from Joy Paladka / KBM press release
for Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 16: Managing Committee Members of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra met member of Parliament Eknath Gaikwad recently and handed over the Petition to him. Konkani supporter Shri. John Rebello was also present.

Konkani Bhasha Mandal president P N Shanbhag gave a brief introduction of KBM. John D' Silva Vice - President KBM, briefed Gaikwad about the demands of KBM.

Petition was submitted for the following 3 demands:

• Konkani Academy for Maharashtra
• Office for Konkani Bhasha Mandal in government building
• Financial support from Government of Maharashtra to organize drama festival in Mumbai, once in a year.

Gaikwad was sympathetic to KBM. " I am going to Delhi for few days. after coming back I will discuss this matter with chief ministerVilas Rao Deshmukh, " he assured.

KBM delegation is going to meet also Congress leader Gurudas Kamat and chief minister Deshmukh soon and submit a similar petition for above demands.