Chikmagalur: History Created in Balehonnur - Konkani Mahotsav Set Rolling

Report by Gladson D’Almeida, pics by Viju Mangalore

Chikmagalur, Sep 17: The stage was set to create history. People gathered in large numbers were determined to be the part of this history. The organizers were bent upon making this day a memorable day. So any event or celebration, which is organized with this strong background, would never go in vain and would never disappoint anyone.

This was proved so true at the Community Hall at Balehonnur in Chikmagalur district. Noted businessman and Konkani buff Ronald Colaco inaugurated the Konkani Mahotsav, the first-ever Konkani convention of Chikmagalur diocese, by playing the traditional music instrument the gumatt. 

Speaking on the occasion he said that unless proper attention is given to protect and develop Konkani language, culture and traditions, the future generation would face the danger of not knowing their roots. They will be deprived of learning and knowing about the richness and greatness of their mother tongue. 

"Somewhat we Konkani speaking people have greater love and appreciation for other languages and culture than our own. This should not go on for long. This is a great opportunity provided to you, the Konkani speaking diaspora spread across the diocese of Chikmagalur, to contribute your mite in preserving and promoting Konkani. Let us go forward from here.  This is the only first step and we have miles to travel," Colaco gave a clarion call.

Fr Aloysius D'Souza, who was the guest of honour on the occasion spoke from his heart.  He gave a call to the people to gear themselves up to the cause of Konkani.  "Language is for man and not vice versa," was his message to the Konkani community of Chikmagalur diocese.

Former national president of Women's Commission and JD (S) leader Philomena Peris, Konkani Prachar Sanchalan president Ronald Castelino, Konkani Yuva Awaz general secretary Denis D'Silva, Kulshekar also spoke on the relevance of Konkani Mahotsav and the need of promoting Konkani culture and language.

Earlier, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Eric Ozario, an untiring and inspirational leader of the community, in his keynote address said that Konkani academy is committed for the development of Konkani in Chikmagalur diocese and that he would contribute his time and resources towards this noble and most necessary cause.

Konkani Rakonn Sanchalan was launched on the occasion by Ronald Colaco.

State Konkani Sahitya Academy registrar H S Shivarudrappa and organizing committee member and representative of Hassan district Vijay Vincent Roche were also present on the dais.

ICYM Chikmagalur president and in-charge president of Konkani Rakonn Sanchalan Jossie Lobo welcomed the gathering. Praveen Veigas proposed the vote of thanks while Stany Alvares of Mandd Sobhaann compered the programme.

The participation of over 1600 Konkani buffs was an overwhelming response.