By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD)
 
Mumbai, Mar 24: Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra (KBMM) organized a workshop on Konkani poetry and a poets’ meet at Ghyan Ashram auditorium, Mahakali, Andheri (East), on Friday March 23.
 
KBMM president John D’Silva inaugurated the Konkani poetry workshop and poets’ meet on Friday morning.
 
Renowned playwright and dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia was the guest of honour.
 
kittall .com editor and renowned Konkani writer and poet H M Pernal was the resource person.

Speaking on the occasion, Pernal said that poets can create a revolution through their poetry that should have a message of social concern.  “The ideas of social reforms can be ignited through powerful poetry.  Poets ought to be aware of various aspects of poetry, phrases, stanzas, etc. A poet can make his impact, if he or she responds to social issues,” added Pernal.

Cascia said that the sustaining of mother tongue Konkani is helpful through the workshop on poetry, said Francis Fernandes.
 
John D’Silva said that Konkani is an ancient language that was in prominence during the 16th century.  “The lack of interest in nurturing Konkani is found in the new generation of Konkans. The need of the hour is to construct a Konkani Bhavan in the metro which will sustain Konkani for posterity. 
 
The poetry session was chaired by Ancy Paladka and was attended by several poets who arrived from across Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.
 
KBMM joint treasurer Walter D’Souza, executive committee members Cyprian Albuquerque Malad, Stanley Dias, Victor Concesso, Benedicta Rebello, Sudhir Kodkani, Alphonse D’Souza, Kenneth Zazarte, and Betty Nazareth were present on the occasion.
 
KBMM honorary secretary Lawrence D’Souza Kamani compered the programme.  Joint secretary Cyril Castelino Malad honored the guests with flower bouquets.  Treasurer Peter D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.