News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Mar 7: “The part played by residents of Mumbai to make the mother tongue of home towns thrive is immense. The languages have stayed with the aroma of language lovers like you. Life grows when the
mother tongue grows. Konkani is not a community. Konkani has become the mother tongue of 41 communities and has become the language of multi communities. It is also a geographical language. So the groups should not obstruct the growth of the language. India being multilingual has become the leader of the world. Mother tongue is superior to regional or business language and those whose mother tongue is Konkani should develop a feeling of belonging to it and display its existence to the world,” said Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Sahitya Academy.
He was speaking after presiding over 'Konkani Sahitya Sanje' (Konkani literary evening), a programme held by Konkani Sahitya Academy in St Francis Institute of Management and Research Hall near I C Colony in Borivli West on Friday, March 6.
Aldel Education trust executive president Albert W D' souza and GSB Sabha Dahisar Saraswath Cultural and Recreation Center co convener Suguna K Kamath were present as chief guest and guest of honor respectively. Fudar Prathistaana president John D' silva, dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia and academy registrar Dr B Devadas Pai were present.
“Participation of such a large crowd, proclaims the glory of Konkani as mother tongue. Language is a taproot for the life of the society. When language grows, relationships bridge and society lives,” opined
Albert D' souza.
“The elderly association, Konkan Bhasha Mandal, Maharashtra has kept aloof without the active participation of Konkani speaking people. People should come forward to make it grow. It is necessary to start a Konkani Sahitya Academy unit in Maharashtra. Later through mutual relationship, a Konkani Bhavan should be formed in Mumbai also,” said John D' silva.
“This is a meaningful programme. It is a fusion of Marati and Konkani and also that of GSB and catholics. It is a programme that has brought us together with love for the language. The part of mother tongue to make the land of birth artistic is unique. We are indebted to advance the mother tongue. Let us use the language orally and in writing and cleanse our hearts”, said Suguna Kamath.
“Mother tongue is like a mother. So if mother tongue grows the mother will rejoice,” said Francis Fernandes, Cascia.
Albert D' souza released 'Naisargic Bolaiki', a book written by Dr Vincent D' mello and published by the academy. The guests felicitated and congratulated Divo weekly magazine editor Lawrence Coelho, Kutam
Konkani weekly editor Henry D' pavla, Gulab editor Favusto D' costa, Konkani Triveni Kala Sangam Mumbai association vice president Dr C N Shenoy and social worker Merlin D' sa, Mira Road.
In the first meeting presided by well known author Sheela Kolambkar, Lullus Cutinha, Bengaluru gave information on small stories and famous poet. CGS Thakode gave information on articles on comedy. In the second meeting presided over by Francis Olivera, Lawrence D' souza Kamani gave explanation on dramas and Ancy Palladka spoke on poetry. Later in the poet's meet presided over by young poet Nerry Nazareth, Vasunda Prabhu, Vally Quadros, Philip D' souza, Helen Gudinho, V D' silva Kanjoormarga, CGS Thakode, Irene Rodrigues and Prasanna Niddodi participated and presented their poems.
In the cultural programme, Ester Noronha, Antony Tauro, Roicy Sequeira, Jerry Bondel, Rayan D' souza and others performed music. Bindas Pernal team presented comedy and Mumbai's Adveetiya troupe performed a dance programme.
Jerry D' souza welcomed the audience. Delany Rodrigues and Delisha Rodrigues presented the prayer dance. Vincent D' mello introduced the poetic work. Valerian Lobo, Priya A D' souza, Linet Noronha and Rita Albuquerque introduced the honored. Victor Mathais (Vithory Karkal), Stany Serrao, Keron Vas and Jerry D' souza compered the programme.
Academy registrar Dr B Devadas Pai proposed the vote of thanks.