Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 24: Konkani Manyata Divas is the inclusion of Konkani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution in 1992. Naman Ballok Jesu organized an exhibition of a collection of age-old items at Infant Jesus hall on Thursday August 24, on the occasion of Konkani Manyata Divas.
An exhibition of antiques was declared open at Infant Jesus campus with the hosting of the Konkani flag by Roy Castelino. Editor of Naman Ballok Jesu Fr Ivan D’Souza welcomed the dignitaries with a flower bouquet. Roy Castelino (former president Konkani Sahitya Academy), Maxim Ludrig Bondel (writer and drama director), Fr Melvin D’Cunha (superior, St Joseph’s Monastery), Fr Stifan Pereira (shrine director) and Fr Ivan D'Souza (NBJ editor) were on the dais. A Konkani song was sung by the theology brothers.
Thereafter, those present proceeded to the shrine hall in a procession. Fr Melvin D’Cunha inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ribbon. A video presentation was given, in which Maxim Ludrig explained the names and uses of all the items that were once used by our ancestors which are now slowly fading away. A quiz was held based on Konkani culture. The exhibition had a display of 150 antique items. Infant Jesus devotees expressed their views and appreciation on the display of the collection of antiques used by our forefathers which brought back childhood memories.
It was worth the efforts of Fr Ivan D'Souza and team, as people came in large numbers throughout the day and benefited from it.
The programme was compered by Elson Ergan.