to the legend. He wondered how many in the auditorium listened to those songs, which would definitely bring back those nostalgic days.
Apart from being a lyricist, composer and singer, Cardozo rightly pointed out that Alfred Rose was also a writer with many Konkani novels to his credit. “So, his rich literature in Roman Konkani cannot be forgotten or ignored. After the release of his songs, he would compile them in the form of a small booklet, which would sell like hot cakes, back then,” he mentioned.
Cardozo also stated that there has never been a book before, which has been authored intensely with regard to lyrics of songs, rendered by legends. “So, this book is one of a kind, which will be very helpful for all those who would like to understand and do an in-depth study of Rose’s lyrics and songs,” he stressed, “and the author deserves appreciation for all the efforts put in to compile and analyze the rich lyrics of Alfred Rose’s songs.”
The chief guest for the day, Joshua D’Souza, said that he was privileged to be part of such a grand celebration and recalled that his father (and former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa), late Francis D’Souza, mentioned and reminded him that Alfred Rose was a big man in his own accord.
He said that he never had the opportunity to speak in Konkani at home as the medium of education was always in English and interaction among the family members continued in the alien language. “But, any Goan can be identified only when he/she speaks Konkani, irrespective of where they are, and from which part of Goa they belong,” he added.
After the book release function, in honour of Alfred Rose, his wife Rita Rose was felicitated by the president of DKA, Vincy Quadros and other executive members. Oldies of Alfred Rose were rendered by his spouse, Rita Rose, children, Engelbert Rose and Alria Rose, besides Francis Esteves, Anthony San, Socorro de Santa Cruz, Amresh Kamat, KerryAnn Albuquerque, Glenis Mendonca and Johnny B Gud.