Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Oct 31: "Our Konkani traditional folk culture is unique and diverse and needs to be preserved and nurtured," declared Fr Denis Dsa, parish priest of St Ann's Church, Thottam, at the launch of a Konkani folk song and instrument training workshop for students on Thursday, October 31.
Organised by the Udupi Diocese Youth Catholic Student Organisation and hosted by the Thottam Church YCS unit, the event aimed to combat the cultural erosion faced by youth in a westernized society.
Fr D'Sa lamented the migration of young people from villages, urging, "No matter where we are, we should love our land and language." He emphasized that this workshop, coinciding with Diwali, is essential for nurturing cultural awareness among the next generation. "It is everyone's responsibility to preserve and develop folk culture," he added.
The workshop was inaugurated by Meena Rebimbus, a Konkan Maina award-winning singer, who filled a basket with rice as part of the ceremony. Participants showcased traditional music using the Konkani instrument, Gumate, with guidance from resource persons Kathryn Rodriguez, Delton Lobo, and Jasmine Jennifer. Over 500 young people from the diocese participated in this vibrant cultural initiative.
The event also featured attendees including Fr Stephen Fernandes, youth director of Udupi Diocese; YCS Centre secretary Kavitha D'Silva; and other local leaders.
Lavina Aroza welcomed the gathering, with Leslie Aroza serving as the host.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop, Diocese of Udupi, presided over the closing ceremony in the evening. In his address, he said, "Today's youth should be nurtured with love for Konkani language and culture. Konkani culture is a special asset given to us by our forefathers.
As everyone learns it, there is a special responsibility to preserve and nurture it, and the job of handing it over to the next generation needs to be done by the youth. In this regard, he said, the youth should never forget our language and culture without becoming a slave of western culture."
Bishop distributed certificates to the campers who came from various churches who participated in the program.
On behalf of the Youth Commission, Diocese of Udupi honored Fr Denis D'Sa, ICYM unit members of St Ann’s Church, Thottam for successfully conducting the program.
Konkan Maina Meena Rebimbus, Youth Commission director Fr Stephen Fernandes, YCS animators, Lavina Aroza, Kavita Sunita D'Souza, Blessila Crasta, Vanitha Crasta, members of Parish Pastoral Council, Jousha D'Mello, president, YCS, Central Committee were present on the valedictory event.