Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, May 23: The decennial celebrations of the Konkani spiritual monthly 'Daivik Amruth' culminated at Bondel church premises with Bishop of the Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza gracing over the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the bishop hailed the dedication of Fr Andrew D'Souza the convener of the Daivik Amruth magazine. He said “I am happy to honour Fr Andrew. the work done by Fr Andrew is beyond felicitations and honours. Daivik Amruth has done lot of good for the people. The very prominent and unique achievement of Fr Andrew is presenting Christ's life through Yakshagana. No one has ever thought that this could be possible and would reach out to many people. It has become a bridge between the Christians and people of other religion. This magazine is not for profit sake but to strengthen Christian faith though literature. I wish that the good deeds of Fr Andrew may continue to help and may the magazine publish many more issues."
Speaking on the occasion, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Roy Castelino said, "Nowadays, it is very difficult to run a Konkani magazine. The number of readers has come down and youngsters do not have time for Konkani. The children are being taught catechism in English and now there is a demand for English Masses. We must keep in mind that Konkani is our identity, our language. This land is our birthplace. Our language reflects our culture and our identity. I call upon the editorial board of the 'Daivik Amruth' magazine to create new writers and also train the children in Konkani literature so that they are attracted towards the language."
The bishop, who is celebrating 20 years of his ordination, was also felicitated along with Roy Castelino.
Fr Andrew D'souza and members of the editorial board were also felicitated at the occasion. The dignitaries released a souvenir of the decennial celebration along with a poster of verses of bible and the book 'Moladhik Mothiyan' by Richard Rodrigues. The dignitaries also honoured the contributors and benefactors of the book.
Editor of the magazine Santhosh Lobo, vice president of the Bondel pastoral council Henbert Pinto, co-convenor of the magazine Fr Boniface Pinto and others were present.
'Eke Vaishyechi Jinye Katha' Konkani drama, written by Arun Raj Rodrigues and directed by Christopher D'Souza Ninasam was staged later as part of the programme.