Mangalore: ‘Samanvaya’ Felicitates Konkani Women Writers on Int Women’s Day 
News by Praveen Tauro Kulshekar
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN) 

Mangalore, Mar 8: Samanvaya, city-based NGO and Konkani Writers’ Forum (Karnataka) jointly organized an event to mark International Women’s Day and Konkani Women Writers’ Day on Sunday March 8, at Samanvaya Conference Hall here. 

City social worker and former mayor Judith Mascarenhas was the chief guest.   

Samnvaya director Fr Pius Pinto presided over the programme.  

Fr Pinto in his presidential address said that even the Church has not empowered women with equal rights.  “There have been attempts made in European nations in this direction such as the one where a nun solely manages a church located near Heathrow International Airport in the United Kingdom.  Protestants and Anglican churches ordain a deacon along with his spouse, to jointly commit themselves to the service of God”, said Fr Pinto.   

Condolences were offered on the demise of Konkani writers P D Souza, Mumbai, K K Pai, Raymond Miranda, USA, Chandrakant Kini, Mathew Almeida, Goa, and Louis Rego, Hubli. 

Fr Rony Coutinho, director, Samanvaya, in his address explained the importance of International Women’s Day.  “The practice of observing World Women’s Day began on March 8, 1887, when unsatisfied women employees staged a protest in Texas, USA, seeking equal wages on par with men.  The women over the world are yet to get their equal rights. 

Mascarenhas said that the hands that rocked the cradle are ruling our country in the form of Indian President Pratibha Patil.  She also cited the example of Rani Abbakka, the local Tulunadu ruler, who waged a war against both imperial and Portuguese forces.  “The stalwarts of social works Olinda Pereira, lawyer Merlyn Martis, and Prof Hilda Rayapppan of Prajna Counselling Centre, are doing their mite in empowering women in every sphere”, said Mascarenhas.  

Fr Pinto announced to the gathering that it proposes to organize a half day workshop in February 2010, which will deal with the contributions of late Konkani writer Zhelo and late Raymond Miranda, editor of ‘Kannik’ Konkani monthly journal. 

Fr Ronald Coutinho felicitated eminent social worker Mascarenhas, teachers, and Konkani writers Lilly Miranda and Dora Rodrigues on the same occasion. 

Konkani and Tulu playwright Catherine Rodrigues and Samanvaya director Fr Rony Coutinho, Konkani writer Edwin J F D’Souza, Konkani novelist and short story writer Manu Bahrain, J F D’Souza, Edy Netto, and popular Konkani novelist Victor Rodrigues Angelore, were also present.  

Konkani Writers’ Forum (Karnataka) president Maccha Milar welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks. Dolphy Cascia compered the programme.