Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Sep 2: “Konkani is the mother tongue of 42 communities and each community has diversity in its folklore and cultural hierarchy. The population of Konkani-speaking communities is concentrated most in four states of southern India.  The splendour of Konkani is being witnessed in the daily practice of different communities with regard to their dress and food habits.  Konkani has indeed enriched folklore,” said B Pundalik Marate Shirva, member, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of ‘Vovyo Verse’, Konkani traditional wedding song competition, held at Kinnigoli parish hall, near here, on Thursday September 1.  The competitions were held in association with Konkani Sahitya Academy, Matov Mangalore, Konkani Samskruti Kala Pratistan, and Stree Sangatan, Kinnigoli.

“The union government had accredited national status to Konkani and the state administration granted an opportunity to teach Konkani in schools as third optional subject.  It’s an honour to Konkani native speakers and their language,” said Pundalik.  He urged the elders in Konkani communities to foster their mother tongue among the new generation of youth.

Kinnigoli parish priest Fr Alfred J Pinto, in his chief guest’s address, said that mother tongue Konkani is likely to come under the influence of other languages and parents must take note of this in order to foster their mother tongue.

George D’Souza Bajpe, in his special talk, emphasized the contribution of Konkani in the literary field.