Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 27: The 'Konkani Manyatha Divas - 2018' organised by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was inaugurated by MLC Ivan D’Souza at townhall on Monday, August 27.

Delivering the inaugural address, Ivan stressed on the need to organise more Konkani programmes to promote Konkani language. “Today many are ashamed to speak Konkani because of the lack of encouragement. Konkani language is included in the eighth schedule and even now allowed to be spoken in the parliament. I have spoken in Konkani language during the session and raised issues pertaining to Konkani language,” he said.

"We want a Konkani Bhavan in our district as well as a permanent registrar. It will not be difficult because we have a Tulu speaking minister and hence it will be easier to approach. I expect continuous programmes to be held to promote Konkani language,” D’Souza added.

Mangalore University in-charge vice chancellor Dr Kishore Kumar C K highlighted that Konkani has a rich history of over 2000 years. “We should know the culture, tradition and customs of our language and how it will be useful. There should be no inferiority while speaking our language. If students want to take up research on their mother tongue they hesitate and question themselves on how it will benefit? We have rich culture and it should be passed forward to upcoming generations,” he said.

Former president of Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino said, “Innumerable programmes need to be organised to promote Konkani language and it is our duty to take this forward and inspire the future generation. Konkani is our identity and an independent language. It has its own tradition, culture and custom which needs to be saved.”

President of Konkani Sahitya Academy R P Naik said, "We should work together for promoting Konkani language. Today very few people witnessed this programme. In order to attract more people we will conduct Konkani awareness programmes soon.”