Media Release
Mangaluru, March 8: Renowned genealogy expert Dr Michael Lobo has said that exploring one’s family history is primarily a way to satisfy curiosity rather than offering practical benefits.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at a genealogy programme organised to mark the 52nd Foundation Day of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Karnataka at BEM School Car Street Hall, Dr Lobo said, “Learning about one’s genealogy is mainly useful for satisfying curiosity. For Christians, it is sufficient to consult church records to trace family lineage, but apart from fulfilling curiosity, it does not have much practical use.”
Dr Lobo, who has researched genealogies extensively and authored a ten-thousand-page publication, has also received a doctorate from a foreign university for his work.
The programme, organised with support from the Tauro family, was inaugurated by S L Prashanth Shet, who lit the ceremonial lamp. He said that by organising meaningful programmes, the Mandal is steadily moving towards fulfilling its mission of serving the Konkani community.
Presiding over the event, Raymond D’Cunha Taccode, highlighted the work of Konkani language associations in Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. “These organisations were at the forefront of struggles for a Konkani academy and recognition under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Today, we continue the movement for a Konkani Bhavan and postgraduate studies in Konkani,” he said.
Chief guest John A Tauro Kamath conveyed best wishes to the organisers. Manvel Tauro detailed the lineage of the Tauro family, while Praveen Tauro explained the genealogy of his branch.
Participants shared experiences and information related to genealogy. The Q&A session was conducted by treasurer Vasanth Rao, alongside Geetha C Kini and Juliet Fernandes.
Concluding remarks were delivered by vice-president Meenakshi N Pai and former State Teachers’ Association vice-president Stany Tauro.
The programme began with a welcome address by executive member Robert Menezes, a vote of thanks by secretary Liston D’Souza, and was compered by Jossy Pinto.