The Entertainment and Seminar Committees have arranged two days of fun-filled, thought-provoking and entertaining extravaganza for you! The events are designed to showcase the Sammelan theme "Awaken the Konkani in You" and are meant to stimulate your senses, inspire your intellect and pump up your pride in being a Konkani!
Pre-Sammelan Activities — Thursday, July 3, 2008While the main Sammelan program is on the 4th and 5th of July, there are a few Pre-Sammelan activities planned on the 3rd. On the morning of July 3rd, there is a Medical Symposium for Physicians via separate registration.
We are expecting most of the out-of-town Sammelan guests to arrive on the 3rd (Thursday) afternoon. The Hyatt Hotel is attached to the Sammelan Venue, Santa Clara Convention Center. After checking into their hotel rooms, guests can meet old friends and socialize at the Panchadik Lounge. Pre-registration allows guests to register for the Sammelan and obtain their passes at a leisurely pace. In the evening, we will have a Social "Happy" Hour featuring world-famous California wines at the Panchadik Lounge where guests will be entertained by an up-and-coming Konkani stand-up comedian! The evening will culminate with a sumptuous Konkani dinner. The lounge will be open until 11:00 pm for the late birds who may wish to continue socializing and sneak in a night cap at the Hyatt bar.
Opening Day — Friday, July 4, 2008Independence Day starts early with an authentic Konkani breakfast and Sammelan Registration for those who have just arrived. The memorable Grand Opening Ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 am and should certainly not be missed!
The Chief Guest for the Sammelan is Prakash Padukone, Badminton World Champion who will motivate and inspire us with his experiences and accomplishments on the international circuit and in life.
The Dining Hall is large enough to accommodate all of the attendees in one "sitting" so please don't rush for lunch! There will be plenty of space, and great Konkani dishes to satiate you to your hearts content!
The afternoon starts off with Keynote speakers Padma Vibhushan K.V. Kamath, Managing Director & CEO of ICICI Bank and Smt. Jaya Row, Management Consultant and Founder of Vedanta Vision, followed by Seminars and Breakout Sessions on various discussion topics.
The Evening Main Music Event will be a unique blend of classical and modern music presented by our talented Konkani youth and Prasanna, an accomplished and versatile professional musician. Prasanna is a professor at the famed Berklee Music School in Boston and is a virtuoso performer of Carnatic Classical Music on the electric guitar.
Closing Day — Saturday, July 5, 2008After breakfast, experience a full morning with fine entertainment by regional groups including plays by the Chicago and Los Angeles Konkanis.
Lunch will be followed by the popular tradition of choosing the most talented Konkani at the Konkani Idol Competition. The Awards ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding Konkanis from various fields.
Don't miss the exhilarating Closing Ceremony with its Grand Finale!
The evening will end with a formal banquet dinner followed by dancing until midnight.
SocializationBased on valuable input from attendees of previous Sammelans, we have reserved several hours on all three days for meeting and greeting long-lost friends, relatives and loved ones. The Panchadik lounge will transport you back to Konkani towns and hamlets where you can sit back, relax and chat into the wee hours!
We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you a very enjoyable and exciting Sammelan!