Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Udupi, Aug 21: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in collaboration with Konkani Manyata Divas organizing committee, Udupi celebrated Konkani Manyata Divas at Sharadha Kalyana Mantapa, Udupi on Friday August 20.
The event started with a colourful procession inaugurated by Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA, Udupi and P Yuvaraj, president of Udupi city municipal council. There were teams from all over Karnataka, displaying their vibrant traditions. The procession started from Kalsanka circle and culminated at Sharada Kalyana Mantapa, Kadiyali.
Pramod Madhwaraj said that in India, people defer in their lifestyles, food habits, languages and trend every 50 km. "This shows our unity and diversity, the richness of our country. Konkani is widespread in the coastal regions from Maharashtra to Kerala, thus all must come together to promote Konkani," he added.
P Yuvaraj complimented Roy Castelino, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Amrith Shenoy, president of KKSA, Udupi for organizing this programme for the first time in Udupi.
The cultural events comprised teams of Yellapur, Swamilapadav, Gangolli and Bantakal.
The stage programme commenced at 5.30 pm with Dr Gerald Isaac lobo, bishop of diocese of Udupi, as the chief guest who inaugrated the session by lighting the lamp. Roy Castelino was the main speaker. The other guest on the dais where Veronica Cornelio, president, Karnataka Soap and Detergent Limited, Rehmathulla, member, taluk panchayat, Chempi Ramachandra Bhat, psychatrist Dr P V Bhandary, Suresh Nayak Kuilady, Suresh Prabhu, Narsimha Naik, Vasanth Naik, Lakshmi S Rao, Janardhan Bhandakar and Devdas Bhat.
Dr Gerald Lobo said that Konkani is the only language that is spoken by people of all three prominent religions - Hindus, Christians and Muslims. "When we unite and be responsible for the growth of Konkani then only it will be sustained for the coming generation," he added.
Roy Castelino said Konkani has been communicated mouth to mouth, person to person, hence has grown well and better. He then stressed on Konkani being given importance by the state government for its infrastructure and literature.
Rabindra Nayak and Roy Castelino were honoured by the bishop for their contribution to Konkani.
Veronica Cornelio complimented Amrith Shenoy and his team for organizing such a wonderful programme in Udupi.
Two books in Konkani 'Jnaneshwari' and 'Brahmmali Ganchi' were released on the occasion.
Ten achievers where honoured by the bishop for their contribution to Konkani and also for their achievements. They were - Rajendra Bhat, Louis Almeida, Fr Chethan Lobo, Nagaraj Shet, Sadananda Bhandarkar, Venkatesh Baliga, Sulatha Kamath, Dr Aravinda Nayak, Om Ganesh Kamath, Sheethal Shet.
The programme concluded with an entertainment session in Konkani.