Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 26: Konkani Manyata Diwas was celebrated with great joy and pride at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, on August 24 in the Platinum Jubilee Hall. The event was jointly organized by CAL, Catholic Sabha, Family Commission, and Youth Commission of the parish.
The chief guest of the programme was Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza, president of ICYM Mangalore diocese. Other dignitaries present included Leslie Rego, entrepreneur; Fr Walter D’Souza, parish vicar; assistant priests Fr Vivek Pinto and Fr Osmand D’Souza; and Fr Arun Lobo, principal of Padua College. The vice president and secretary of the parish pastoral parishad were also present on the occasion.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the Konkani flag by the chief guest, followed by a prayer dance performed gracefully by CAL members. Vice president Vinod D’Souza welcomed the dignitaries and parishioners. In a traditional gesture, the parish vicar Fr Walter D’Souza welcomed the gathering by offering paanpod ani udak and inaugurated the event by cutting a coconut, signifying unity and blessings.
Leslie Rego delivered a meaningful address highlighting the importance of the Konkani language, its rich history, and its recognition among the 22 scheduled languages of India. As part of the event, four eminent personalities who have significantly contributed to Konkani literature, art, and culture were honoured. They were:
• Lucy Rego – Konkani movie actress
• Joswin Pinto – Musician
• H M Pernal – Journalist
• Patrick Moras – Writer
On behalf of the honourees, H M Pernal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parish vicar and organizers for recognizing their service to the Konkani cause.
As part of the Konkani Day celebrations, a Konkani singing competition was held earlier, and winners were awarded during the event. The chief guest, Vijoy Cardoza, in his address, emphasized the need to preserve and inculcate the love for Konkani language among youth and children, ensuring that the language thrives for generations to come.
The highlight of the evening was when Fr Walter D’Souza himself sang a Konkani song, composed and written by him, receiving loud applause from the audience. Patsy Britto, Secretary of the parish pastoral parishad, proposed the vote of thanks, while the programme was skilfully compered by Allwyn D’Souza.
Cultural programmes
The cultural programme was one of the main highlights of the Konkani Manyata Diwas celebration, showcasing the richness of the language, music, literature, and traditions of the Konkani community.
The evening began with a melodious group song presented by the Catholic Sabha members, who rendered the ever-inspiring Wilfy Rebimbus song 'Konknni Uloya', which set the tone for the celebration of Konkani pride.
This was followed by traditional vovyo and verse beautifully sung by Flavilla and her team, bringing alive the age-old folk expressions of joy and festivity.
The YCS members then took the stage with melodious Konkani numbers, filling the hall with youthful energy and enthusiasm.
Lawrence Alvares touched the audience with his self-composed Konkani poem on the importance of preserving the language and culture, earning warm applause.
Catholic Sabha members enthralled the audience with a graceful dance to the lively Konkani song 'Maria Pithashe', showcasing colourful costumes, synchronized steps, and cultural pride.
Lucy Lobo added a humorous twist to the evening with her solo act, leaving the audience in splits through her natural flair for comedy and expressive performance.
Patsy and her team captivated the audience with a medley of old Konkani folk songs, reviving the charm of traditional family gatherings and festive occasions, and touching the hearts of the elders present.
The CAL members infused youthful vibrance with a spirited dance performance on a Konkani number, seamlessly blending modern choreography with traditional steps, which lit up the stage and won loud cheers from the crowd.
The Catholic Sabha members presented a skit that combined comedy with thought-provoking dialogues, entertaining the audience while delivering a meaningful message that left everyone laughing and reflecting at the same time.
The cultural segment thus beautifully portrayed the multifaceted glory of Konkani — through songs, dances, poems, skits, humour, and folk traditions — making it a memorable evening for all gathered. The programme concluded with a traditional dinner featuring Pez ani Chutney, Pork Sorpotel, and Vorne, bringing the celebration to a memorable close.
The Konkani Manyata Diwas celebration at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, was truly a blend of tradition, culture, and unity, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting the Konkani language and heritage.