Report from Ancy Paladka
for Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai (MB)

Mumbai, Nov 19: The premier Konkani body of Maharashtra, Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra (KBM Maharashtra) has convened a meeting of all Konkani organizations of Maharashtra on November 26, 2006 at 4.30 pm in Sharadashram Vidya Mandir School Hall, Bhavanishankar Road, near Kabootar Khana, Dadar West, Mumbai to chalk out the activities of all Konkani associations.

Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra was established in 1942. It is a federal body. It is one of the oldest institutions of Konkani-speaking people. In 1992 Konkani was given the national status by including it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Several Konkani communities speaking in different dialects, using different scripts, belonging to different regions and religions have settled in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, for centuries.

For the development of Konkani Language and Literature, the Konkani Bhasha Mandal aims at establishing a Maharashtra Konkani Sahitya Akademy. With a view to encouraging artistes and cultural activities KBM is also planning to hold a Konkani theatrical festival every year.

The meeting aims at bringing together all the Konkani-speaking people and their associations. The KBM requests all Konkani organizations of Maharashtra to depute three representatives each, preferably office-bearers to attend the meeting.