ONLY FOR A FEW GOOD LAUGHS

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Article in Hindustan Times, HT City, New Delhi, 16 December 2012:

ONLY FOR A FEW GOOD LAUGHS

A musical comedy that talks about the saas-damad relationship

–    Chetna Dua

Move over saas-bahu sagas, it is time for saas-damad drama. Watch out for this rib-tickling musical comedy about a guy being rejected by his mother-in-law, which will be staged in the city today. Titled “Let’s Freeze The Mother-In-Law”, the play revolves around a young girl Emily Hendrix whose lover Hari Singh is initially rejected by her mother. “The mother-in-law is often the dreaded monster of the family especially in India where one still has the culture of joint families. But usually the focus is on the girl’s mother-in-law. This play is a hilarious take on the relationship between the groom to be and his mother-in-law. It is the male version of the saas-bahu soap operas,” says Aubrey Aloysius, founder-trustee, LAMP Trust, a social organization promoting performing arts in the city. “Music forms an important part of the play,” says Gerald Rodricks, the director of the play.

Make merry
The play brings together working professionals from different fields of music, education and management who meet regularly in the evening after work hours and early mornings to practice for the play. “It does require a lot of dedication. It is just a matter of figuring out the geographical details,” says Sandeep Kohli an HR professional who plays Hari Singh, the lover in the play. “Christmas is all about getting together and celebrating the festival as one family. Practising together at Aubrey’s home has brought the cast together with lots of fun-filled memories,” says Rodricks, the director.

 

Catch it here
What: Let’s Freeze The Mother-In-Law, a musical comedy
When: Today
Timing: 7:30pm onwards
Where: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector-44, Gurgaon
Nearest Metro Station: Huda City Centre on the yellow line

This Christmas Eve Season LAMP Invites You To Sing Carols, Dance & Laugh To GIVE Generously!

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 14 – 20 December 2012

This Christmas Eve Season LAMP Invites You To Sing Carols, Dance & Laugh To GIVE Generously!

As the Christmas and New Year Season approaches, LORRAINE MUSIC ACADEMY and LAMP TRUST have great plans to bring light to the city of Gurgaon and the National Capital Region through music and drama. There will be Carolling, Dancing and a Comedy Musical Play.

The Christmas Eve plans include 2 shows of “Musical Concert Celebrating Christmas” @ 7:30pm on Saturday 15th December and @ 11am on Sunday 16th December @ Epicentre Auditorium, Gurgaon with performances by Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, Swapna Abraham, Joanne Fernandes, and a host of stars in the making. Father Thomas D’Sa will choreograph “Nrityarpan”, a professional dance troupe of highly talented girls from economically backward society of Bareilly. The Christmas Eve plans also include a Comedy Musical Drama @ 7:30pm on Sunday 16th December @ Epicentre Auditorium, Gurgaon – “Let’s Freeze The Mother-In-Law”.
 
Entry is free to the Concerts and the Drama. For more information, please email lorrainemusicacademy@gmail.com OR lamp.trust.india@gmail.com OR SMS 9910143344 / 9910229546. LAMP urges the community in New Delhi and the National Capital Region to donate generously to LAMP. This will help LAMP to bring cheer to poor children this season.  To DONATE any GENEROUS SUM towards the above cause this season, one may make out a cheque in favour of “LAMP”. Donations will be eligible for INCOME TAX EXEMPTION under SECTION 80-G of the Income Tax Act. The musicals form a part of the Music & Art Festival in aid of LAMP Trust. LAMP endeavours to make resources available towards skill & talent development for the poor & under-served communities. LAMP is a trust registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 in Gurgaon, Haryana, India (Regn. No. 19238, 2010-11) with a mandate to promote Music and the Arts – Performing Arts, Visual Arts & Literary Arts. LAMP aims to raise resources to set up the LAMP World Cultural Centre in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of Delhi, India to promote Music and the Arts.

Performers at the Musical Concert Celebrating Christmas:

LORRAINE FIONA ALOYSIUS is a Licentiate of the Trinity College of London – UK (Pianoforte) and a Masters in Banking & Finance. Lorraine has been recently awarded the coveted “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR” for her contribution and work in the field of Music, Art & Culture. Lorraine has been living in Gurgaon since 2004 and is the Creative Director of Lorraine Music Academy and the Trustee of LAMP Trust.

SWAPNA ABRAHAM is a Singer-Songwriter, born in Kochi and living currently in UAE. She is the only solo artiste in India in English Music production, be it Gospel or other category, to bring out 19 albums. Swapna is being awarded the LAMP–iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Music (Maestro) Award for her successful career.

