Media Release

Mangalore, Apr 30: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Catholic Sabha, Suratkal organized Konkani Janapada Kala Sambram at the premises of Sacred Heart parish, Suratkal here, recently.

Suratkal town municipal former councilor Vittal Prabhu inaugurated the programme and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Kundapur Narayan Karvi presided.

A symposium on folk arts was held from 3.00 to 3.30 pm. Vijay Gowda of Kudubi Janapad Kala Vedike spoke on dance as a form of art, Konkani writer Catherine Rodrigues of Katpady parish spoke on folk literature, Narayan Vasu Marathi from Sirsi spoke on Suggi, kolata dance forms and Saver Santhan Siddi Mundagod briefed on Siddi pugdi and Damam dance forms.

The stage programme was held from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) Limited chief operating officer A G Pai, Sandesh Pratistan director Fr Valerian Mendonca, Suratkal parish priest Fr Anthony Diego Lobo and Catholic Sabha Suratkal parish unit president Raymond Roche were the guests of honour.  George Ligoury D’Souza, local convenor welcomed the gathering. S H Shivarudrappa, registrar of the Academy also spoke on the occasion.

Konkani Lokved arts performance was held on the day– Gumta singing by Charles D’Souza and group, Mangalore; Kudmi dance by Gopal Gowda and group and Kudubi Janapad Kala Vedike, Yedapadav; Suggi (Khareef) dance and stick play by Narayan Vasu Marathi and group, Sirsi; Siddi Pugdi and Damam by Saver Santhan Siddi and group, Mundagod; fire gymnastics by Chandrashekar Karvi and group, Kundapur and Mando by Catholic Sabha Suratkal parish unit.

The exhibition and sale of Academy published books was also held on the occasion. Gretta Pinto, J P Pinto and Shalini Periera compered the programme. John Suares proposed the vote of thanks.