Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 26: Konkani Bhasha Mandal – Maharashtra organized twenty-first annual Konkani Manyata Day, during a function held at Dr M Vishveshwarayya Auditorium, Karnataka Sangh, Matunga (West) here on Sunday August 25 evening.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal – Maharashtra president John D’Silva presided over the function.
Jane Moses Gomes, principal of CES Michael High School and Pre-University College, Kurla (West) was the chief guest of the occasion. Entrepreneur Sanjay K Sukthankar was the guest of honour.
The dignitaries felicitated Janet Lawrence D’Souza, who was appointed as deputy chairperson of Maharashtra state minority commission and distributed scholarship to talented students, besides prizes to the winners of different competitions. Janet L.D’Souza in acknowledgement of felicitation said that she is proud to be Mangalorean who has sustained mother tongue Konkani in daily conversation at home. She feels happy whenever someone talks to her in Konkani during her course of work in the metro. She is privileged to be appointed on the coveted post, said Janet.
Jane Moses said that the programme organized by Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra with the objective of sustaining mother tongue Konkani among the new generations of Konkans is significant indeed, said Jane.
John D’Silvain in his presidential address said that Konkani which is included in eighth schedule of Indian Constitution has brought great honor to native Konkans, while it is the duty of every Konkan to sustain Konani among the new generations, appealed John.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal – Maharashtra former president P N Shanbagh, executive committee member Walter D’Souza Jerimeri, were present on the dais.
The chairman Henry Lobo welcomed the gathering. Honorary chief secretary Lawrence D’Souza Kamani delivered the introductory address. Vice president Albert W D’Souza explained the importance of Konkani and the need to strive for its sustenance among the new generation. Cyril Castelino compered the programme. Treasurer Peter D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.
Leo Fernandes, committee members Benedicta Rebello, Suresh G Rao, John B Mendonca, Sudhir Kodkarni, Lawrence Coelho, Suszen Coelho among others were also present.
The winners of competitions staged Konkani singing programme and dances as part of cultural programme. Matarpanale Kazar, Konkani play by playwright Tony Martin was staged by the talented artistes of Konkani Bhasha Mandal and also Dubavacho Kido, Konkani skit by playwright Joseph D’Souza Borivali on the occasion.