Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)

Mumbai, Sep 2: Konkani Basha Mandal Maharastra celebrated ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ at Dr M Vishveshvarayya auditorium of Karnataka Sangh, Matunga (West), on Wednesday August 31.

Konkani Basha Mandal Maharastra president P N Shanbagh presided over the programme.

Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Henry Lobo was the chief guest on the occasion.

Willart India director Stella Mancheril and Aldel Education Trust and Model Bank chairman Albert W D’Souza were the guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Lobo said that cultural roots lie in the mother tongue and language is the cultural asset.  “It’s the responsibility of community brethren to foster their mother tongue.  Youth can lead a meaningful life in the future provided they are educated on cultural hierarchy,” he added.

Valencia D’Souza rendered a prayer dance while P N Shanbagh welcomed the gathering.  Konkani Basha Mandal Maharastra vice-president John D’Silva delivered the introductory address.  Honorary secretary Lawrence D’Souza Kamani introduced the guests.  Treasurer Alphonse D’Souza, Walter D’Souza Jerimeri, Cyril Castelino and others welcomed the dignitaries with flower bouquets.  Joint treasurer Leo Fernandes compered the programme.  Benedicta B Rebello proposed the vote of thanks.

Konkani renowned musician Kenny Zunzart of Mira Road staged a musical concert, musical dance ‘Tika Tika Dhoom ani Piti Piti Mog’ was presented by Eni Saib, Maria Concesso and Antonet group. Konkani play ‘Karya Moga Patlyan Dev Asa’ by playwright and director Rony Martis, ‘Sri Krishna Parijata’ directed by Poornima G Rao, and ‘Garacho Divo’, a skit by playwright and director Rita Albuquerque was staged as part of the entertainment and cultural programmes. The programme concluded with the national anthem.