News & Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/VA)
Mumbai, Mar 23: The annual get-together of Maharashtra Konkan Association was held at Our Lady of Fatima parish, Vidhyavihar, here on Sunday March 21.
Association president Walter D’Souza Kalmady (Jerimeri), in his presidential address, said that the life in the Biblical times was peaceful and progressive. Even though the people are aspiring for such life now, the harmonious and brotherly living is still a distant dream. In order to achieve progress in this regard, a creative Youth Forum should be formed of like-minded individuals, who can promote harmonious living and brotherhood, he added.
Lawrence Coelho, editor of metro based Divo, Konkani illustrated weekly, said that mother tongue Konkani should unite all without prejudices. The equality among all native Konkani speakers further boosts the self respect. The collective effort by all natives can assure community’s progress in every sphere.
John Sequeira Saki Naka, president of Konkan Kalakar – Mumbai expressed his concern over most of the native Konkani speakers who are hesitant to converse in their mother tongue. .
Konkani poets V D’Silva, Naveen Kulshekar, Dolphy Menezes, Rita Albuquerque, Mary B Pinto, Philip D’Souza, Leo Fernandes and Ron Michael participated in the poetry session held on the occasion.
Association founder president Leo Fernandes welcomed the gathering. Honorary chief secretary Vincent Castelino proposed the vote of thanks. Executive president Lawrence D’Souza Kamani compered the programme.
Association former president Benedicta B Rebello, vice president John G Mendonca, and joint treasurer Stanley Dias were present.