News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Shivamogga, Sep 21: The first Konkani Catholic Sabha inauguration ceremony was held at Ambedkar Bhavan on the evening of Sunday September 20 at 5.30 pm.
The grand event unfolded with a prayer dance. The secretary welcomed the dignitaries and felicitated them with a bouquet.
Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino inaugurated the association by lighting the traditional five-wick 'diya' accompanied by other dignitaries like Konkani Kala Ratna Eric Ozario, noted litterateur N D'Souza, Konkani Catholic Association president Savadore Pereira.
Karataka Film Association, president Thomas D'Souza, Gowda Sarasvath Brahman Association director N Devdas Nayak, Dyvajna Brahman Association president Subray V Shet, Rose Fernandes, Vincent Rodrigues, Walter D'Souza, Roshan Periera, William D'Cunha, Irene Goveas, Urban Fernandes were also on the dais.
In his inaugural speech Roy Castelino said that this association will move faster to greater heights and remain as a pearl in Konkani community.
Mandd Sobhan, Gurkar, Eric Ozario stressed on the need for protecting Konkani language and culture and pass it to the next generation. The prime objective of the association was to protect, preserve, promote and develop the Konkani language, its literature, culture and anything relevant to Konkani.
Konkani Catholic president Salvadore said that there are more than 12, 000 people belonging to Konkani Catholic community in the district. Konkani Catholic Sabha has been establishedIn in order to bring them together and organize them. The main aim of the association is to inform the community on the significance of our culture, language and uniqueness and the need to preserve for the future generation.
All the dignitaries were honoured on the occasion. Quatilda delivered the vote of thanks. Irene compered the programme. The Mand Sobhan Troupe from Mangaluru entertained the gathering with Konkani songs. More than 500 members took part in the ceremony. At the end a sumptuous dinner was arranged in the hall. What an evening? A lovely one indeed!