Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 3: Konkani programme 'Sangath Suvallo 2017' was off to a colorful start at St Aloysius College here on Saturday, December 2.

The programme is being held by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Konkani Sangh of St Aloysius College.

Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media and Stany Alvares and Lingappa Gowda, members of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. Principal Fr Praveen Martis presided over the programme. Renita Menezes, president, Konkani Sangh and Melroy D’Souza and Jesvita Quadrus, secretaries, Konkani Sangh were present.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis, principal, St Aloysius College said, “‘Sangath Suvalo' has a wonderful meaning. It calls to unite and to do something collectively. It is nice to see Konkani Sangh get along with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy to organize this programme. We should work aggressively for the betterment of our mother tongue Konkani. I feel that youth can do this very effectively,"

“Our college and the administration are always with you. We already have Konkani courses, library, radio programmes and associations. It will help students in their mission on Konkani. If young people read Konkani books or speak in Konkani, they will acquire additional knowledge on their mother tongue. This can help them to become missionaries of Konkani,” he added.

Walter Nandalike said, "Our young generation lives in a tech-savvy world. They spend more time over gadgets spreading information in social media than spending time with their parents and teachers. But over here, under the leadership of Konkani Sangh, all of you are doing a wonderful job. Campaigns led by the youth have always been success. We have to work honestly towards our mother tongue. Hence, we need to use the technology in a positive manner. A big salute to St Aloysius Institutions for their support towards our mother tongue Konkani. Their contribution for the language will be an example for others,”

Stany Alvares said, “It is 25 years since Konkani officially included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. On this occasion, we had planned 25 programmes in Karnataka. This is the 13th programme. I am thankful to the principal and Konkani Sangh of this college, the president and all members for their support.

"We have received this language from our ancestors. It is our duty to give it to our next generation with pride. Parents should show interest in teaching Konkani to their children. Our students and youth should converse in Konkani. This will help us to spread our mother tongue to our upcoming generations," he said. 

Renita Menezes welcomed the guests and gathering. Jesvita rendered the vote of thanks. Angeline compered the proceedings. Various competitions began after the inaugural ceremony. Students from many schools and colleges participated in the competitions.