News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 13: Konkani Manyatha Divas was celebrated by St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road recently at the Community Hall of St Joseph’s Church. His Excellancy Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore was the chief guest.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza was welcomed at the arc of the Church and brought to the community hall with a procession.
The programme began with a welcome dance. John Crasta, president of the association welcomed the gathering. Fr Nelosn Pinto, OCD (Spiritual Director of the association and parish priest of St Joseph’s Church), Sr Cecelia (Superior, Holy Cross Sisters, Mira Road), Gilbert Baptist (Malaika Group), Robert Noronha (Noronha Estate Agency), John Crasta (president), Arun Noronha (secretary), Lawrence Mathias (treasurer) along with Bishop of Mangalore inaugurated the function in a unique way i.e. pouring five colours in a bowl symbolizing five Konkani scripts with respective traditional dresses.
Fr Nelson Pinto, OCD introduced Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza and felicitated him after which Dr Aloysius Paul inaugurated the new logo of the association.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aloysius Paul said that we should feel proud to speak Konkani. He was very happy to see a large crowd and said that we should teach our children to speak in Konkani.
Merit holders (children of association members) in SSC and HSC and rank holders in Inter CA were honoured. Prizes were distributed to the winners of talent competition held on August 17.
Members of the association and their children entertained the crowd with dances and songs. Small skits ‘D’Silva Clinic’ (written and directed by Prasann Niddodi), ‘Pokhana’ (written and directed by Fr Nelson Pinto and enacted by Fr Nelson Pinto and Fr Rajesh) and ‘Wrong Number’ (written and directed by Prasann Niddodi) were enacted.
Arun Noronha, secretary of St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association offered the vote of thanks. Hilary D’Silva and Jossy Gonsalves compered the programme.