Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, April 10:  'Gumat Amche Daaiz' a 30-hour percussion course was inaugurated at Milagres College on Monday, April 10.

Dr Jayavanth Nayak, Convenor, Konkani Adhyayan Peeth, Hemacharya, well-known writer and director, Daijiworld, graced the event as chief guests. Fr Micheal Santumayor, Principal, Milagres College presided over the inaugural event.

Addressing the gathering, Hemacharya said  "Gumatt is a traditional percussion of the Konkani community which has its own history and heritage. The instrument is used as part of the Konkani folk songs. But when people turned towards modernity they forgot Gumatt.

Then Jockim Periera of Bejai started to bring back the rich heritage of Gumatt and introduce the people. He researched on it and collected the information which completely contained the history of our ancestors.

Today, Milagres College has taken a step to introduce the rich instrument to the younger generation. I appreciate the management of the college especially Fr Micheal Santumayor, the principal of the college. I hope in the upcoming days the community will get many Gumatt artistes and performers."

Wishing the venture, Dr Jayavanth Nayak said, "I am glad to know that Milagres College is conducting certificate courses like Gumatt for students. This is a noble gesture from an educational  institution for preserving our culture and art. I congratulate the students who are going to participate in this course. I wish them all success and many stages after completion of the course."

In his presidential address, Fr Micheal Santumayor said, "Gumatt Amchem Daaiz is a 30-hour training session on playing the percussion Gumatt. In coastal Karnataka only Milagres College conducts this type of certificate course. Last year also we trained many students and later they got many stages and performed on TV as well. It is our duty to carry the culture which our ancestors handed over to us."

Maxim Saldanha was the recourse person for the day one.

Denson D Silva welcomed the gathering. Tressy Pinto rendered the vote of thanks. Anson Pinto compered the event.