Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, May 3: The concluding ceremony of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of 'Amcho Sandesh' Konkani monthly magazine being published jointly by Catholic Sabha Mangaluru and Udupi region was held at Mother of Sorrows church auditorium here on Monday, May 1. Udupi diocese Bishop Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo lit the lamp and inaugurated the concluding ceremony.
Publisher and Catholic Sabha Mangaluru president Anil Lobo Fermai presided over the programme. Non resident businessman Leo Rodrigues Abu Dhabi was present as chief guest. Catholic Sabha Udupi region president Valerian Fernandes and spiritual director Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves were present as guests.
Present editor Wilfred Lobo Padil gave details of the journey of the magazine during the last 25 years. Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo in his inaugural address said that the magazine has been getting published without interruption for the last 25 years. “This magazine is unique when compared to other Konkani periodicals. This magazine creates awareness among common people regarding social, educational and religious subjects. May the newspaper create awareness in every sphere while contributing to Konkani language, culture and literature”, he said.
Chief guest NRI entrepreneur Leo Rodrigues Abu Dhabi released the silver jubilee issue of the magazine.
Central Sahithya Academy Award winning Konkani author Edwin J F D' Souza, Konkani poet and lyricist Wilson Kateel, senior Konkani litterateur and Amcho Sandesh former editor Dr Jerald Pinto Niddodi were felicitated on the occasion.
Former editors and publishers who had worked relentlessly for the progress of the newspaper were also honoured on the occasion. Mangaluru diocese Episcopal City deanery and Valencia unit, Udupi diocese Kallianpur deanery and Mudarangady unit who collected maximum donations during last year were presented prizes on the occasion.
Anil Lobo Fermai recollected in his presidential address the editors and publishers who worked hard for the progress of the newspaper. He said that Konkani writers should be moulded for the survival of Konkani.
Former Catholic Sabha president Alfonse D' Costa welcomed. Walter Cyril Pinto proposed vote of thanks.
Dolphy Saldanha compered the programme.