Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MR)

Mangalore, Aug 22: MLA Yogish Bhat inaugurated the talent competition for children organized by Konkani Prachar Sanchalan on Friday August 22. More than 400 children from various schools are participating in the singing, dance and story-telling competitions which are being held at Kalaangann till Sunday August 24.

These competitions are held on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of Konkani's inclusion in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.  This day is being celebrated as 'Konkani Manyata Divos' throughout in the Konkani circles.

Inaugurating the competitions by writing symbolically on a currency note the words "ek hajar rupia", Yogish Bhat appealed every Konkani person to work in unison for the upliftment of Konkani language.  "Only when we speak our mother tongue, we can feel proud of our identity. The day we stop to speak our language, we will be a lost tribe without any roots," he said. 

Dayan D'Souza, Co-founder of Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE was the chief guest of the function.  "If we do not preserve the language, it will be soon like plastic flowers in vases," he said metaphorically.  He praised the efforts of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan in promoting Konkani language and inculcating in children the love for Konkani by conducting various competitions.  He released Mandd Sobhann's new audio album `Gupit Mog' during the occasion.  The album contains some of the old numbers like Rozalin, Aikun Khabar Lucy, Suryachim Kirnam apart from Dekhnni, Manddo and Baila medleys.

Dr Edward Nazareth, secretary, Konkani Prachar Sanchalan welcomed the audience at the beginning.  He gave details about the importance of Konkani Manyata Divos, dwelling briefly on history of the initial struggle of Konkani people in attaining its due status in the Constitution.

Louie Pinto, vice president and Stany Alvares, treasurer were present on the dais along the Vishwa Konkani Kalaratn Eric Ozario, who conducted the programme.