Bahrain: ‘Konkani Kutam’- 10 fruitful years in the service of Konkani 

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Bahrain, May 16: Richard Moras, Konkani writer and activist, a chartered accountant by profession, who hails from Taccode near Moodubidri, is an undisputed leader of Konkani community in Bahrain. He has been working for the betterment of his mother tongue, Konkani, quietly and efficiently for many decades. It was he, who first initiated a forum for the Konkani-speaking writers, and then slowly expanded the scope of this forum to other forms of art. 'Konkani Kutam' was his brainchild, and today, this organization, the labour of his love for his mother tongue Konkani stands tall amidst a number of major Konkani organizations in the Gulf.

Founder : Richard Moras

It is now celebrating decade of its fruitful existence which is by means not a small achievement . Today, ‘Konkani Kutam’, has grown to be a robust and a composite forum which provides a platform for Konkani writers, singers, actors, activists and other artistes. This grand celebration of ten years is scheduled for May 20, 2010. 

Bahrain did not have a Konkani association and Konkani writers realized this vacuum which led to the birth of 1997 “Konkani Writers Forum”, aimed at working for the welfare of Konkani language and culture.  Members, as part of their association with the organization compiled stories and articles and other related information to various newspapers and journals.  They showed their commitment for the development of Konkani language by sponsoring five Christmas Special issues of “jhelo”, a Konkani monthly and two special issues of “Mithr”, a weekly published from Mangalore.  That provided the right momentum for a long and cherished journey in the service of the mother tongue Konkani, undertaken with great zeitgeist in the small state of Bahrain, a small emirate in the Persian Gulf.

Encouraged by the success of this forum the need to establish a full pledged association gained momentum and in 2000 the forum was rechristened as “Konkani Kutam, Bahrain” which means the Konkani family of Bahrain.   

The main objectives of Konkani Kutam included supporting common goals to enrich Konkani by preserving it’s identify, to organize Konkani cultural shows, to honour and recognize prominent Konkani artistes, writers, singers, drams writers etc,. and to provide a platform for Konkanis to showcase their talent in various fields of activity. 

   
 
Although managing a Indian language oriented association is a challenging task in a foreign land due to a limited and unreliable support base, Konkani, being a culturally rich language, has found its place in the hearts and minds of every Konkani living in the State of Bahrain.  Due to the collective efforts of Konkani lovers Konkani Kutam succeeded in creating a niche for itself and successfully; completed 10 years of its productive existence. 

Konkani Kutam Bahrain organizes Konkani Cultural Show every year in the 3rd week of May and 1000 Konkani lovers attend the function to display their solidarity, talent and love for Konkani.  .  Since 2000, Konkani Kutam has organized nine cultural shows, comprising well acclaimed artistes invited from India and also the local talent. 
 
Since 2002, Konkani Kutam has honoured eight prominent luminaries for their contributions to Konkani language, culture and literature.  The award carries Rs 50,000/- in cash, a shawl, a memento and a citation.  The tenth award, called ‘The Life Achievement Award’ on account of decennial celebrations was presented to the Konkani Legend, Wilfy Remimbus with a privy purse of Rs.1,00,000/-.  
 
 
Recipients of Konkani Kutam Bahrain award – (in box) 
 
2002 – Maurice D’Sa
 
2003 – Benna Ruzai
 
2004 – Mickmax
 
2005 – Dolphy Cascia
 
2006 – Melwyn Rodrigues
 
2007 – Eric Ozario
 
2008 – Dr. Edward Nazreth
 
2009 – Wilfy Remimbus (Decennial Award)
 
 
The speciality of these awards is that  these awards are given away in Mangalore  largely due to the fact that most prominent Konkani artistes domicile here.  
In addition to the annual celebrations, Konkani Kutam organizes every year events such as the Feast of Mother Mary in the month of September, a festivity which attracts more than 400 people to celebrate the occasion in solidarity I and in typical Mangalorean tradition. 
 
In the month of January every year Konkani Kutam organizes Konkani singing, speech and dance contents for children in three categories. Attractive prizes are given away to the winners and consolation prizes to all participants of the competition. As an integral part of its objective Konkani Kutam also extends financial help to Kankani artists besides reaching out to the numerous social causes without taking into consideration the caste, creed and other details. 

The forum holds its meetings every month to review its activities and chalk out future strategies.  Richard Moras, a prominent personality and philanthropist who had been at the forefront in initiating and motivating the group since its inception, serves as its Convenor and as Spokesperson. He is ably assisted by a working committee. (See box) 
 
Speaking to Daijiworld, Richard Moras reciprocated the support and love they received from Konkani people and the sponsors of Konkani Kutam and in particular hailed the support extended by other associations in Bahrain, such as Karnataka Social Club and Konkan Singers Club, of which he is an active member.  “Without their backing, we would have been nowhere” – says Moras candidly. ’
 
Governing Council of Konkani Kutam Bahrain -
 
Covener – Richard Moras  
Working Committee Members: 
Henry D’Almeida, John Mascarenhas, Manu Bahrain, and Ronald Fernandes  
Cultural Committee:  
Ronald Olivera, Stany D’Souza, Alwyn Peres, Muriel Gomes, Joel D’Sa and Edward D’Almeida