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

Mangaluru, Aug 18: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Pingara Weekly celebrated 'Konkani Manyata Divas 2015' at Don Bosco hall on August 18 to commemorate the inclusion of Konkani language into the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Sahithya Academy inaugurated the programme by hoisting the Konkani flag.

Addressing the gathering, Roy Castelino said, "Even though Konkani language has a history of 2,000 years, it was only after the tireless efforts of Konkani activists like Paul Moras and others that it was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. They struggled for five long years, putting pressure on the government to give the same respect to Konkani as other languages of the nation. Konkani is garnering interest among the people, and a proof of this is the fact that within a span of one week there are 15 Konkani Manyata Divas celebrations organized in the city.

"If we want to really honour our mother tongue Konkani, all the 41 Konkani speaking communities have to come together under one roof and organize events. We need to create unity in diversity, we have to speak Konkani on a daily basis," he added.

Konkani writer and activist Paul Moras was honoured on the occasion.

Cultural events and Konkani poets' meet were also organized to celebrate the Konkani Manyata Divas.

Raymond D'Cunha, editor-in-chief of Pingara Weekly welcomed the guests and gathering. Flora Castelino compered the programme.

Konkani Natak Sabha president Fr Peter Cyprian D'Souza, secretary Sunil Menezes, vice-president Prem Lobo, Elias Fernandes of Four Winds were present at the occasion.