Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 20: Mangalore University’s Konkani Adhyayana Peetha, in collaboration with Milagres College, celebrated Konkani Manyatha Divas 2024 on August 20.

The event commenced with cultural performances featuring the Konkani folk song ‘Gummat’ and a traditional folk dance, showcasing the rich heritage of the Konkani language and culture.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof P L Dharma, vice chancellor, Mangalore University, who ceremoniously lit the lamp. In his inaugural address, Prof Dharma emphasized the importance of speaking and writing in Konkani, urging the audience to contribute to the preservation of the language.

Ivan D’Souza MLC, Karnataka, was honoured on the occasion. He assured governmental support to Konkani language, community and institution for Konkani cultural activities.

Dr Michael Santhumayor, the principal presided over the event. He was felicitated for his PhD and expressed his commitment to promoting Konkani as a second language within the institution.

Roy Castelino, former president Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy delivered an insightful address, highlighting that Konkani with its five scripts, is a language deeply rooted in cultural identity. He stressed the significance of Konkani Manyatha Divas in preserving this cultural heritage.

Other dignitaries present include Gokuldas Prabhu, Poornima Suresh and Pundalik Marathe members of Konkani Adhyayana Peetha, Mangalore University.

Prof Jayavanth Nayak coordinator of Konkani Adhyayana Peetha, welcomed the gathering and delivered the keynote address. Tressy Pinto, coordinator of the programme proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Denzil E Pinto, assistant professor at Milagres College.