Media Release
Mysuru, Aug 20: The Konkani Christian Association (KCA) of Mysuru celebrated Konkani Manyata Divas recognizing the Konkani language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992 and Family Day on Sunday, August 18 at their prominent Konkan Bhavan, Vijayanagar 2nd stage, Mysuru.
The programme began with Konkani Holy Mass. The principle celebrant was Fr Wilfred Rodrigues of Pushpashram concelebrated with two priests Fr Merwin Noronha and Fr Nicholas D’Souza, followed by a public function.
The family day was inaugurated by the president along with a few tiny tots by aiming the basket. Several games for different age groups and couples were conducted by the Konkani teachers as well as the vice presidents: Meena Dias and Stany Lobo. All the members enthusiastically participated in those games.
In the afternoon, Manyata Divas was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by well-known Konkani and Kannada writer Vally Vogga (Valerian D’Souza) who was also the recipient of Rajyotsava Award. He was accompanied by the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Joachim Stany Alvares who was the chief guest. The president John William D’Souza, Joyce Sequeira, general secretary, treasurer Anil Saldanha were present on the dais.
In his speech, Joachim Stany Alvares spoke about the history of Konkani language and the need to enrich and uphold its tradition and culture. He appreciated the contribution of KCA in community involvement and serving the society in different ways.
Joyce Sequeira, the general secretary announced monetary support of Rs 25,000 to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Gandhinagar. Similarly, two more beneficiaries who are suffering from prolonged illness received Rs 25,000 each as medical assistance. The KCA donates irrespective of caste, creed or language.
On the occasion, the KCA honoured the special guest Stany Alvares and 30 past office bearers who had rendered selfless service to the association during their tenure. This programme was assisted by Sylvester D’Mello. A special stall was arranged for the sale of Konkani story books and traditional food delicacies. The celebration concluded with the distribution of prizes by the chief guest.
John D’Souza, president of KCA welcomed the gathering. Anil Saldanha, treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks and Meena Dias, vice president, compered the programme. Konkani residents of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts attended the celebration.