Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (AF/GA) - pics - Ganesh S Perla

Mangalore, Apr 10: State Konkani Sahitya Academy president Eric Ozario has expressed his concern over the fact that of all the Konkani-speaking castes, only Christians and GSBs are on the forefront.

He was speaking at a programme organized by the Academy to mark the completion of two years of its present committee here on Monday April 9. The programme was held with a purpose to gather feedback on the Academy from members of the public and to seek their opinions on its future plans.

Ozario also chalked out the programmes planned by the Academy for the coming year which include ‘Konkani Lokotsav,’ ‘Burgeancho Utsav,’’Sangeethotsav’ and others to be held under the Suvarna Karnataka scheme. A book on life and history of Konkani-speaking population who lived during the last century is also on the cards.

He further revealed plans to organize a documentary contest related to Konkani. The honorarium for Konkani authors or for those who release Konkani cassettes has been increased from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000, Ozario said.

Out of the Rs 35 lac received by the Academy for the year 20076-07, it has spent Rs 33, 69,000, he said. Up till now, the Academy has organized 47 programmes, published three news clippings and released three publications.

Among those present were Mangalore University Chair in Christianity head Dr John Fernandes, Academy members Vitori Karkal, Charan Mallya and Deepali Kambadakone.