Media Release
Udupi, Sep 21: Konkani Association of SMS College Brahmmavar, organized the release of its biannual news magazine ‘Laran ani Taran’, on September 18 at the college auditorium.
The programme commenced with a prayer song followed by a welcome from Sucharita Pai, secretary of the forum.
In his formal introductory speech convener of the forum, lecturer Alfred Furtado, dept of English, briefed the activities conducted in the last six months and informed that this year the association enrolled 93 Konkani speaking students as members. ‘Unity in diversity’ is the unique feature of Indian society and in a place like Brahmmavar there are people knowing, using, dealing and conversing in more than one language since Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, English and Hindi are extensively used in the region.
Roshni Crasta presented a brief and crispy introduction of the resource person, Archibald Furtado and chief guest of the function retired principal Dr Y Ravindranath Rao, renowned sociologist who has done extensive research work and studied Konkani to equip himself to reach out to the community.
Archibald Furtado is a well-known MC, thinker, columnist and writer in English and Konkani who recently edited and published an exhaustive book on late Fr Alfred Roche, a renowned catholic priest from Barkur. Sharing his rich experiences with the students, in his keynote address Archibald Furtado said, "All communicative devices are only a means to an end not an end itself, as Google, mobile, internet and several others can provide only information, not knowledge. Learn from people around you, love nature and be practical. Today's small families are in a way a cause of concern as parents are scared and at times teachers are hesitant for obvious reasons to correct youngsters. Hence, it is the duty of matured college students to live up to the expectations of family and society and mould themselves as responsible citizens of tomorrow. It is not only what is taught over here but what is experienced during these years that will be remembered for a lifetime."
Through illustrations of his life he explained to the students how at this age youth get attracted toward the artificial world and urged them to channelize their abundant energy in different constructive forums provided by the college. "SMS Konkani Association is just one such platform to involve in and engage yourselves to learn from each other."
Chief guest of the function Dr Y Ravindranath Rao, retired principal, formally released the Forum's newsletter, ‘Laran ani Taran’ and congratulated the budding writers. He shared various tips on how a small beginning can lead to a rewarding career. Today, almost 25 lac speak Konkani in different regions. Konkani is not confined to a religion, but is familiar in coastal Karnataka, Kerala and it is an official language in the state of Goa besides being recognized and enlisted in the 8th Schedule. He expressed his satisfaction that this association which began in 2015 during his term as principal has been making praiseworthy progress year after year. He added that language and culture go hand in hand and are complimentary to each other."
Principal Prof Sreepada was eloquent and in his brief presidential address appreciated the activities of the association, participation of the students and the untiring efforts of both conveners namely Alfred Furtado and Twiny Rodrigues. Literary contributions from the students in the book need to be enhanced both in quality and quantity and the best in them will deservedly find place in the college magazines, Konkani periodicals, websites and various others he assured. He thanked and presented mementos to the chief guest and resource person of the day.
Giridhar Pai proposed the vote of thanks and light refreshments were served to all the participants.
Edna Lewis and Roshni Crasta jointly compered the whole programme to perfection. The programme was well attended not only by Konkani speaking members, but also others in large numbers with vice principal, Prof Robert Rodrigues, other faculty, HOD and staff fraternity present.