News: Vally Vagga
Pics: Donald Pereira Belthangady
Mysuru, Mar 1: Konkani Christian Association Mysuru and Akhil Bharathiy Konkani Lekhak Sanghatan Mangaluru jointly held one day Konkani Sahitik Utsav (Konkani Literary festival) at Konkani Bhavan,Vijayanagar in Mysuru on Sunday, February 28.
The programme started with the Holy Mass by well known writer and orator Fr V J Menezes (Melky Hospet). The festival was presided over by Vincent Crasta.
Konkani Christian Federation president Edwin D' Souza who was present as the president of the inauguration ceremony, inaugurated the programme. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it is the duty and responsibility of every family to preserve the identity of Konkani language. Akhil Bharathiy Konkani Lekhak Sanghatan Mangaluru general secretary Dr Edward Nazareth welcomed the gathering. Literary festival president Vincent Crasta in his speech said that we should understand the wealth and beauty of Konkani found in 41 different dialects. He called upon everyone to join and put united efforts for the development of the language. Konkani festival convener Vally Vagga proposed vote of thanks.
On this occasion Konkani Christian Association honored seven NCC cadets of Mysuru who represented Karnataka-Goa at annual NCC Republic Day camp and prime minister 's rally held at New Delhi and also in RD Marching Contingent in January this year.
A 'Conversation with the littérateur' was held in the main part of the programme. Vally Vagga held a conversation with Fr V J Menezes regarding his introduction, his days as a child, youth, and a social reformer. Fr V J Menezes recollected several incidents in his life and said how literature influenced his way of thinking and helped him lead the right way.
In the next part of the programme, Poetry session was chaired by poet Vally Quadros with eight poets who had arrived from different regions including Mumbai, Mysuru, Suntikoppa and Mangaluru. Vally Vagga introduced all those who were present. Leena Agnes D' Souza Mysuru, Daivasamaja Konkani poetess Nikita Shet, Geo Agrar, John Suntikoppa, GSB Konkani poetess Sheela Bhandarkar, Jaishree Ganapathi Shanbhog, Richie Pereira, Navin Pereira and Vally Quadros read out their poems. Vally Quadros said that a poet becomes a social poet only when he touches the society, understands social sensibility and makes it flow in his poems.
In the cultural programme held after lunch, children sang Konkani Manddo, Janapada and other beautiful songs and entertained the audience with songs, acting and dance under the leadership of assistant secretary Apoline.
Later Dr Edward Nazareth and Dr Rocky V Miranda held a discussion on ancient Konkani India. Konkani drama 'Gullio' written by Richie John Pais and directed by George William D' Souza, Mysuru was enacted by the members.
Nearly 350 people took part in the programme held from morning till the evening. John Leo Rebello proposed vote of thanks at the end of the literary festival.