JOANNE FERNANDES is one of Goa’s finest talents. Joanne participated in LAMP’s Nation-wide “SING A SONG” 2012 Contest and is being awarded the LAMP–iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Folk Music (Jury Award) 2012 and the LAMP–iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Gospel Music (Popular Vote Award) 2012.

Cast of the Musical Comedy Drama “Let’s Freeze The Mother-In-Law”:

DR. GERALD RODRICKS’ life time achievements can be summed up with the 3 S’s : Studies, Sports, Stage Craft. Dr. Rodricks is being conferred with the LAMP-iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Music & Drama (Thespian) 2012 Award for his amazing work in the field of Education, Music & Drama.

AUBREY ALOYSIUS is an ex-International Banker, Marketing Professional, Entrepreneur, Thinker and Doer. He has been recently awarded the coveted “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR” for his visionary contribution and work in the field of Music, Art & Culture and has been living in Gurgaon since 2004 and is the Founder Chairman, Managing Director & CEO of Lorraine Music Academy and the Founder Trustee & President of LAMP Trust.

KAMALINI ROY HIREMATH has been performing on stage from the young age of 3years as a vocalist and an actor. She has done numerous plays both in English as well as in vernacular languages.

SANDEEP KOHLI is an accomplished Human Resource Professional with more than 20 years experience. He, with support from his wife Savita, very recently launched ‘Lets Do Our Bit’ Foundation to support children who are battling with life threatening illnesses..

NINOTCHKA COLACO, a former aviation professional, is from Goa. Ninotchka has been here since 2011, currently assisting Lorraine Fiona Aloysius at Lorraine Music Academy.

THE THINKERS’ FORUM with DR. VISHAL MANGALWADI

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Article in FRIDAY GURGAON : 07 – 13 December 2012

THE THINKERS’ FORUM with DR. VISHAL MANGALWADI

One of the important tasks of a thoughtful civil society is to create and sustain as many areas as possible of informed discussion and debate. In India, that space has remained surprisingly small. An inclination towards passivity, a wide latitude for compromise (even if it involves the abandonment of important values), a fragile and misguided sense of nationalism, a desire to get on with one’s own existence at the expense of wider societal implications – are some of the usually touted culprits. In addition, we harbour a misplaced notion of critique, viewing it in the light of a criticism rather than an essential prerequisite for growth in the fullest sense, as individuals, as society and as a nation.

LAMP Trust is taking the initiative to facilitate such a space for dialogue and is organising “The Thinkers’ Forum” to be held in Gurgaon @ 6:30pm on Sunday 9th December, 2012. This Forum will facilitate an exploration on the issue of leadership. In the Indian context, the “quality of leadership" issue has long been an abiding staple of political and social discourse. In keeping with these concerns, this year’s theme is “The Application of Principles in an Age of Opportunism: Principle Centred Leadership”.

The Forum is open to thinking leaders – professionals and entrepreneurs, who are concerned not only about the ethical foundations of their own professional and businesses practices but also of society at large. It will present an opportunity to think and dialogue with others, where a carefully selected package of readings supports the dialogue and where excellent moderation engages every participant. The session would span 2 hours.

Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi will moderate the session which will include readings from his latest book “Why Are We Backward” and discussions. Vishal Mangalwadi, is an international lecturer, social reformer, political columnist, and author of seventeen books. Born in 1949 and raised in India, he studied philosophy at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he returned to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India’s Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It was Mangalwadi’s books, In Search of Self and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. A recipient of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Distinguished National Service Award, Vishal Mangalwadi, LLD, started as a social activist working among the rural poor in Madhya Pradesh. His daring and innovative work catapulted him into the national headquarters of the Janata Party, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes. He also in the headquarters of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Presently, he is innovating an education revolution that will use the Internet to take the world’s best college education into every village. Vishal and his wife, Ruth, have two daughters and five grandchildren.

There are a couple of seats available for the session on Sunday 07 October. Those interested to participate, call Aubrey Aloysius – 99101-43344 for the invite.

http://www.facebook.com/events/408135229253980

AUBREY ALOYSIUS & LORRAINE FIONA ALOYSIUS FELICITATED WITH THE ‘KARMAVEER PURASKAAR’

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 30 November – 6 December 2012

AUBREY ALOYSIUS & LORRAINE FIONA ALOYSIUS FELICITATED WITH THE ‘KARMAVEER PURASKAAR’

The dynamic, versatile & spontaneous couple, AUBREY ALOYSIUS & LORRAINE FIONA ALOYSIUS, received an award for their commendable work in the field of SOCIAL SERVICE, MUSIC, ART & CULTURE. The couple was felicitated with the coveted ‘KARMAVEER PURASKAAR’ award on 26th November 2012 in New Delhi at the exclusive awards function which is a part of iCONGO’s REX GLOBAL CONCLiVE.

