Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 21: The 35th Konkani Recognition Day was celebrated by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Mandd Sobhann at Kalangaan, Shaktinagar, on August 20.

Speaking at the valedictory programme and prize distribution ceremony, University College, Hampankatta principal Dr Jayavanth Nayak said Konkani serves as a bridge connecting people across communities and religions.

He urged the younger generation to take pride in their Konkani identity and work towards preserving the language, art, culture and traditions for future generations.

“Being proud to say ‘I am a Konkani’ is the first step towards preserving the language. The younger generation should understand that Konkani is a bridge that connects everyone, irrespective of community or religion,” he said.

Mandd Sobhann president Louis Pinto, who was the guest of honour, felicitated the judges of the competitions. He said rapid urbanisation had resulted in Konkani-speaking families facing difficulties in passing the language on to their children.

However, he noted that renewed enthusiasm for Konkani has emerged in recent years. He appealed to youngsters to communicate with fellow Konkani people in the language as a simple but significant contribution towards its growth.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Joachim Stany Alvares, in his introductory address, urged schools and colleges to celebrate Konkani Recognition Day just as they celebrate festivals such as Onam, Christmas and Deepavali.

He encouraged youngsters to make use of every opportunity to promote the language and reminded them that they are the ambassadors of Konkani.

Various competitions were organised for students as part of the celebrations. Seven teams participated in the high school category, while 10 teams competed in the PU and degree college category.

In the high school programme compering competition, Sanjana Mathias of St Joseph's School, Kulshekar, secured first place, while Preval Pinto and Carolyn Fernandes of Holy Family School, Surathkal, won second place. Rishan Fernandes of St Agnes Central School, Bendore, secured third place.

In the college category, Vilona Lasrado of Carmel College, Modankap, won first place, followed by Floyd Pinto of Milagres College, Hampankatta, in second and Shania D'Souza of St Agnes College, Bendore, in third place.

In the various entertainment competitions, St Joseph's School, Kulshekar, Holy Family School, Surathkal, and Mount Carmel Central School secured the first, second and third positions respectively in the high school category.

In the college category, Milagres College, Hampankatta, Padua College, Nanthoor, and Carmel College, Modankap, secured the first, second and third positions respectively.

Mandd Sobhann PRO Victor Mathias compered the programme. Academy members Naveen Lobo, Ronald Crasta, Akshatha Nayak, Samarth Bhat and James Lopes were present.