Media Release

Mangalore, Jan 14: “Konkanis, especially GSBs should support the language and contribute whole heartedly to keep the oldest Konkani language and culture alive” appealed Kasaragodu Chinna, noted actor, playwright and past president of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy.

He was addressing a well attended audience, as the chief guest at the CD release function of Late Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy’s Bhangrachi Goddadi Radio Play, produced and directed by Kudpi Rajanikanth Shenoy (Kudpi Raj) and presented by Global Konkani Friends on January 11 at the Bhuvanendra Hall Dongerkery, Mangalore.

Vishwa Konkani Saradar Basti Vaman Shenoy, registrar of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy Dr B Devadasa Pai and president of Women’s National Education Society Kudpi Jagadish Shenoy were guests of honour.

While Chinna expressed his sadness over the slowly forgotten rich Konkani language and culture due to modernization, he also expressed joy that Catholics are doing a wonderful job by working for Konkani. He said, “While GSB Konkanis are rarely seen publishing their works, major chunk of the work is done by the Catholic Konkanis”.

He called for introspection by the older generation to carry forward the usage of traditional Konkani to their future generation. “The language and culture will die a slow death if we neglect this fact”, he warned. He also added that he would be most glad to direct this drama ‘Bhangrachi Goddadi’ by late Kudpi, on stage in the near future.

He added that GSBs are highly skilled and able to work in any field, but when it comes to our language, not many are showing interest to support a handful of people that are involved in Konkani Stage activities. He fondly remembered Late Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy’s contribution to the society by way of Ondanemale books that had diverse topics for people of all age groups.

He also recalled that he had dedicated his drama book ‘Aylo Re Aylo’ to Late Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy, who worked for Konkani selflessly. He strongly felt that all works like these drama CDs and books should have a price tag and Konkani people should purchase them or publish them and not wait for free copies. He also appealed to Konkani stalwarts to indulge in translating stories and dramas in other languages to Konkani. “In this direction, our Temple trustees should come forward and also help good authors who need financial support”, he said.

The program began with prayer by Manya Kamath, lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais, followed by paying homage to Late Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy’ photo. Muralidhar Kamath of Guruleela Driving School, who is also part of the reception committee, welcomed the guests and gathering. He introduced the guests of today’s function to the audience.

Three eminent Konkanis were felicitated posthumously. B S Baliga of Lamina Group received the honour on behalf of his father Late B V Baliga of ‘Panchkadayi’ fame. Shantharam Rao of Balco Studio was felicitated on behalf of his father Late S R Balgopal of ‘Jana Mana’ fame. Manel Annappa Nayak of M A Krishna Nayak & Co. was present to accept the honour on behalf of his uncle Late Manel Krishna Nayak who was an active Rotarian with the title ‘Paul Harris Fellow’. Dr Ganesh Shenoy Panchmal talked about the three eminent persons who were close allies of Late Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy and said that they all have acted in Kudpi’s dramas.

Basti Vaman Shenoy expressed his joy over the arrangements and lauded the good work by the Global Konkani Friends led by Kudpi Rajanikanth Shenoy.

Dr Devadasa Pai in his speech felt that more GSB Konkanis should follow the example of these enthusiasts and he also said, Konkani Academy has already done a good job during Kasaragodu Chinna’s tenure as president, with the program ‘Ghar Gharaantu Konkani’(Konkani from home to home). He also invited GSB Konkani writers, singers and artists to come forward and submit their works for the Academy to publish.

In his message, Kudpi Jagadeesh Shenoy offered assistance from Vishwa Konkani Kendra of which he is also a director, to translate other language books into Konkani.

The CD release was done in a unique surprise way. Mukund Kamath of Ideal Ice Creams and Manoj Nayak Sujeer of Puruvankara Housing suddenly appeared as a hermit and his disciple, placing a Goddadi(Quilt) in front of the chief guest Chinna and asking him to distribute the gold hidden within to public. Drama CDs were hidden in the Goddadi and Chinna released them, while expressing his pleasant surprise over the innovative way in which the program is conducted. This is the second such Radio Play produced directed by Kudpi Raj. First one was 'Dolyaan Khelu' that was released in January 2012.

Kudpi presented a talk “Kudpi Vasudeva Shenoy, his Dreams and Dramas”, giving a detailed account of how his late father achieved much in life with his literary abilities and he also gave a brief description about the Radio Play. Sample tracks from the CD were played to entertain the audience.

Mukund Kamath S proposed the vote of thanks. 92.7 Big FM recorded interview with Kudpi Raj and Mukund Kamath and they have plans to broadcast a live talk show with Kudpi Raj soon. Free copies of the CD were distributed.

Refreshments were served to the invitees. Global Konkani Friends members Ashwin Prabhu and Govindaraj Prabhu were also present.