“iCONGO congratulates Aubrey Aloysius & Lorraine Fiona Aloysius for possessing the conviction and compassion to stand up, speak out and lead the change with their positive attitude”, says JERONINIO ALMEIDA, Founder of iCONGO & REX. “The management of iCONGO has selected their nomination after thorough due diligence based on the process created by the international HR audit firm MERCER and Grant Thornton. We marvel at the amazing work carried out by the couple in the area of Music, Art & Culture.”

“LAMP plans to use music & art education to help children and the youth, including those from impoverished circumstances, achieve their full potential and learn values that favour their growth and have a positive impact on their lives in society. Through our music, arts and social project, we wish to offer instruments, equipment and tuition through a network of after-school centres all over the country. We have already begun our work with about 300 children in Gurgaon through one of our patrons, Lorraine Music Academy. We plan to extend and expand this reach and seek the help of the community to enable us with our vision”, says Aubrey Aloysius, Founder Trustee & President of LAMP Trust.
 
Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, Director, Lorraine Music Academy, says, “Music education has the power to bring about a high level of discipline among those who study it diligently. My dream is to impact the nation through my work in the field of education – music education, arts education and general education. I want to play my part in teaching the rich and the poor to appreciate and learn and share music. We desire to gather, understand, appreciate and patronise music, instruments and musicians from all parts of India, and form the “Great India Instrumental Orchestra.”

 The “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR” awards ceremony has over the years become a “MELTING POT” where people from India & Global Citizens come “TOGETHER as ONE to RIGHT every WRONG”.   The CtrlS – iCONGO promoted “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR (KVP)” are the Global Awards for Social Justice and Citizen Action, instituted by the people sector & civil society with various partner organisations, citizens at large and media supporters.

Father Domnic Abreo of the Catholic Bishops Convention of India (CBCI), New Delhi gave away the LAMP-iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra 2012 Awards on 27th November 2012: Swapna Abraham – Music (Maestro Award); Winston Samuel & Sheila Samuel – CSR (Community Social Responsibility); Shanta Durga Creations (a group from Vasco, Goa) – Patriotic Music (Jury Award) for the song “Mhaajya Maayechya Bhumi”; Ranveer Saini, (12 year old autistic child from Gurgaon) – Patriotic Music (Popular Vote Award ) for the song “Ae Watan”; Joanne Fernandes (from Navelim, Goa) – Folk Music (Jury Award) 2012 for the song “Sea Lion Woman”; Aashna Kunkolienkar, (11 year old child from Dona Paula, Goa) – Folk Music (Popular Vote Award) for the song “Surya Ekuch”; Swati Jain –Pop / Rock / Bollywood Music (Jury Award) for the song “Natural Woman”; Ananya Panwar – Pop / Rock / Bollywood (Popular Vote Award) for the song “Starships”; Shantanu Arora – Gospel Music (Jury Award) for the song “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”; Joanne Fernandes (from Navelim, Goa) – Gospel Music (Popular Vote Award) for the song “Shackles”.

LAMP also nominated the following distinguished citizens for the REX GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP 2012 and the Karmaveer Chakra 2012 for their leadership and selfless contribution to society: Maheshwar Dayal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon; Col. Rattan Singh, Chairman of JAFRA, Gurgaon; Kartikay Saini, Chairman, Scottish High International School, Gurgaon; Dr. V. Samuel Raj, Assistant Director, Infectious Diseases, Daiichi Sankyo India; Dr. Murali Subramaniam, Gurgaon.

iCONGO, in association with CtrlS, VSO India and SOAP, has also launched Karmayuga-Right every Wrong Generation, an initiative that salutes and showcases the extra ordinary and inspiring work done by ordinary mortals, to Right a Wrong that they see around them. Best Citizen Action stories are awarded the Karmaveer Chakra – a medallion for proactive Citizen Action, instituted with the United Nations.
 

DELHI IS A ROMANTIC PLACE

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Article in Hindustan Times, New Delhi : 25 November 2012

DELHI IS A ROMANTIC PLACE

Says the couple who moved to the Capital eight years back to explore the music scene here.

