Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Nov 10: The Konkani Association Charitable Trust (KACT) celebrated the Konkani Sahamilan on Sunday evening at the St Jude School Auditorium, Jerimeri, Kurla West. The simple gathering, held under the leadership of KACT President Leo Fernandes Jerimeri, was graced by the chief guest Fr Nelson Saldanha, parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Goregaon West, who delivered his message on the occasion.
Fr Saldanha said, “When people come forward as acquaintances, human relationships grow. This leads to a prosperous and happier life. Programmes like Sahamilans encourage the learning, preservation, and progress of our mother tongue and also promote the growth of artistes. Only when we instill love for our mother tongue in the minds of children can our language, culture, and traditions flourish and survive. Therefore, learning the mother tongue must be prioritized in every household. Only then can peace, love, affection, and unity thrive within the family.”
As guests of honour, senior theatre artiste Francis Fernandes Cassia, Divo Konkani weekly editor Lawrence Coelho, KACT vice president Walter D’Souza Kalmadi, treasurer Pritesh Castelino, joint secretary Vincent Castelino, executive committee members Cyril Castelino, Manuel P Fernandes and Levin L Fernandes were present on stage. On the joyous occasion of Fr Nelson Saldanha completing his silver jubilee of priesthood, he was felicitated and honored on behalf of the Trust.
Speaking on the occasion, Francis Cassia said that platforms like these greatly support communication in the mother tongue. Such gatherings unite everyone with a common purpose and serve as instruments to showcase our identity.
As part of the cultural programme, renowned musician Leo Ranipur presented the 117th edition of his Universal Melodies Musical Dhamaka. Performances were given by Anthony Tauro, Manuel P Fernandes, Lewin Fernandes, Andrea Suares, Rudy D’Souza (Miraroad), Sarah Mathias, and Ronald D’Souza. Poems were recited by Neri Nazareth and Prasanna Niddodi, while Francis Pereira, Allwyn Goveas, and Reshma Allwyn Goveas presented comedy skits. Dance performances were given by Jenice D’Souza, Joyce D’Souza, and Ruth Vaz.
The programme was attended by many dignitaries including Secular Citizen weekly publisher Sujatha L Coelho, Real estate agent Paul Mascarenhas, St John Konkani Community Marol (SJKC) President Sunitha Suares, Edwin Augustine Suares, Claudy Francis Monteiro, Melvin Fernandes (Hon treasurer, Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra), Clement Madantyar, Jawahar Pereira, Ivan Suarez, Simon Gomes Mulund, Francis Lewis, Joan Rodriguez Vasai, KACT Executive committee members Gregory Monis, Ida M.Monteiro, John Rodrigues, George Chettiar and several others.
Pritesh Castelino welcomed the gathering. Leo Fernandes delivered the introductory address and honoured the guests with floral bouquets. Cyril Castelino compared the programme. Vincent Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.