Ponda lad’s app belts free Konkani music

PANAJI: When Danny Braganza, a Goan who frequently travels abroad, feels nostalgic about Goa, he turns to his smart phone not to call somebody in Goa but to turn on Goa Live Konkani Radio, an app designed by Ponda resident Rohir Rohidas Naik.
The app streams Konkani music 24x7, especially golden classics to android and iOS devices, providing listeners with a connection to their roots in Goa.
In recognition Naik’s contribution, the department of information and technology shortlisted Goa Live Konkani Radio for a competition during Digital Week.
Launched in October 2014, the app has been downloaded by over 4,500 Konkani music lovers across the world.
“I never wanted to get into this and believe it or not, I wanted a government job and was appearing for lower division clerk and upper division clerk interviews,” the 24-year-old says.
Despite graduating with a bachelors degree in computer application and completing a postgraduate diploma in computer application, Naik’s foray into app development came as a result of an interview for a government job. Urged by an official to give app and web development a try, there has been no looking back for Naik.
With a little investment from a friend, Naik purchased a radio server from ShoutCa.st for $19 per month. “Once I started there were many people who emailed me saying they want Konkani jokes so now I add a few jokes in between,” Naik says. He has received calls from the US in the middle of the night with requests for songs.
“I broadcast old songs and a few Bollywood numbers too,” Naik says, adding that local and upcoming artists hesitate to let him broadcast their songs on his app.
The app is free and Naik is satisfied with meeting operational costs.