by Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/AF)
Mumbai, Aug 29: The curtain-raiser ceremony of the first World Konkani Cultural Convention by Mandd Sobhann was held at Rang Sharada Auditorium, Bandra (west), here on Sunday August 29.
Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan inaugurated the programme with the Konkani tradition of presenting a water-filled jug of vessel along with a plate of betel leaves and areca nut to the dignitaries, including heads of music troupes, and also by distributing the invitation cards to them.
CM Ashok Chavan after inaugurating the programme said that he was happy to be accorded with a traditional Konkani honour and observed that Marathi and Konkani have several similarities. The strength of a community lies in fostering its mother tongue. The communities will progress and achieve growth if the government takes appropriate steps to address the various issues concerning the use of mother tongue, he added.
Ronald Colaco, president of the reception committee, in his keynote address said that the Konkani speaking people have contributed immensly to the socio-economic growth of the nation, hence the government must consider extending its support to keep Konkani language alive.
Colaco also said that Konkani as a language has no barrier and is spoken by a cross section of people coming from different creeds, castes and regions. Moreover, Konkani has very strong roots and it is the duty of every Konkani speaking individual to preserve as well as promote the language.
Ronald Colaco's appeal to the Maharashtra CM to set up Konkani Cultural Centre prompted the chief minister to announce that the state government would allot a plot for building the Centre in the city and that it will also grant a sum of Rs 25 lac to Mandd Sobhann in support of the convention.
The state health and family welfare minister Suresh H Shetty, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, Bank of Maharastra CEO Allen C A Pereira, Ryan International Group of Education Institutions managing director Grace Pinto and Blossom Fernandes were the guests of honour.
Minister Suresh Shetty said that Konkani is widely spoken by the people regardless of caste, creed or religion. It is a delight that it has grown into a significant Indian language. Nearly 10 lac Konkani speaking people are in Mumbai and about 15 lac in the state, said the minister.
He also assured that the state administration intends to contribute for the setting up of Konkani Cultural Centre for the benefit of the Konkani speaking population, in recognition of their significant contribution to Mumbai.
Grace Pinto in her keynote address said that Konkani and Marathi communities share a special bond. She urged the state administration to reserve at least two seats in the state legislature for the Konkani speaking community, as there is a sizeable number of people of Konkan origin in the state.
Allen Pereira opined that excessive love of western languages was unjustified and that Konkani has embedded itself into contemporary culture.
Appreciating the efforts of Mandd Sobhann in organising the convention, Oscar Fernandes said that Mandd Sobhann has brought international recognition to Konkani and its distinct folklore. Maharashtra has maximum population of Konkani speakers in the country. Although Konkani has been included in the eight schedule of our Constitution, every Konkani speaker has the responsibility to promote and preserve the language, he said.
Mumbai Pradesh Congress women wing president Janet Lawrence D’Souza and executive president Ronald Mendonca were also present on the dais.
Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario delivered the introductory address.
World Konkani Cultural Convention welcome committee president Ronald Colaco dwelt on the splendour of Konkani and extolled the contribution of Mandd Sobhann in promoting Konkani language and culture worldwide.
Fr Ramesh Bandodkar, Lawrence Pinto, Ancy Paladka, Dolphy D’Souza Bantwal, Ronald Gomes, Stany Alvares, Naveen Lobo, Roy Castelino and others honoured the dignitaries.
Lawrence D’Souza Kamani proposed the vote of thanks. Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the programme.
Kapechin Kirnam, Goan dance and song was performed by Elvis Goyes and group, as part of cultural programme.
Mandd Sobhann will be organizing the Konkani World Cultural Convention in Mangalore from November 25 to December 19.
World Konkani Convention : Coverage