Report and pics from Rons Bantwal for Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 17: Konkani Bhasha Mandal organized the 'Konkani Sahamilan' and 'Katha Vaachan' in Gyan Ashram, Andheri (East) on Sunday.

Well-known poet J B Sequeira lit the ceremonial lamp and inaugurated the meet.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Eric Ozario, as chief guest, said there would be no end to difference of opinion on any given subject since it was part of life. However, there should not be any personal opposition to development of any language. The main problem currently faced by Konkani is over the script. Yet, Konkani has been progressing at a high tempo. The volume of books, cassettes and literature published in  the last few months itself is proof to this progress. Besides, taking up Konkani as the third language in Karnataka effective coming scholastic year also is a sign of Konkani's development, he added.

Working president J B Moraes spoke on the past sessions of Konkani meets in Mumbai, Tanaji Halarnkar on the mottos of Akhil Bharat Konkani Parishad and Ancy Paladka on the silver jubilee session of Konkani organization.

Hindi film-maker Harry William Fernandes presided over the story-telling session and said that one's love for language could be compared to the love towards one's own mother. Nurturing one's language is as good as respecting the mother. Human life attains respect only through mother-tongue. Other languages might only provide ways to lead life, but true value to life comes only from mother-tongue. Hence the younger generation should see that the development of one's mother-tongue would not just remain a dream, but they should take efforts to strengthen it, said Fernandes.

Sheela Kolamkar, Joy Paladka and Philomena Sanfrancisco narrated their stories. Naveen Kulshekar, 'Joker' Cascia and Ron Michael Angelore responded to the narrations.  Cyril Castelino compered the event.

'Kutam' editor Henry D'Paula was the guest of honour. Vice president John D'Silva and president P N Shanbhag welcomed the gathering. General secretary Joy Paladka provided information of the activities. Lawrence D'Souza moderated the 'Sahamilan'. Treasurer Leo Fernandes Jeri Meri proposed a vote of thanks.