3 minute read
Ivo Goncalves- Social worker, Singer, Environmentalist.
Ivo Goncalves is a social worker, singer, and environmentalist based in Moira, a beautiful village in North Goa, which attracts tourists from all across the world. Ivo started singing at the age of thirteen in the choir at Olaulim and went on to be a part of it for more than seven years. He then started participating in various singing competitions in Goa and Mangalore. He was a finalist at the Goencho Avaz singing competition held in 2018 and was felicitated with the title of Alfred Rose Awardee in 2019.
Ivo finds his start as a singer pretty embarrassing, as he ended up screeching the song ‘Don't Worry, Be Happy’ in the middle of the entire school during an inter-class singing competition. Since then, he has made it a point to prove to others that he could sing well, and he currently has two original Konkani songs to his name and a whole set of awards. He recently won the All Goa Konkani Singing Competition "Mhozo Tallo Aikat 2022" held in June this year.
With respect to the environment, Ivo is the cofounder of a group known as ‘Goenkar Sangathi’, which conducts cleanliness drives all over Goa. The entire reason for starting this initiative is because of the motivation he received from his professor, Ms. Glenda from Don Bosco College, Panjim. Ivo looks up to positive people around him and strives to be a change amongst others. That's what
pushes him to become better. His family and friends have always had his back and supported him throughout. Ivo also considers his alma mater, Don Bosco College, Panjim and its staff members to be his family. He is also glad to have met so many singers whilst participating in various competitions, who’ve been wonderful people. These connections are lasting and part of the sweet memories he will always cherish, he says.
He has come across many people through social media whom he’s never met in real life but have actively contributed to the work of Goenkar Sangathi and is grateful for them. He has had various challenges along the way but chooses to remain positive and tackle it all, which in turn will only make him stronger.
Ivo has been inspired by Sonia Shirsat’s voice and aspires to perform with her soon one day. If Ivo went back in time to give himself some advice, he'd definitely tell himself to not waste time since it is a limited resource. He strives to achieve as much as possible and make a difference in his community. He has a voice to sing and wants to use that as an advantage to spread a message about being aware of one’s surroundings and being the change. He urges his followers and supporters to always stay positive and be united.
