Media Release

Mumbai, Aug 22: Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra, premier Konkani Institution in Mumbai celebrated the Konkani Divas on August 20 at the Karnataka Sangha Hall, Matunga, Mumbai.

Advocate Genevieve Tara Vas was the Chief Guest and Ajit Rege, General Manager of The North Kanara GSB Co-op Bank Ltd and i Glenn Joseph Ebnett, Congress Member and activist were the Guest of honour. 

John D’Silva, president, Albert W D’Souza, Vice-President, Henry Lobo, Chairman,  Lawrence D’Souza-Kamani, General Secretary and Peter D’Souza, Treasurer shared the dais. 

Speaking on the occasion AdvocateVas recollected the history of Konkani struggle and paid rich tributes to Konkani stalwarts like Shennai Goembab, Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag and read a verse from ‘Krista Purana’ and also narrated the richness of the sweet language.  He urged the audience to use Konkani in their daily life. 

Ajit Rege paid rich tributes to Konkani language and shared his views, while Glenn Ebnett was nostalgic when explained how he was made to wear a lungi by his grandfather during a visit to Mangalore when he was five years old. 

The chief guest handed over the Pratibha Puraskar-2012 Awards to children of the members who excelled in studies.  Guests of honour Ajit Rege and Glenn Joseph Ebnett gave away the prizes to the winners of the Talent Contest held in July.  

Sarah Mathias and Ainish Mathias began the function with a prayer dance. Children of Malvani Konkani Group and Kenneth Zuzarte (Kenny) enthralled the audience with their scintillating dance numbers.  

Kalakiran presented “Sorgichem Dhar” a skit written and directed by Lawrence D’Souza-Kamani, while a Goan group presented the skit “Niddukayecho Uzo” written and directed by Alicia Crasto.

Malad Konkani Group presented a skit “Cherko Ja’ay”, written and directed by Rita Albuquerque.

John D’Silva, President of the Mandal welcomed the gathering.  Albert W D’Souza, Vice-President in his keynote address talked about the significance of the day and stressed upon the need for a Konkani Research Centre and a Konkani Academy in Maharashtra and the efforts being taken by the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra, while Henry Lobo, chairman, inaugurated the Souvenir.

Lawrence D’Souza-Kamani introduced the guests and announced the names of the talent contest and the Pratibha Puraskar winners.  i Peter D’Souza, treasurer proposed the vote of thanks. Lawrence D’Souza-Kamani and Francis Olivera, Padukone compeered the programme.  

Sheela Kolambkar, Samsung and Sahitya Akademi Award winner was honoured during the programme.

Immediate past president, P N Shanbhag, Advocate Pius Vas, Elvina D’Souza, Gladys D’Silva, Henry D’Souza among others were present.

The programme concluded with delicious Konkani dinner.