Media Release

Udupi, Aug 18: All India Catholic University Federation, Milagres College unit in collaboration with Konkani Sangattan, Udupi Zilla, celebrated Konkani Manyatha Diwas 2015 at Kallianpura.

Speaking on the occasion, resource person, Vincent Alva, assistant lecturer in English, said, “Konkani was spoken by our ancestors centuries ago. But the language got its recognition by our Indian constitution in the year 1987. Konkani is a special language which is spoken by many communities. The mother tongue is always introduced first to a child by its mother. But today it is facing a lot of ignorance by the present generation, as more priority is given to the English language and modernity”.

“The students should speak in Konkani when they meet another person or colleagues who can speak in Konkani so that they can improve their pronunciation. One should read, write and talk in Konkani to improve fluency. Usage of library should be done by the students to read the Konkani magazines”.

He ended his speech by singing a Konkani song in the GSB accent.

Chief guest Kamalaksha Shet said, “There are lots of people who know to read and write Konkani but they fail to bring it out through literature. In an effort to promote Konkani, I have brought out the Konkani Mobile Van so that the Konkani literature can reach to everyone”.

He also invited the gathering for Udupi’s first Konkani Manyatha Diwas celebration coming Thursday on August 20.

Speaking about the upcoming Konkani Manyatha Diwas, he said that it would be a colorful event with the gathering of almost 42 communities who speak Konkani. The programme will showcase the various Konkani traditions on a platform.

The other dignitaries on the dais where Radhika patkar, assistant professor, management Dept of RSB community, Karthik Nayak, assistant professor, Commerce dept of GSB community, Baikady Hussian, Louis Almieda and Shyla Fernandes along with the AICUF advisor Dr Gerald Pinto and the convener Teena Machado.

The entire programme was anchored by Werner D’silva. Risha D’silva welcomed the guests and the gathering while Joshua purposed the vote of thanks

The program began with prayer songs by the students. Dr Nery Cornelio, principal, Milagres College, was the president of this programme. Vincent Alva, Asst. lecturer, English dept, was the resource person and Kamalaksha Shet of Vaishavani committee, member of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Udupi, was the chief guest.

The program was followed by colorful cultural activities by the college students, anchored by Rosalia Cardoza.