Rons Bantwal
Daijiword Media Network - Mumbai (SP)
Mumbai, Jan 7: "Konkani language, which is backed by impressive history, has a bright future. Therefore, it is our duty to make honest efforts to keep this language alive. When shaping our lives, we should make use of latent talents through this language. Because, this language has enabled us to shine in the society. Let us thank the Lord for gifting us Konkani as our mother tongue, and let us sincerely nurture and contribute to the grow this language. In addition to adopting Konkani as a language of the household, we need to strive to make it the language of the mind and our lifeline. Only then the future generations will adopt Konkani as mother tongue and work for its welfare," said managing director of Ryan International group of educational institutions, Grace Pinto.
She was speaking after inaugurating the 31st session of All India Konkani Parishad organized by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Maharashtra at the state Bharat Scouts and Guides hall, Shivaji Park, Dadar (west) in the metro on Saturday January 6.
This two-day event was presided over by well-known Konkani writer, Payyannur Ramesh Pai. Grace Pinto was the chief guest of the session, while working president of Aldel Education Trust and Model Bank, Albert W D'Soza and cine actor, Varsha Usgaonkar, participated as honorary guests.
On this occasion, Albert D'Souza unveiled the souvenir, 'Asmitay' brought on the occasion. Varsha Usgaonkar released works authored by Gopinath Kamath, A P Bhanuprakash, Krishna Karwar and Maya Anil Karante.
"For the community to unite, such sessions are very much needed. People of this city are fortunate to witness a session being held here after two decades. If we keep alive our language, taste, and dances, our lives will get enriched. Konkani-speaking people are experts in building society and the country. Therefore, the young generation should work for the proliferation of Konkani and make it stronger," Grace Pinto advised.
In her address, Varsha Usgaonkar said that she loves her mother tongue as much as she loves her mother. "Konkani is strongly embedded with the feeling of love. It has intertwined itself with Konkani culture. Therefore, we should naturally use our mother tongue. Regional language Konkani has rich literature. If we use literature properly, the language will grow on its own. Our inner self is identified with the language we use," she stressed.
In his presidential address, Ramesh Pai noted that Konkani does not belong to a particular tribe or creed and that it happens to be a global language. "This language grew over the years by creating a bond of brotherhood. Naturally there can be differences of opinion among Konkani-speaking people. Every individual has the right to put forward his thoughts and thinking process. Through sessions of the Parishad like these we can express differences, give it an objective shape and strike unity. If mother tongue survives, everything else will, Therefore, we should transform our language and retain it as a creative language, without confining it merely as a language of communicationl between Konkani people. This can be achieved by using it in literary and poetic meets etc," he felt.
President of All India Konkani Parishad, Gokuldas Prabhu, in his introductory address, stated that sessions like this one are being held because of the blessings of the elders and out of their guidance and sacrifice. "People of the city have ensured that previous sessions held here were successful. Because of this, our language, culture, and literature has spread everywhere. This session is aimed as an attempt to help this language to survive and grow," he revealed.
Working president of Bhasha Mandal, Henry Lobo, treasurer and assistant secretary, Pascal Lobo, joint secretary,John R Pereira, assistant treasurer, Walnes Rego, working committee members, P N Shanbhag, Betty Naz Fernandes, Stanely Diaz, Rosario K Fernandes, Cyprian Albuquerque, Ananth Ammembal, Leo Fernandes Jerimeri, heads of different sub-committees, Vincent Mathias, Antony Sequeira, Justice Pius Vas, Kamalaksha G Saraf, Lawrence Coelho, Basti Vaman Shenoy, Geo Agrar, Wilson Kateel, B Devadas Pai Mangalru and hundreds of dignitaries from all over the country took part in the session as delegates.
Lawrence D'Souza, honorary general secretary of the Bhasha Mandal, was present at the dais. Jerry Bondel and V D Silva team rendered welcome song. President of the Mandal, John D'Silva, welcomed. Walter D'Souza Jerimeri, John G Mendonca, Benedicta Rebello, Glenda Almeida, Felix D'Souza Malvani,Joseph D'Souza Jerimeri, Betty Naaz and Juliana Mascarenhas honoured the guests by presenting bouquets to them. Cyril Castelino, Veronica Noronha and Joseph Mascarenhas introduced the guests and compered the programme. Honorary president of All India Konkani Parishad, Suphala Gaitonde, proposed vote of thanks.
Later, the first symposium on 'contribution of Mumbai and Konkani community of Mumbai' presided over by Dr C N Shenoy, and poets' meet presided over by Valerian Quadros were held. Different teams presented variety cultural programme on this occasion.