Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 16: Konkani Manyatha Divas was celebrated at the PFX Saldanha auditorium, administrative office of the MCC Bank Ltd, on August 15, to commemorate the inclusion of Konkani language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.

The programme was presided over by the chairman, Sahakara Ratna, Anil Lobo. Ronald Rodrigues, vice president of pastoral council of Valencia church, was the guest of honour. He inaugurated the programme by hoisting the Konkani flag. Jerald J D’Silva, vice chairman of the bank and Sunil Menezes, general manager, members of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Naveen Lobo, Ronald Crasta and Sapna Crasta were on the dais.

Ronald Rodrigues, in his speech, emphasised the importance of celebrating Konkani Manyatha Divas. He called upon the gathering to have a passion towards the mother tongue, Konkani and save its culture for the future generations.

Chairman Anil Lobo congratulated Ronald Rodrigues with a memento.

In his keynote address, chairman, Sahakara Ratna, Anil Lobo, expressed the significance of celebrating Konkani Manyatha Divas. Being a leading co-operative bank in the coastal region of Karnataka, the bank has the responsibility towards the society and will always encourage the rich cultural heritage of Konkani language.

Various Konkani cultural programmes were conducted by Sunil Siddhi & team, Nach Sobhann, Kudmi Nach Pongod and Summel.

The directors and staff members who celebrated silver or golden birthday during the months from January to August 2024, were honoured by Sahakara Ratna, Anil Lobo.

The children of the directors and staff members who have excelled in curricular and co-curricular activities were felicitated by the chairman, Sahakara Ratna, Anil Lobo.

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy members, namely Ronald Crasta, Sapna Crasta, Naveen Lobo and Sunil Siddi were recognised for their presence with bouquet, shawl and memento.

The ‘indefatigable crusader’ of Konkani, Vishwa Konkani Kala Ratna, Eric Ozario was felicitated with shawl, garland and fruits for his tireless work towards preserving the culture and heritage of Konkani language. Irene Lobo read the citation and handed over the same to Eric Ozario.

In response to the felicitation, Eric Ozario, thanked the bank for honouring him. He praised the chairman, Anil Lobo for his creative and thought-provoking ideas towards celebrating Konkani Manyatha Divas. He called upon the gathering to support MCC Bank as it supports the artists and well-wishers.

Chairman Anil Lobo felicitated the artistes who performed during the programme.

Directors Andrew D’Souza, J P Rodrigues, Roshan D’Souza, Irene Rebello, Dr Freeda D’Souza, David D’Souza, Herald Monteiro, Dr Gerald Pinto, Anil Patrao, Vincent Lasrado, Melwin Vas, Elroy Crasta, C G Pinto, Sushanth Saldanha, Felix D’Cruz, Alwyn P Monteiro, deputy general manager Raj F Menezes and all the staff members were present for the celebration.

General manager Sunil Menezes, proposed vote of thanks. Vittori Karkal, compered the programme.

All the staff members and their family members were present for the programme.