Mangalore: Dr B M Hegde, Vijaykumar Kodialbail speak Konkani at unique programme

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Feb 22: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy organized a unique programme called ‘Konkani Abhiman’ especially for non-Konkani speaking people to encourage and guage their enthusiasm to speak the language.

The programme was organized at the Academy office at Lalbagh here on Friday February 22.

Sri Keshavananda Bharathi Swamiji of Shree Yedaneeru Math, Dr B M Hegde, retired chancellor, Manipal University, Vijaykumar Kodialbail, Tulu cinema director who were the guests for the programme spoke in Konkani and praised the language.

Kasargod Chinna, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in his presidential address said the programme was organized especially for non-Konkani people mainly to show them the contribution of Konkani language. He thanked the guests for their presence and lauded them for speaking in Konkani. "This is a small experiment by the Academy. We will try to bring some more unique programmes in future," he said.

Dr B M Hegde in his address lauded the Academy for uniting people through language, which he said was the best work of all. He asked people to work for the betterment of others.

"We should love and be proud of our language. We think script is a problem for Konkani to grow, which is a false notion. Even English does not have a script of its own, but it has grown to a great extent as majority of the people have accepted the Roman script," he added.

As a suggestion, he asked the Academy to translate books from Konkani to other languages and vice-versa, which he said would help in the growth of Konkani literature.

"Since my childhood days, I have spent most of my time with people of GSB and Catholic communities and hence I have learnt the language to some extent," said Vijaykumar Kodialbail, "Most of the Konkani speaking people have supported me in my career."

He asked the people to respect all languages and wished that Konkani language would grow to greater heights.

Sri Keshavananda Swamiji sang Konkani songs, much to the delight of the gathering.

Roy Castelino welcomed the gathering. Om Ganesh, academy member compered while Ashok Shet delivered the vote of thanks.

Devdas Pai, registrar of the Academy, Eric Ozario, gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, Mahesh Pai among others were present.

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