–    Akriti Sawhney

For banker Aubrey Aloysius and corporate professional Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, life was smooth and beautiful in Mumbai, but their love for music got them to the Capital eight years back. “The Capital city no doubt has better growth when it comes to art and culture,” says Aubrey. Though the reason behind the shift was both personal and professional, Aubrey adds, “Music was one of the primary reasons we shifted here.”

THE INITIAL DAYS
Once in Delhi, the couple started their research on the music scene in the city and realised that there is a gap when it comes to world music that needs to be filled. They took up the challenge and started teaching music in their Gurgaon apartment’s drawing room. They started with a batch of 10 students and taught them piano. In 2010 their dream turned into a reality when they opened their first music institute called Lorraine Music Academy, in Gurgaon.

THE KARMAVEER PURASKAAR AWARD
Today, the academy has four branches in Gurgaon and among other things, it teaches world music and instruments such as piano, electronic keyboard, guitar and drums. While working on their dream academy, the couple also founded an NGO, Lamp, that aims to promote music and arts to help children and the youth achieve their full potential and learn values that favour their growth and have a positive impact on their lives. Through the NGO, they have organised various art and culture events that have got noticed. Seeing this development, iCONGO, a social organisation is felicitating the couple with the KARMAVEER PURASKAAR in Delhi on Nov 26.

OUR DELHI LIFE
Talking about their experience, the couple says, “Delhi is a romantic place. We love going to Lodhi Garden. We love the food here, specially the Dhaba food.” Aubrey tells us that he can’t forget his first breakfast in Delhi, an aloo parantha served with loads of butter. “It was so delicious.” But the couple has their individual choices when it comes to their favourite food in Delhi. For Lorraine, it’s tandoori chicken, while for Aubrey its mutton rogan josh.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-is-a-romantic-place/Article1-963776.aspx

This Christmas Eve Season LAMP invites you to SING & GIVE Generously!

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 23 – 29 November 2012

This Christmas Eve Season LAMP invites you to SING & GIVE Generously!

It is Christmas Eve…. Jesus was born in adverse & austere circumstances…. Angels came down from heaven to sing to the poor shepherds…. Wise men from the east presented generous gifts….

As the Christmas and New Year Season approaches, LORRAINE MUSIC ACADEMY and LAMP TRUST have great plans to bring light to the city of Gurgaon through music. A plan to teach YOU & YOUR CHILD to SING. There will be carolling across the city in December 2012 and also performances at Epicentre on the 15th & 16th of December 2012 @ 7:30pm. Most exciting is that the groups of singers will light up the lives of little poor children as well by teaching them to sing.  LAMP invites you to join in wholeheartedly GIVING and sharing GENEROUSLY during this Christmas season.

Please call on 9910229546 to enrol yourself & your child for CAROL SINGING TRAINING for 12 sessions of 1 hour each. To ENROL YOURSELF & YOUR CHILD in the above program, all one has to do is contribute any GENEROUS SUM you wish and make out your cheque in favour of “Lorraine Music Academy Pvt. Ltd.”. This will help us to contribute to LAMP for the poor children this season and also enable your family to enjoy this Musical Evening Celebrating Christmas.  Even if you or your child cannot participate, please feel free to simply give any GENEROUS SUM to LAMP towards a poor child. Hear and watch them sing!!! To DONATE any GENEROUS SUM you wish towards the above cause this season, please make out your cheque in favour of “LAMP”. Your donation will be eligible for INCOME TAX EXEMPTION under SECTION 80-G of the Income Tax Act.

The Christmas Eve plans include “A Musical Evening Celebrating Christmas” on 15th December with performances by Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, Swapna Abraham, Joanne Fernandes, and a host of stars in the making…. including the winners of the LAMP-iCONGO Karmveer Chakra for Music 2012 (Gospel Music Category). Swapna Abraham will receive a special LAMP-iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Music (Maestro: Gospel Music) for her amazing contribution to music. She is the only solo artiste in India in English Music production, be it Gospel or other category, to bring out as many albums – 19 albums so far. Joanne Fernandes is one of the finest talents Goa is proud of for the last decade. Singer, guitarist & song writer this power packed bomb shell has her own distinctive style.
http://www.facebook.com/events/469982293026658 

