Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Nov 12: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy celebrated children’s day at Lions Seva Mandir, Mallikatte on November 12 in the Mangaluru.
The President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Roy Castelino in his welcome address, narrated the importance of the Konkani Language. “Konkani is the only language which is the mother tongue of people of three religions and written in five scripts. Hence we should be proud of ourselves. Since this is a national language we should not hesitate to speak in Konkani in our houses.”
The editor of Raknno a Konkani weekly Fr Francis Rodrigues was honoured for his work towards Konkani juvenile literature through the ‘Kazulo’ Konkani children's monthly magazine.
Fr Francis said “Modernization has taken away the natural life of children from them. Heavy bags have affected their free thinking, while stress of curriculum has not let children spend time for themselves."
"With morning coaching and evening teaching, there is no time for the children to spend time for themselves." added Fr. Francis.
Addressing the gathering, former Lions governor Kripa Alva said "I am happy to be the part of creating history. Marking the First Konkani Children's day is indeed a rare opportunity given by the Konkani Sahitya academy to the children and I am grateful to them."
“We parents have been cultivating English atmosphere in our households due to the influence of westernization. We have taught them to say Mummy and Daddy instead of teaching them to converse in our respective mother tongues."Kripa added.
"In foreign countries like Japan and Germany people are patriotic towards their country and mother tongue. Hence they converse in their mother tongue even though they know the foreign languages. We should inculcate the love for our language, our rich culture and world famous heritage and love for our country in our children.”
On the occasion two Konkani books of were launched. ‘Bhangaracho Keer’ written by J F D'Souza, Attavar was inaugurated by Melrida Rodrigues, the president of ICYM Mangalore Diocese while the book ‘Jaadoocho Dhola' translated by Gauri Mallya was inaugurated by C P Dinesh, the president of Lions club Mallikatte.
The authors expressed words of gratitude while Melrida Rodrigues and C P Dinesh appreciated the efforts of Academy and the authors.
The children’s talent show was held for children from primary to higher primary from 9 Am till 1 Pm. The show was inaugurated by president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino by flying the balloons in air.
Kripa Alva handed over the prizes of the talent show competition organized for lower primary and higher primary children.
In the talent competition held for the lower primary school children St Ann’s school bagged the first prize while the Gonzaga school bagged the second prize.
In the higher primary section, Sacred Heart school Madantyar bagged the first prize, while Morning Star Bajpe school bagged the second.
Total number of 20 schools from Mangaluru and Udupi districts participated in the competition.
The registrar of the academy proposed vote of thanks.
Eric Soans Barkoor compered the program.