Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AM)
Mangaluru, Feb 13: The three-day Konkani Lokotsav 2017 concluded with a glittering award ceremony at Town Hall here on Sunday, February 12.
Cyril G Sequeira (CGS Taccode) (Konkani literature), Vasudev Shanbagh (art) and Clara Siddi (Folk) were presented the Honorary Awards. Kasargod Chinna (for the translation of 'Kannadachyo Thees Kaaniyo'), Agnesia Frank (for the research study book 'Amruth Thujya Hathim') and Umesh Nayak (for the book of Konkani epic titled 'Shri Srinivas Kalyan') were honoured with Book Awards.
The Honorary Award comprised cash prize of Rs 50,000, a shawl and a citation while the Book Award carried a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a citation.
Roy Castelino, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy welcomed the gathering and said that Konkani Lokotsav event was held this time in a very wonderful manner. He said, "The news of this three-day event spread to every nook and corner of the city. Cultural performers and troupes came from many parts of the country and performed here. As many as 40 achievers were conferred with Yuva Puraskar for their contribution to Konkani in the last three days. Konkani language speaking people are very loving and affectionate. We need to spread the language across the country. I have worked hard to achieve certain goals during my tenure as the president of the Konkani academy. Konkani language in the pre-university syllabus and a Konkani Bhavan are my top priorities which are pending. I request chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza to help me in achieving those."
Ivan D’Souza who spoke on the occasion lauded Roy Castelino’s hardwork for the Konkani academy. "Lots of programmes have been held under the guidance of Roy. Indeed, Konkani speaking people spread love and affection. We should encourage and participate in Konkani related programmes. My next top two priorities would be introducing Konkani in the PU syllabus and setting up the Konkani Bhavan. I will do my best and discuss the matter with the chief minister."
Mangaluru North MLA Mohiudeen Bava expressed his gratitude to Konkani language speaking and aid that programmes like Konkani Lokotsav spread unity among people. "The contribution of Konkani speaking people in Dakshina Kannada is enormous. Right from engineering and dental colleges to ice creams, Konkani speaking people are involved."
District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai said, "There are different religions and languages here in India. Konkani is spoken by people of different communities. In today’s world, when there so many differences among people, only language can unite us. The contribution of Konkani speaking people in the development of this district cannot be ignored. Awards like these boost the morale of people working in the community and will encourage them to work harder."
Cyril G Sequeira thanked Konkani Sahitya Academy and congratulated the co-awardees. He said, "The Konkani academy is doing a great job. All of us have to work towards spreading our language and culture. All I say is read Konkani, speak Konkani and live Konkani."
Jagganath Shenoy, president, GSB Sabha, Mysuru, said, "Konkani speaking people are naturally intelligent people. We are found everywhere, be it colleges, finance and others. Konkani is our mother tongue and it should be spread from generation to generation. We should be proud to be born as Konkani speaking people."
Irene Rebello, member, delivered the vote of thanks.
Mangalore diocesan vicar general Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, former president of Konkani Sahitya Academy Eric Ozario, banker and president of Fudar Pratishthan John D’Silva, senior Konkani leader C N Shenoy, founder of World Konkani Centre Basti Vaman Shenoy, registrar of Konkani Sahitya Academy Devdas Pai, president of Tulu Sahitya Academy Janaki Brahmavar, members Geetha Kini, Vittori Karkal, Loius Pinto and others were present.
The three-day Konkani literary and cultural festival - Konkani Lokotsav - showcasing the vibrancy of Konkani-speaking communities culminated on Sunday. Rich folk dances of Siddi, Kudmi, Kharvi, Huluswara and other tribes and communities were showcased along with a variety of dances, songs, instrumental music and Konkani art forms. Konkani food, costumes, customs, utensils, traditions and practices were showcased at almost 60 exhibition stalls in the three-day extravaganza.