Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit Raises Curtain on World Konkani Convention
Report: Wilfred D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 25: Monday October 24, 2010 was a red letter day for KCA, New Delhi, so also for Konkani lovers around the world, as Delhi chief minister minister raised the curtains on the forthcoming first World Konkani Cultural Convention to be held in Mangalore from November 25 to December 19.
The mega event is being organised by Mandd Sobhann under the dynamic leadership of Konkan Kala Ratan Eric Ozario, Gurkar, Mannd Sobhann and president Louis J Pinto.
The event was held at the famous Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, under the direction of regional youth leader Dolfy Prashant D'Souza.
The programme began at 6.15 pm with the arrival of Eric and Joyce Ozario. KCA president Vincent Menezes extended a warm welcome to the gathering, especially to Eric and Joyce Ozario whom he requested to perform for the audience.
A rousing welcome resounded in the hall when Eric Ozario and his wife took the stage. Their melodious singing touching the hearts of Konkani music lovers as every person in the audience listened totally enchanted.
The formal function began at around 6.40 pm when Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit arrived, who too was mesmerised by the performances of Eric and Joyce Ozario.
The dignitaries present on the dais were KCA, Delhi patron and former union minister Oscar Fernandes, Dr Christy Fernandes, IAS, secretary to President Pratibha Patil, Vicar General of Delhi archdiocese, Monsgr Victor D’Souza, Eric Ozario, Louis J Pinto, Dolfy Prashant D’Souza and Vincent Menezes.
Eric Ozario, in his address elaborated on the aim of the forthcoming World Konkani Cultural Convention and highlighted the contribution made by Mandd Sobhann in this direction. He said that the vibrant, 'madhur' Konkani language and culture need to be preserved as it is the only heritage that one could freely pass on to the next generation. He also gave an account of the preparations made for the mega event over the past one year and expressed his hope that the Delhi Konkani community and the government would support such a noble cause. He urged the CM to consider the request for a Konkani Bhawan in the national capital, and cooperation and support for the upcoming event.
Oscar Fernandes, speaking in Konkani, appreciated the hardwork put in by Mandd Sobhann especially by Eric Ozario in the past so many years in preserving and promoting Konkani. He assured the organizers that he would be always there to support the cause of Konkani and would do his best for the success of the forthcoming event.
It was then that a formal 'Vovllig' to the World Konkani Cultural Convention was extended to the Konkani community of Delhi, through chief minister Sheila Dikshit. President of Mannd Sobhann Louis J Pinto presented the Pan-Phod and Udok in a tambyo on a brass salver, accompanied by loud cheering by the audience and the sound of fireworks. The chief minister accepted the Vovllig and lifted the salver of Pan-Phod and Udok tambyo as a mark of acceptance on behalf of the Delhi Konkani community and said 'Pavlee' (reached/received). The whole house erupted into joy and the delight stayed on even after the ceremony ended.
Oscar Ferandes announced to the august house that President Pratibha Patil has agreed to be the chief guest for the 'World Unity Day' to be held on December 9 during the World Cultural Convention at Mangalore. The President will be handing over specially constituted awards for 25 institutions which have been selected from world over for their contribution made to preserve Konkani language and culture.
In her address, Sheila Dikshit said that she was delighted to witness Konkani culture and music, and termed it one of the richest Indian heritage. She thanked the organisers for providing her with an opportunity to witness Konkani traditions. She acknowledged that Konkani which is widely spoken in the coastal belt from Mumbai to Kerala has quite a good presence in the national capital. She also said that the society is enriched by the Konkani people who love peace and harmony, which is needed to unite all into one family.
She promised that substantial amount of financial assistance would be released in due course for the World Cultural Convention. Regarding the request for a Konkani Bhawan in Delhi, she said that she would try her best to fulfil it. She strongly supported the request but also expressed concern over the rising land rates, but advocated to the Konkani people of Delhi and of the country that persuasion and efforts will lead to success.
Dr Christy Fernandes, expressing his delight in receiving the Vovllig, strongly advocated the preservation of Konkani culture, its rich traditions, heritage, language and music.
In his address the young and dynamic leader of the South Kanara region Dolfy Prashant D’Souza said that he was satisfied that the efforts and planning that they had put in to making the event a successful one was bearing fruits and thanked Oscar Ferandes for his support. He also said that the very presence of the chief minister of Delhi, showed that people are very receptive of Konkani culture and music.
The Ozario couple was felicitated on the occasion by the Vicar General of Delhi archdiocese, Monsgr Victor D’Souza. He also acknowledged and felicitated Louis J Pinto and Dolfy Prashant D’Souza.
Wilfred D'Souza, executive committee member, KCA, Delhi and Austin Alick compered. Irene D’Souza, secretary, KCA proposed the vote of thanks.
World Konkani Convention : Coverage