Mangalore : Prez Patil to Honour 25 Konkani Organisations at World Convention
by Florine Roche
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Nov 18: Mandd Sobhann, the premier Konkani cultural organization released its official invitation of the World Konkani Cultural Convention to be kick started from November 25, 2010. Ronald (Roy) Castelino, patron of Mandd Sobhann released the official invitation and handed it over to Anand Shetty, President of Press Club at a press conference today. He also announced the names of 25 Konkani organizations from around the world selected to receive the honor from the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil on December 9, 2010, in a function to be held at Nehru Maidan to mark Konkani Ekta Day.
The traditional invitation “Vovlik” was given to Anand Shetty in the form of Paan-pod-udaak (beetle leaves, areca nut and water) saying that he represents the press and through it the general public of Mangalore. He sought the support of the media and the cooperation of the people for the 25 day cultural extravaganza during the convention.
Speaking on the occasion Mandd Sonhann Gurkar Eric Ozario said the spirit of the convention is to show that “the world is a beautiful garden of numerous languages and cultures of diverse hues and varied fragrances. Konkani is one of the most colourful and fragrant among them”. He also stated that the main aim of holding the convention is to forge unity within Konkani communities spread across and to develop harmony with other languages and cultures. It also wants to ensure that Konkani language and culture survives for many generations to come so that the future generation will have something to cherish. .
After announcing the names of 25 Konkani organizations in recognition of their service to promote Konkani language and culture in their respective regions Eric Ozario said utmost care is taken while selecting the organizations to be honoured or their invaluable contributions to Konkani. “Most of the organizations we have chosen are cultural and language based institutions and priority is given for cultural organizations who have been serving in their regions to the best of their abilities”, Eric pointed out. However, he said that every language and culture needs to be preserved and Mandd Sobhann would extend all possible help to any language or organization in this endeavor of protecting, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of this country. .
Responding to the warmth with which the “vovlik” (invite) was given to the media as well as the general public, President of Press Club Anand Shetty stated that at a time when regional languages are facing onslaught from all sides, mega events of this nature have become inevitable and would go a long way in conserving our culture. He further added that it is a matter of pride for all of us that Mangalore is organizing a programme of this nature. “The good work done by Mandd Sobhann would inspire other organizations of this nature to work towards conserving the culture and tradition of the land”, he pointed out.
Eric stated that the First World Cultural Convention has no main sponsors. However he thanked Udayavani, Kannada daily and daijiworld.com for being the media sponsors of the 25 days of cultural fete.
President of Mandd Sobhann Louis Pinto, Coordinator Stany Alvares PRO Arun Raj Rodrigues were also in the dais.
Songs and dance performances by Mandd Sobhann group provided the entertainment element to the event.
Names of 25 Konkani Organizations from around the world selected to be honoured during the World Konkani Cultural Convention’s Ekta Divas on December 9, 2010.
1 Kala Sampath - U.S.A - Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu
2 Casa De Goa - Lisbon/Portugal - Ms.Nalini Elvino de Sousa
3 Konkani Kutam - Bahrain - Shri Richard Moras
4 Konkani Nataka Sabha - Mangalore - Fr. Peter Cyprian D'souza
5 Konkani Bhasha Prachar Sabha - Cochin - Shri M.A.Thrivikrama Pai
6 Vidya Ranga Mithra Mandal - Kundapur - Shri Sundar Kharvi
7 Mangalorean Association of Canada - Canada - Shri G.G.Maxim D'mello
8 Konkani Christian Association - Mysore - Shri Gracian Rodrigues
9 Goan Cultural Society - U.K - Smt. Maria Barreto
10 Kuwait Canara Welfare Association - Kuwait - Dr. Manohar Dominic Lawrence Prabhu
11 Mangalore Konkans Dubai - U.A.E - Shri Santosh Kevin Nazareth
12 Federation of Konkani Catholic Association - Bengaluru - Shri Valerian Fernandes
13 Saudi Konkani Association of Riyadh - Saudi Arabia - Shri William Andrade
14 Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendr - Goa - Rev.Dr. Pratapananda Naik S.J
15 Mangalorean Cultural Centre of the Parish - Oman - Shri Stanley Fernandes
16 Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra - Mumbai - Shri John B. D'Silva
17 Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskruthik Pratisthan -Mangalore - Shri Basti Vaman Shenoy
18 Canara Union - Bengaluru - Shri Manohar Rao Bantval
19 Kudubi Janapada Kala Vedike - Yedapadavu - Shri Vijaya Gowda Shibrikere
20 Mangalore Cricket Club - Qatar - Shri Richard D'souza
21 Naqsh - E - Navayath - Bhatkal - Shri Abdul Aleem Moulavi
22 Siddi Sanskrithik Kall Mell - Hulipal - Shri Marcel Bostyanv Siddi
23 Konkani Cultural Association - Delhi - Shri Vincent Menezes
24 Goinkars Own Academy - Karachi, Pakistan - Shri Rene Barreto
25 Konkani Rakan Sunchalan - Chikmagalur - Shri Cyril Rebello
World Konkani Convention : Coverage