News and Pics from Rons Bantwal
For Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
Mumbai, Aug 26: The Maharashtra Konkan Association celebrated Konkani Manyata Day and held a felicitation ceremony here recently at the Divine Nursery auditorium, Amboli, Andheri (West).
The programme was presided over by Fr Valerian D’Souza, director, St Joseph’s Engineering College, Mangalore. Fr D’Souza, in his presidential address, said, 'It’s not right on our part to say that despite Konkani reaching all corners of the globe, the love for our mother tongue has been decreasing. It’s certain that Konkani will survive the test of time, if every Konkan converses in Konkani at home on a day-to-day basis.' Fr D'Souza also appreciated the yeomen service of the association in the metro, and for staging all programmes with a Konkani flavour during the celebrations.
Lawrence Coelho, editor of Konkani weekly 'Divo', in his chief guest’s address said, 'Konkani can be written in any language as its the only language which has many scripts. The style of Konkani differs as it has been enriched with a few words from Dravidian, Aryan, and Parsi (Zionist) scripts. The writing pattern of Konkani also differs. Hence, the mother tongue Konkani can make its impact significantly since its well blended with other scripts. It’s a difficult task to adopt a single script for Konkani, as it’s difficult to teach and are no avenues available for such a task. Konkani has been enriched by several publications since the first journal in Konkani with Roman script was published for the first time at Pune, Maharastra during 18th century.”
Lawrence D’Souza Kamani was the specially invited, briefly explained the history of Konkani and the importance of Konkani Manyata Day celebrations.
Wellwin Industries director Pramila V Mathias, Maharastra Konkan Association director Stella Mancheril, director Walter D’Souza, musician Victor Concesso, Henry D’Souza, entrepreneur Joseph Toras, Cyprian Sampige, former president Celine D’ Souza were present at the dais.
Eminent Konkani litterateur and poet V D’Silva Kanjurmarg was honoured by draping the shawl, presented with flower and fruits tray by Fr Valerian D’Souza, at the same occasion.
Konkani poet and youth convener Ancy Paladka recited the Konkani poetry to the delight of audience which was much appreciated by thunderous applauses.
Maharastra Konkan Association treasurer Ron Michael welcomed the gathering. Vice president John G Mendonca and Vincent Castelino, Philip D’Souza and others welcomed the guests by presenting them with flower bouquets.
The musicians Vencita Fernandes, Lenin L Fernandes, Dora Rego, Vincent Amboli, Lydia and others enthralled the audience with their melodious Konkani music.
Association convener Leo Fernandes compered the programme. President Benedicta B Rebello proposed vote of thanks.