Mangalore: Grand Ceremony Marks Launch of Global Konkani Organisation
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Aug 20: 'Jagotik Konknni Songhotton' (Global Konkani Organization) was launched amidst a grand ceremony during the celebration of World Konkani Day at St Aloysius College IT Auditorium here on Saturday August 20.
The global Konkani organisation was launched by Dr Ashok Pai, an internationally renowned psychiatrist, film maker and writer. In his address, he said that language keeps progressing because of four C's - commitment, communication, connectivity and confidence.
Lauding the efforts of Mandd Sobhann in organising the World Konkani Cultural Convention, he said Mandd Sobhann had shown that language indeed transcends all boundaries unlike religion.
The chief guest and star attraction at the programme, Hamsalekha, an eminent Kannada film music director and lyricist said that Konkani language deserves special respect especially as it has a place in the Indian constitution. He said that Konkani speakers are educated and admirers of beauty, apart from being blessed with a sound business mind.
He further said that India is rich in its linguistic diversity, and though a few languages are said to be on the verge of extinction, a few others are witnessing a revival. Konkani is a powerful language and people should respect their mother tongue as only with mother tongue can one express one's opinion without any hesitation. Mother tongue is the best medium for music and literature as one can express oneself wholeheartedly and from the heart, he said.
Replying to a request made by Dr Ashok Pai, he said he was ready to sing for a Konkani movie in future. In his speech he used the Konkani word 'Ekdam Mogachi' much to the applause of the audience.
Office-bearers of the organisation are president Tomazinho Cardozo, Goa, vice-president (India) K K Utharan, Kerala, vice-president (Gulf) Pascal Pinto, Kuwait, vice-president (other countries) Rene Beretto, UK, general secretary Eric Ozario, Mangalore, associate secretary Lawrence D'Souza, Mumbai, treasurer Roy Castelino, Mangalore and PRO Ancy D'Souza, Mumbai.
The executive committee members are Canute Menezes, Mumbai, Edwin F D'Souza, Sindhudurg, Ramanand Raikar, Goa, Michael Gracias, Goa, Thomas C Fernandes, Goa, Premanand Lotlikar, Goa, M S Kamath, Bangalore, Vasanth Banderkar, Karwar, Valerian D'Souza, Mysore, Vijayan Kerala, Vincent Menezes, Delhi, Sidhanath Buyao, Goa, Vasudev Shanbhag, Sirsi, Richard Moras, Bahrain, Arun D'Souza Palimar, Saudi Arabia, Dr Austin Prabhu, USA, Ronald Fernandes, Canada, James Mendonca, Dubai, Stanley Fernandes, Oman, Stanley D'Cruz, Australia, Johnson D'Souza, Israel.
In the cultural programme Kudmi dance by Mandarthi troupe, music by Mother Teresa Brass Band, Honnavar, Konkani dances by Nach Sobhann and a skit by Kalaakul Theatre Repertory added magnificence to this landmark programme. The organisation aims at bringing together Konkani speakers spread around the world irrespective of caste, religion or any barrier.