Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Jan 8: The two-day session of All India Konkani Parishad held at Bharat Scouts and Guides Hall at Shivaji Park, Dadar (west) here concluded on Sunday January 7.

Borivli Lok Sabha member, Gopal Shetty, who participated in the programme as chief guest, said that Konkani language has the power to bring everyone together. He felt that with the coming together of Konkani-speaking people from various parts of the country, integrated development of the knowledge can be achieved and a bond of being one sets in. He said in the modern era, educated people should put in specific efforts to use their mother tongue when communicating with others as otherwise their language can face the risk of being relegated. Shetty also promised to make efforts to provide site for Konkani community hall or a separate building for the use of Konkani-speaking people in the city.

The valedictory of the session was presided by veteran Konkani writer, Payyannur Ramesh Pai. Diocesan priest of Mangaluru, Fr Walter D'Mello, NKGSB Bank deputy working president, Sunil Gaitonde, president of All India Konkani Parishad, Gokuldas Prabhu, and Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra vice president, Albert W D'Souza, were present at the dais.

John D'Silva, addressing the gathering, said that Konkani has succeeded in keeping its uniqueness intact even in modern time. He said that out of about a crore Konkani-speaking people of India, over 25 lac reside in Maharashtra alone. He said that these people need state level Konkani Academy, own office, and hall. He said that Konkani people have been putting in lot of efforts for the welfare of Maharashtra and hoped that the government will lend a helping hand to fulfill the above demands.

Albert felt that Konkani people who have found unity in diversity and shown to the world that language can fuse people together in spite of caste and religious differences, termed them as a role model for others to emulate. Gokuldas Prabhu paid tributes to departed Konkani stalwarts and termed Konkani people as a joint family of multi-faceted relations.

In his presidential address, Ramesh Pai appreciated service rendered by Konkani Parishad, which was founded eight decades back by far-sighted Madhava Manjunath Shanbhag, for the growth of the language. "Madhava Manjunath Shanbhogue instilled a sense of love and affection about Konkani language among the people, spread this message to other states, and gave proof of his love of the language by using separate script for the language. He said although Konkani is the regional language of Konkani, Konkani people who have settled in various states have strengthened the roots of the language and contributed to its growth. He added that Konkani will remain the invaluable property of the people.

Three symposiums, one presided over by Tanaji Halarnkar, the other by N Shivadas and the third one by Deepak Gad, were held. A poets meet presided over by Prakash Padgaonkar was also organized.

In the day-long session, working president of Bhasha Mandal, Henry Lobo, treasurer, Walter D'Souza Jerimeri, assistant secretary, Pascal Lobo, joint treasurer, Walnes Rego, as well as executive committee members, P N Shanbag, Stanley Dias, Rozario, K Fernandes, Benedicta Rebello, Cyprian Albuquerque, John G Mendonca and other leading Konkani personalities were present.

Bhasha Mandal president, John D'Silva, welcomed. Joint secretary, John R Pereira, executive committee members, Betty Naz Fernandes, Leo Fenandes Jerimeri, John Rodrigues, Eliyas Pinto, Victor Pereira and George D'Souza Borivli, honoured the guests. Cyril Castelino introduced the guests and compered the programme.Honorary general secretary, Lawrence D'Souza Kamani, proposed vote of thanks.