Media Release
 
Mumbai, Mar 1:A mega get-together by 'Konkani Ekvott', a union of all Konkani Associations in the city, and Ashawadi Prakashan was held on Sunday the 26th February, at 6 pm at Atma Darshan, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai.

The get together felicitated Konkani littérateurs, to promote the language and honour its champions and released five collected works, published by Ashawadi Prakashan.

Fr Joaquim Fernandes inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and in his speech and congratulated all participants for being party to a very memorable Konkani event in Mumbai.

Renowned businessman from the Konkani community, V P Lobo was the chief guest of the event. In his speech, he said, " A magazine has to be robust enough to sustain to meet the need of promoting any language. There is a  need for people to realise it and come forward to help those who are do such noble work to promote Konkani."

Fr Melwin D'Cunha, the parish priest of St Joseph's Church Mira Road presided over the function and released the special edition of 'Poinnari.com' magazine. He appreciated everyone who worked for the event, and suggested them to continue serving the mother-tongue in every possible manner.

Editor of Poinnari.com, Valley Quadras thanked all the writers, supporters, sponsors for making a dream come true, and assured that better work would follow soon, which would help Konkani literary world and the society as a whole. He highlighted the need for social service through literature and offered 50% of the receipts from the book sale to Ronald Pereira, an ailing writer, desperate need of money for his medical expenses.

Richard D'Souza, chief convenor of Konkani Ekvott, in his welcome speech, highlighted the need to work collectively for the upliftment of Konkani in Mumbai, and said, "The event was a step towards the mission. A literary step. The next step will be a cultural step and more associations are likely to join the mission."

At the event, five new Konkani books published by 'Ashawadi Prakashan' were released by Charles D'Mello Pangla, Andrew Mendonca, Janet D'Souza, Philomena Sanfrancisco, Geo D'Silva Agrar. The books were - Bondh, a collection of short stories by Valley Quadros, Apovitr Sombandh, a collection of short stories by Walter Lasrado, Sorgavoili Mai, a collection of short stories by Ronald Olivera, Bazaar, a collection of poems by Valley Quadras, and Mugdonaatlim Githam, a compilation of articles of poetry analysis by Valley Quadros.
 
Hillary D'Silva, co-editor of Poinnari.com, gave a detailed introduction of the work by Ashawadi Prakashan for the last 15 years.

Anant Amembal a well known Marathi-Hindi stage and music personality gave a brief introduction of the five books, Cyril Castelino introduced the authors.

"The book on poetry-analysis would not only benefit avid lovers of literature but also poets, to broaden their views on specific topics," Geo D'Silva Agrar said. He highlighted the continuous efforts of Valley Quadroas and his progress through literature and study on literature.

Philomena spoke on the poems by Valley Quadros, highlighting 'sensitivity' in his writings and his reflection on today's commercial or business minded thinking in every sphere of our lives.
 
Valley Quadros reminisced about Konkani writers who had recently passed away -  Late Victor Concessao, and Late Gibba Kulshekar. He highlighted the need to honour those who have made a remarkable contribution to Konkani, in various fields. He called upon three veterans for 'Lifetime Achievement' award- Harryboy, Henry Dsouza, Lawrence Saldanha and presented them with a citation, memento and a set of all the five books.

After the felicitation, Henry D'Souza thanked the unique get-together and said,"I have never experienced such a unique concept in Konkani, where all associations come together to work for the language. There are difficulties in hosting such a unique program in Mumbai. But I appreciate Ashawadi Prakashan for taking such a step to promote the spirit of Konkani in Mumbai."

President and representatives of all associations present for the program and were given a copy of the special issue of Poinnari.com magazine.

On behalf of Harryboy, Boniface, president of Barkur Association, received the honour.

Recipients of 'Achievers' awards in various fields were Walter Lasrado for translation, V DSilva for literature, Francis Fernandes for drama, Henry D'Paula for journalism, Lawrence Coelho for journalism, Harry Fernandes Barkur for film direction, Joy Paladka for play direction, Francis Olivera Padukone for stage/theatre. Felix Malwani from Malwani, Christopher D'Souza from Thane, Joseph Borivali, John Mascarenhas from Konkan Taram Jerimeri, Valerian Pais from the Konkani Association Kandivali, Cyril Castelino from Orlem, Reginald Santhumayer Miyar from Vasai, Ivon Rebello from Naigaon. They were presented a citation, memento and a set of all five books.

Richard D'Souza and Glenda Almeida felicitated the presidents and representatives of the associations with mementoes and a set of five books. Fr Melwin DCunha honoured Richard D'Souza and Glenda Almeida with a memento and a set of five books.
 
A welcome song was composed and sung by John Mascarenhas and his team from Konkan Taram, Jerimeri. Well-known actor Francis Olivera Padukonne was the master of ceremony and welcomed the guests to the stage escorted by chief convenor Richard Dsouza, and convenor Glenda Almeida. Konkan Taram team presented a lovely song and dance. Glenda Almeida proposed the vote of thanks.