from Joy Paladka

Mumbai, Nov 29: A meeting of all Konkani Associations of Maharashtra was held on Sunday, November 26 in the Sharadashram school hall, Dadar west. The meeting was convened by Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra (KBMM).

The meeting began with a welcome address by KBMM president P N Shanbhag

KBMM chairman J B Moraes gave brief information about the achievements of KBMM in the last 64 years

Vice president KBMM John D’ Silva explained the purpose of the meeting, aims and future plans of KBMM. He announced the plans of approaching the Maharashtra government to demand a Konkani Academy for Maharashtra, an independent office for KBMM, financial aid for orgnanizing a Konkani drama festival and building a Konkani Bhavan.

He also said the current membership was inadequate and hence the KBMM constitution was recently amended to include membership of associations and institutions.  By virtue of any association becoming a member of KBMM, all  its members too members of KBMM, he said. Accordingly, he urged representatives of all associations  to become members at the earliest.

During the 'Question and Answer' session that followed, P N Shanbhag, J B Moraes and John D’ Silva answered all the queries.

KBMM general secretary Joy Paladka thanked all for attending the meeting. Lawrence D’ Souza, Kamani compered the meeting.