Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Mar 8:  International Women's Day was celebrated at World Konkani Centre with a colourful programme.

Social worker Shalini Pandith inaugurated the event by lighting up the lamp.

Addressing the gathering, she said, "These days the cost of living has increased. As a result women too have to work to support their families and do not have time for their children. Children are left in the hands of maids. Working women have enough money to give their children, which has spoilt them. Atrocities on women have increased drastically of late. We come across different incidents every day newspapers and television. There is a serious need for protection to be given to women."

Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Sahithya Academy said, "I greet all the women on this auspicious occasion of International Women's Day. Today we see injustice and atrocities on women. We need to protect women. They are the ones who have to run the nation. Women have to get all the rights. There should not be differentiation between men and women.

"English has reached everywhere. We do not know to talk our mother tongue Konkani. English has overtaken all the regional languages. We need English, but not at the cost of our mother tongue. We have to teach Konkani to our children. Eight years ago, We had got permission from government to teach Konkani in schools, and today Konkani is taught in some of the schools. Experts say every community is identified by its language. If Konkani has to survive, it is only possible by women. Only they can teach Konkani to children. Men always back out saying they are busy."

Basti Vaman Shenoy from Vishwa Konkani Kendra said, "We have to plan big programmes instead of small ones. We have to support all sections of Konkani, morally and financially. Our mission is to give tailoring and embroidery training to Konkani women. Give them marketing support if they want to start a business. We want give them coaching by opening centers in Udupi, Kundapur, Puttur and other places, so that they need not come to Mangaluru to take coaching."

Vatsala Nayak said, "This is a happy occasion as we are celebrating the 105th International Women's Day. We have many divisions in Konkani, celebrations also vary from place to place. We all talk Konkani. Women in older generations never went out, had limited education, but they still had great knowledge. But today women have proved to the world that they can do any work. Even today there are women who face atrocities but never raise voice against it. They all need to take a decision to fight against injustice. All these things happen because of differentiation between men and women. Our Constitution says that we all are equal. Women face a lot of problems in society. Women should also have their say in the family and society matters. They should fight for their rights."

Geetha C Kini welcomed the gathering.

Deepa Pradeep Pai and Meenakshi N Pai were the other dignitaries on the dais. Cultural programmes, lectures and felicitations are part of the day long celebration.