Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Mar 26: Mangalore University, in collaboration with Milagres College's Konkani Adhyayana Peeta, organized a day-long national conference on 'Konkani Folklore and Future' on Tuesday, March 26, at the Milagres College campus.

In his presidential speech, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, correspondent of Milagres College, said, "I am happy today that Prof Dharma is supporting Milagres College. Dharma and language are interrelated, and there is a rich heritage and culture. When there is a religion, language develops, but how it becomes rich is when one religion accepts another one. Hence, when we see the language and religion, it should be accepted by everyone, and we should not support one language and neglect another language. We should ensure that our tradition should be saved and respected in the college. I thank each and every one who has contributed to this event. Language and our culture should be more respected."

The chief guest of the conference, Dr P L Dharma, vice chancellor of Mangalore University, remarked, "I have seen Milagres College from different perspectives, and during Covid, Fr Santhumayor helped me a lot in arranging specialized exams. We saw a small demo today, and we should appreciate it. Bollywood and English songs are popular now, and youngsters are more attracted to that. By doing so, we risk losing our folklore. Konkani is our national language, and in Dakshina Kannada, there is a rich tradition where people were close to each other, inherited from their parents and ingrained in our blood. Hence, we all shared problems, but today it is surprising that those who motivate you, and it is painful that you don't recognize your parents.

"Folklore is not just for one community; every community possesses its own folklore, present from birth to death. It may appear as typical style and tradition that should be preserved. Folklore exists in Kannada, Tulu, Byari, and many other languages, yet students often lack knowledge of their mother tongue. We primarily teach English and Hindi to children, but understanding tradition necessitates familiarity with language. Folklore brings people from all backgrounds together; it is not merely crafted in a music room but rather an experience felt by farmers as they witness crops flourishing. Folklore songs impart lessons of love and respect, unlike rock music, which can disrupt the mind. In Karnataka, many struggle to speak Kannada fluently, yet we prioritize teaching French and German, which is perplexing. Consulting elders about their past experiences and neighbourhood life can shed light on this. While individuals from various professions may prioritize monetary gain, parents will always provide honesty. Modernity threatens to overshadow us, but supporting folklore can counteract this trend," he said.

Dr Jayavantha Nayak, co-ordinator, Konkani Adhyayana Peeta, Mangalore University gave an introduction to the seminar and explained how Mangalore university Konkani Adhyayana Peeta is promoting Konkani language, culture, folklore and research.

Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, correspondent, Milagres College presided over the programme. He appreciated the support that the university renders in promoting education and congratulated the vice chancellor.

Fr Micheal Santhumayor, principal and campus director of Milagres College welcomed the gathering.

On behalf of the Milagres College management Prof P L Dharma, the new vice chancellor was felicitated.

Wilson Pinto, Konkani folk activist, Mumbai was the resource person for the programme.
Dr Leo Lasrado, designated secretory, Catholic Board of Education, Mangaluru, Tressy Pinto co-ordinator, Konkani, Milagres College and Anson Pinto student representative were present on the dais.

Session 1 was conducted by Irine Rebello, on the topic Konkani Christian Folklore and future. Session 2 was conducted by Bindumadhava Shenoy, on the topic Konkani GSB Folklore and Future. Dr Roshan Pinto, principal Alva’s Homoeopathic Medical College, Mudbiri was the panellist for the programme.

Sharvya N, faculty compered the programme and Tressy Pinto delivered the vote of thanks.