Mangalore: Speakers at 'Konkani Manyata Divas' Stress on Preserving Mother Tongue

Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Aug 18: The faculty and students of Lourdes Central School, Bejai, in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy celebrated ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ at the School premises on Saturday August 18.

Speaking after the inaugural, chief guest Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld said, "We must keep Konkani culture alive by giving due importance to its language. Even though other languages like English and Hindi are important for job opportunities, equal efforts should be made to learn Konkani as well."

He further said, "Apart from the contribution of Konkani litterateurs, organizations and publications, the efforts of spiritual leaders to strengthen the language is also important."

He urged the parents to encourage their children to take up Konkani as one of their subjects, as that would work to keep the language alive even in the future. "I am impressed by the programme organized by Lourdes School and pleasantly surprised to know that the School has over 50 students learning Konkani in class 6, 7 and 8," he added.

Fr Victor Machado, parish priest and convener of Lourdes Central School said that one should learn Konkani language thoroughly, just as one learns English. "We strive to speak the best English and are cautious about making mistakes. We speak English purely, without using words of other languages. Same should be the attitude and approach towards Konkani," he said.

"We are happy that the government has made Konkani an official language. This is why we celebrate this special day," he said, urging everyone present to work towards keep the language alive.

Principal Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves also spoke on the occasion.

Konkani lecturer Ivan Mascarenhas welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of the day.

Various competitions like singing, elocution and drawing were organized in connection with the Manyata Divas celebration and students were awarded prizes.

A melodious Konkani song was sung by the students under the guidance of Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira.

The programme was compered by Viona D’Souza of class IX and Eva Jessica D’Souza of Class VI proposed the vote of thanks.