Report: Arun Raj Rodrigues
Pics: Studio Express Kankanady

Mangalore, Aug 17: Konkani Day was celebrated at Valencia Church on Wednesday August 15 with great pomp and jubilation.

A colourful cultural programme was held in the evening. Konkani Prachar Sanchalan President Roy Castelino was the guest of honor. In his address he called the parishioners to feel proud about their mother tongue and to teach Konkani to their children at home and to take Konakni as a third language in schools. He appreciated the parishioners for their involvement in this kind of event. He said that Valencia Parish is a role model for other parishes in promoting the Konkani language and culture.

Roy Castelino honored the students of the parish those who have chosen Konkani as third language.  Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, parish priest welcomed the guest and parishioners and Molly Pinto, convener of the Cultural Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

Arun Raj, vice-president of parish pastoral council, Flavia Sequeira, secretary and Fr Maxim Rosario were present on the dais. Lisy Pinto compered the programme.

“Haldi kolyancho Patholyo” Prepared by the parishioners in their respective wards were distributed to all.  Glimpses of Konkani Culture and Language were presented in the form of Skits, Dances, Songs,  Mando and Vherse by all the wards. This is the consecutive second year that Valencia Parish is organizing Konkani day Successfully in large scale.