The Christmas Eve plans also include a Comedy Musical Drama – “Let’s Freeze The Mother-In-Law” – adapted and directed by Dr. Gerald Rodricks who has received an award for Drama in 1982 from the Government for his contributions as an actor, writer and director of English plays. In this musical comedy play, the scene is set on Christmas Eve at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Hendrix. Emily, their daughter, is in love with Walter and wants to marry him, much against the wishes of her mother, Mrs. Hendrix, but with the blessings of her father. Mrs. Hendrix, a real shrew, throws her weight around everyone, especially around poor old Mr. Hendrix – literally the founder member of the Hen-pecked Husbands’ Association – who grabs the opportunity to have some fun, after 30 years of marriage. Suddenly a nephew of the family, Freddy, arrives from Macau with a fantastic discovery which can freeze and suspend the animation of any being. What happens has to be seen in this hilarious play. The cast include Ninotchka Colaco, Sandeep Kohli, Kamalini Hiremath, Dr. Gerald Rodricks and Aubrey Aloysius, with a special appearance by Lorraine Fiona Aloysius.
http://www.facebook.com/events/154240308033552 

ENTRY PASSES are required for admission to the above events. Please send your EMAIL requests to lorrainemusicacademy@gmail.com OR lamp.trust.india@gmail.com OR SMS at 9910229546.

The musical concert and the musical comedy play form a part of the Music & Art Festival in aid of LAMP Trust – aimed at raising awareness and resources to set up the LAMP World Cultural Centre in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of Delhi, to promote the Arts.
http://www.facebook.com/events/415600105139944 
 

This Diwali Festive Season LAMP Invites You To Light Up The World Through Music & The Arts!

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 09 – 15 November 2012

This Diwali Festive Season LAMP Invites You To Light Up The World Through Music & The Arts!

“Emphasis on music & art in today’s generation is vital for the development of a healthy community. We need to focus on the Arts to build the intellectual, emotional, cultural, economic and political capital of our nation,” says Aubrey Aloysius, Founder Trustee, LAMP Trust.

LAMP is a trust with the mandate to promote & develop the Arts – Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts & Literary Arts. Donations to LAMP are exempt from income tax under Section 80G as per the current Government of India laws.

LAMP plans to use music and art education to help children and the youth – including those from impoverished circumstances – achieve their full potential and have a positive impact on their lives. LAMP’s institutional objective is to raise awareness and resources to set up the LAMP World Cultural Centre in Gurgaon. http://www.lamp-india.org

The LAMP Music & Art Festivals will include educative workshops, concerts and exhibitions. http://www.facebook.com/events/415600105139944/

Lorraine Music Academy serves the community through education, workshops, recitals, concerts, exhibitions and public performances. 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorraine-Music-Academy/113247108756592
http://www.lorrainemusicacademy.com

An invitation to light up the world around you:
As a part of its CSR objectives, Lorraine Music Academy encourages the community (individuals and institutions) to join in supporting LAMP Trust. Opportunities to participate are available in any of the following ways:
• PARTICIPATE in the nation-wide talent contest for the award of the LAMP – iCONGO KARMAVEER CHAKRA FOR MUSIC
• VOLUNTEER at LAMP
• Enrol to become a member of “FRIENDS OF LORRAINE” to experience special cultural events and unique benefits
• Help raise SPONSORSHIPS for LAMP’s Music & Art Events
• Help raise DONATIONS for LAMP’s various projects (benefit available under Sec 80G of Income Tax Act)
• Help raise GIFTS and ENDOWMENTS from Foundations, Trusts, Individuals, Corporates
• Help secure ORDERS for purchase of gift articles produced by Lorraine Music Academy to help the cause of LAMP (Greeting Cards, Desk Calendars, Wall Calendars, Reproductions of Child Art, Musical Gift Vouchers)
http://www.lorrainemusicacademy.com/support-our-csr-initiaives.php
 

REVEAL YOUR SINGING TALENT

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Article in O Herald, Goa : Goa’s Heartbeat : 3rd November 2012

REVEAL YOUR SINGING TALENT

Gurgaon based LAMP Trust, in association with Gurgaon based Lorraine Music Academy and Kala Academy Goa, is launching a nation-wide singing talent contest. Aubrey Aloysius, founder trustee of LAMP Trust, has announced that the last date for receiving the entries to the National ‘Sing A Song’ talent contest, to win the award of the LAMP – iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra Award for Music is November 15, 2012.

