Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Apr 8: Vice-chancellor of Mangalore University Prof K Byrappa, on Thursday April 7, said that master of arts (MA) postgraduate studies in Konkani will be introduced from the next academic year. He was speaking at a function held at Ravindra Kalabhavana at University College in city, jointly organised by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya academy and Konkani Study chair Mangalore University.
The function comprised Konkani teachers' meeting, a dialogue on Konkani literature, books release and the release of the Konkani chair's programmes for the next academic year.
"We had asked the Konkani department in Goa University for guidelines. We held discussions with the Konkani lecturers regarding the Konkani studies at our university. They have recommended the courses. We will take approvals for the same from the syndicate and education committee. We have already instructed to draft the study material," Prof Byrappa added.
"Presently Konkani chair operates from the University College. But office, conference facilities and other infrastructure need to be created for the continued implementation of the proposed programme. We will amend the constitution of the chair so that interest on the Grant is utilised," Prof Byrappa briefed.
The grant of Rs 2 crore from the state government was handed over to the University by the Konkani Academy. The programme list for the next academic year was released by Prof Byrappa. Roy Castelino, the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, handed over the relevant papers on the chair to the vice-chancellor.
Roy Castelino, who presided over the function, said, "The opening of Konkani chair at the University and the proposal to start Konkani course here are steps in the right direction. This also proves that great friendship exists between Konkani and Kannada people."
Dr Jayavantha Nayak, the convenor of Konkani study chair explained the importance of the chair. He said some associations like Konkani Vishwa Kendra have shown interest for the Konkani courses and have pledged their support.
Four Konkani books were released on the occasion. They were 'Sukhidhad' novel by Lancy Pinto Nayak, 'Chinthana Zhara' articles by Jayashri Shenoy, 'Vodlem Festh' by Dr Edward Nazareth and 'Konkani Gamaka' a collection of songs by Vishwanath Sheth Harshikatta. A total of 50 books have published so far during the term of present president with two releases every month.
Elveera Monteiro from Kulur higher primary school received the best Konkani teacher award.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat Dakshina Kannada president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura was the chief guest. He said that study chairs are crucial for the development of any language.
Roy Castelino welcomed while Dr B Devdas Pai, the registrar of Konkani academy, proposed vote of thanks. Vittori Karkal compered.