Lawrence Pinto, who passed away in Mumbai on 27th April 2021, was co-founder of the hugely popular '𝗚𝘂𝗹𝗳 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲' Konkani singing reality show.
A well-known Konkani community leader in Kuwait, Lawrence was known for promoting Konkani and Indian football.
Along with popularizing Konkani language and culture in the Gulf, he was well-known for his love for sports and was heavily involved in promoting football.
He ran his own club for many years known as Rising Stars (Youth Recreation Centre). He also conducted a football tournament for 25 long years.
𝙆𝙊𝙉𝙆𝘼𝙉𝙄 𝙀𝙆𝙑𝙊𝙏𝙏𝘼𝘾𝙃𝙄 𝙎𝘼𝙉𝙕
On the occasion of completion of 25 years of his club, he had arranged a grand celebration called ‘Konkani Ekvottachi Sanz’ featuring Goan and Mangalorean artists such as Prince Jacob, Humbert, Rita Rose, C D’Silva, Wilfy Rebimbus. etc.
Lawry was instrumental in uniting Konkani-speaking people, the Mangaloreans and Goans residing in Kuwait under one umbrella through sports as well as his cultural programs.
𝙇𝘼𝙒𝙍𝙔’𝙎 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝙏𝙃 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙇𝙔 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙎
Lawry was born on November 15, 1948. His family's financial background led him to discontinue his studies from 8th standard and he joined the L&T Bombay as an unskilled laborer. He took great pain of part-time study and graduated with a BCom degree from the Siddharth College, Mumbai. This led him to the position of storekeeper in his organization.
In 1975, on his search to get better prospects in life, he landed in Kuwait and was employed at the Bader Al Mulla, where he worked for 3 years and later he joined Kuwait Airways.
Knowing his abilities and hard work, Lawrence was once again called back by Bader Al Mulla and offered a better position. He was their manager (stores and purchase) in the Engineering Division when he retired in 2011.
Lawrence was also Treasurer and then General Secretary of the prestigious Indian Arts Circle, apart from being a part of Kuwait Canara Association.
Lawrence played cricket and football for L&T in Mumbai. He also played in Karnataka League for ‘Sathya Vijaya Football Club’. He was the manager of the sports team (cricket and football) of Bader Al Mulla Company.
Lawrence Pinto’s dream '𝗚𝘂𝗹𝗳 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲' is still ranked as Konkani’s No#1 show in the world.
Lawrence had left Kuwait for good in March 2021. He leaves behind his wife Virginia and sons Christopher and Clifford.
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The above article also appeared in Daijiworld, Fuddari, & The Times - Weekly