This contest is open to anyone from all age groups, across Goa and the nation, language is not a bar. There are four categories  for which winners will be awarded annually for group, duet and solo performances – patriotic / nationalistic music, gospel music, folk music and pop / rock / bollywood music and should represent and communicate the essence of India being a nation with multi facted culture, rich in arts and an emerging global leader. The songs can be a rendition of an existing song or a new composition but should not be more than 5 minutes duration. The entries should be shot and uploaded on youtube and submitted on www.LorraineMusicAcademy.com

AUBREY & LORRAINE ALOYSIUS TO BE FELICITATED WITH THE ‘KARMAVEER PURASKAAR’

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 02 – 08 November 2012

AUBREY & LORRAINE ALOYSIUS TO BE FELICITATED WITH THE ‘KARMAVEER PURASKAAR’

The very versatile & spontaneous couple, Aubrey Aloysius & Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, are set to receive an award for their commendable work in the field of social service. The couple will be felicitated with the coveted ‘Karmaveer Puraskaar’ award on the 26th of November 2012 in New Delhi at the exclusive awards function which is a part of iCONGO’s  REX GLOBAL CONCLiVE, being organised on 25th, 26th and 27th of November 2012.

“iCONGO congratulates Aubrey Aloysius & Lorraine Fiona Aloysius for possessing the conviction and compassion to stand up, speak out and lead the change with their positive attitude”, says Meenu Chopra, Executive Founding Director of iCONGO.

“LAMP plans to use music & art education to help children and the youth, including those from impoverished circumstances, achieve their full potential and learn values that favour their growth and have a positive impact on their lives in society. Through our music, arts and social project, we wish to offer instruments, equipment and tuition through a network of after-school centres all over the country. We have already begun our work with about 300 children in Gurgaon through one of our patrons, Lorraine Music Academy”, says Aubrey Aloysius, Founder Trustee & President of LAMP Trust.
 
Lorraine Fiona Aloysius, Director, Lorraine Music Academy, says, “Music education has the power to bring about a high level of discipline among those who study it diligently. I want to play my part in teaching the rich and the poor to appreciate and learn and share music.”

The CtrlS – iCONGO promoted “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR (KVP)” are the Global Awards for Social Justice and Citizen Action, instituted by the people sector & civil society with various partner organisations, citizens at large and media supporters. Be the change you want to see in this world is what every KARMAVEER inherently believes and practices. It is the first award of its kind from India – and probably around the globe – that has been held every year for the past 5 years, at a very austere, simple and dignified program in New Delhi.

The awards and the Chakra recognize and applaud the social commitment of concerned individuals, who have proactively and voluntarily worked for bringing a positive transformation in the society and the world we live in. In today’s world where there is huge apathy & indifference, we feel a paramount need for being not just a good person but also a good citizen who exercises her / his rights, duties & responsibilities as a concerned, just and humane citizen.

Deadline for the Nation-wide “SING A SONG” Contest is extended to 15 November, 2012

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Article in Friday Gurgaon, 26 October – 1 November 2012

Deadline for the Nation-wide “SING A SONG” Contest is extended to 15 November, 2012

Aloysius, Founder Trustee of LAMP Trust, has announced that the last date for receiving the entries to the National SING A SONG Talent Contest to win the the award of the LAMP – iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra Award for Music has been extended after persistent requests that the last date for online application coincided with the festive holiday season. Entries can now be submitted by 15 November 2012 for the 2012 Awards.

At a media conference in September 2012 organised in Panaji, Goa by the Kala Academy Goa, the Chairman of Kala Academy, Mr. Vishnu Surya Wagh, announced the association of Kala Academy Goa with Lorraine Music Academy and LAMP Trust in launching in Goa the annual nation-wide talent contest “SING A SONG” for the LAMP – iCONGO Karma Veer Chakra Award for Music, a coveted annual award instituted alongwith United Nations. This contest is open to everyone of all age groups across Goa and the nation and that language was not a bar.

Mr. Wagh announced that, in order to facilitate an opportunity for anyone across Goa who lacks the necessary infrastructure, two days will be set aside at Kala Academy premises in Panaji for the purpose of helping record the contest participants’ performance on video, upload on YouTube and submit the contest entry online. Thus, Kala Academy would help contestants to shoot and upload videos. The Academy will announce the details of the arrangements and the dates shortly.

Speaking about the association with Lorraine Music Academy and LAMP Trust, which are based in Gurgaon, near New Delhi, Mr. Wagh gave an assurance for conducting a Goa Music & Art Festival in Gurgaon. “We want to take our Goan art to Northern states of the country. We are planning to start the Goan Art Festival which will showcase the panorama of Goan art,” added Mr. Wagh. He mentioned that the event will be held tentatively in the month of March 2013.