Media Release

Mumbai, May 7: With the objective of spreading Konkani among every Konkani speaking household in the city, irrespective of religion, script, dialect, Ashawadi Prakashan's 'Konkani Abhiyan' was held on Sunday, May 6 at Atma Darshan, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East here.

A beautiful song 'Konkani Moji Bhas' (lyrics and tune by Valley Quadros, music by Sonal DSouza) by Roshni Crasta, Sharal DSouza, Sara Mathais, Janice Lobo, Joeshon DSouza, Sara Rodrigues, Shalome Rodrigues, Livia Monteiro, Calista Najareth, Erica DSouza, Michelle DSouza preluded the show. The first Konkani poetry recital (Kovighoshtti) by kids and youth, releasing of five new Konkani books, felicitation of eight Konkani woman achievers, talks and cultural programmes were part of the programme.

Najareth Neri Taccode introduced the guests on stage. Bhushan Bhave (convenor - Sahitya Academy), Fr Pratap Naik Goa (linguistic scholar), Pascal B Pinto Permude and V P Lobo.

Main speaker Fr Pratap Naik highlighted today's changing times with instances of how rich languages like Latin, Sanskrit have vanished as they are not used in our day to day communication. He mentioned that there are few who think and believe Konkani is the language of illiterates, which sadly states their illiteracy. He urged all the people to take pride in Konkani and use it despite the various challenges faced across regions. He said, along with Fr Jaison, his project 'Angonn' is intended to promote Konkani, by absorbing the best from the scripts across.

Sharal DSouza introduced the five new books and authors; 'Paattim Portollim Lharam' (translations by Walter Lasrado), 'Taan' (anthology of poetry by Prasann Niddodi), 'Bayil Bammunnu' (anthology of poetry by Vasudha Prabhu), 'Poddbimb' (anthology of poetry by Rita Albuquerque), 'Sukhti Bhorti' (fifth book of poetry analysis by Valley Quadros). They were released by Dr Bhushan Bhave, Fr Pratap Naik, John DSilva, Lawrence DSouza Kamani, Gracy DSilva, Benny Lasrado.

Guest of honor V P Lobo in his speech mentioned that in his over twenty years of experience attending Konkani programmes, this programme is the first of its kind in terms of uniqueness. In this valuable programme he witnessed active participation by Konkani kids and youth. He appreciated the efforts of Ashawadi Prakashan and extended his
support to its 'Konkani Abhiyan Mumbai' mission.

Hillary DSilva introduced eight women achievers in Konkani, with a short description of their contribution in various fields; Susana Coelho (journalism), Philomena Samfransisco (literature), Helen Noronha (stage), Vasudha Prabhu (art), Flora Kalmadi (social work), Mary Vas (social work), Wilma Pereira (social work), Rita Albuquerque (Konkani work) were felicitaed by Merlin DSa and Jyothi Lobo who presented them with citations and gifts. On behalf of the achievers, Susanha Coelho spoke a few words and said, "It is the first time we are witnessing such a memorable Konkani event in Mumbai, through Konkani Abhiyan and extended all her support toward its success." She thanked Ashawadi Prakashan for initiating such an innovative thought in Mumbai.

Valley Quadros in his speech said, "I rather prefer to fail than never trying at all. I often ask myself, instead of blaming the darkness, what if I light a candle? Hence I ask myself what is my contribution to Konkani? I first asked this in 2003 when I was in Kuwait and like-minded friends supported my thinking. We thus formed Konkani Abhiyan Samithi in Kuwait. In 2004, supporters like Pascal Pinto, Fr Melwin DCunha joined and motivated us to carry forward this work. Hence we conducted abhiyan in 2005 and 2006 as well. It is the time for each of us to reflect on our contribution to Konkani and do whatever little work we think we are capable of. We are not here to impose any script/dialect. We only want to support Konkani, the language and the script the people like to take, as our only agenda and religion is Konkani." Various champions from various parishes in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai; Hillary DSilva (Mumbai), Richard DSouza (Navi Mumbai), Ivon Rebello (Naigaon), Hilda Serrao (Mira Road), Mary Vas (Kandivali), Rita Albuquerque (Malad), Roshni Crasta (Mahakali) Elias Fernandes (Marol), Flora Kalmadi (Jerimeri), Gregori Sequeira (Bandra), Henry Pinto and Francis Fernandes (Vashi), Joseph Patrao (Sanpada), Felix Fernandes (Kalamboli), Wilma Pereira (Nerul), Lancy Pinto and Luis Colaco (Panvel) and few others were part of this abhiyan.

Pascal B Pinto in his speech shared his experience of Konkani Abhiyan Samiti 2004 in Kuwait. On seeing young kids and youth actively participating in Konkani, he said he is very optimistic on the future of Konkani. He hailed the efforts and appreciated Ashawadi Prakashan.

Dr Bhushan Bhave in his speech said, "It is the first time he is witnessing such a unique programme among people who were so focused and committed and did not move from their seats since the last two hours. He urged the people to realise Konkani is no more a language that is not recognised, but is one of the major languages in India. It is taught right from KG to PG in Goa, Karnataka and efforts to start in other regions are also in progress. He called literary workers to get involved in Konkani literary work which will be supported by Sahitya Academy.

Birthday boy Valli Pais, who opted to celebrate his birthday amidst Konkani people, was greeted by kids who sang a greeting song and people were served birthday cake.

Soon after a tea-snack break, a comedy play by 'Bandrache Kolle' team performed by well known comedy actors; Gregory Niddodi and Florine Mathais entertained the crowd.

Roshni Crasta presided over and conducted the first Konkani poetry recital in Mumbai, Sharal DSouza recited Bai Urjita Bhobe's 'Moji Konkani' poem, Sara Mathais recited Fr Pratap Naik's 'Nosai' poem, Michelle Dsouza recited Philomena Samfransisco's 'Kinaro' poem, Calista Nazarth recited R S Bhaskar's 'Mojem Mazor Budhvont Zalam' poem and Roshni Crasta recited Valley Quadros's 'Haav ani Moji Altaar' poem. Veteran poets; V DSilva Kanjurmarg and Philomena Samfransisco accompanied the Kovighoshtti and Philomena in her concluding note suggested that all the participants of the day's poetry session attempt to recite their self written poetry the next time.

'Sezareachi Kombi' a short drama written directed by Richard DSouza Sanpada was played by Koncana (Konkani Cultural Association of Navimumbai) member; Richard DSouza, Anish DSilva, Frainy Fernandes, Roshan Thomas, Lancy Pinto, Joseph Patrao, Luis Colaco, Wilma Pereira, Carrel Lobo, Cleve D'Sa, Gregory Niddodi, Valli Pais.

All the active kids and youth participants were presented certificates and gifts by Fr Henry DSouza, singer Sangeet Samrat Henry DSouza, Merlin DSa, Fr Pratap Naik and Fr Jaison.

Valley Quadros proposed the vote of thanks, Valli Pais mastered the entire programme.