By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Bantwal (RD)

Mumbai, Mar 27: “Unity among Konkans can be projected in the guise of mother tongue Konkani. The controversy over the Konkani script poses hindrances to its growth, therefore, there lies a need to recognize all scripts for the growth of Konkani,” said Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra (KBMM) president John D’Silva.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Maharashtra Pradesh Sammelan that was organized by Mangalore-based Jagatik Konkani Sanghaton (JKS) at St Francis Technical MBA auditorium, Poisar, Borivali (West), on Sunday March 25.

The metro-based Model Co-operative Bank chairman Albert W D’Souza was the chief guest on the occasion.

NKGSB Co-operative Bank former chairman P N Shanbagh was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Albert D’Souza said that geographical cultural taste and significance of mother tongue Konkani leads Konkans to foster Konkani in unity.

Mandd Sobhann Mangalore founder president and JKS chief secretary Eric Ozario, JKS president Thomazin Cardoza, vice-president K K Uttaran, treasurer Roy Castelino, KBMM honorary secretary Lawrence D’Souza Kamani, and JKS public relations officer Ancy Paladka were present on the dais.

The seminar on creating love for mother tongue Konkani among Konkans of different sects, cultural, social, literary, and sub scripts background in Maharashtra, was held on the occasion.

Lawrence D’Souza Kamani spoke on the situation of Konkani and its future in Maharashtra.  Cardoza spoke on the global situation of Konkani and its future and Ozario spoke on the controversy of the script in Konkani and remedy.  Ancy Paladka compered the session.

Kenneth Zazarte welcomed the gathering.  Abraham Clement Lobo compered the programme.  Suzanne Coelho, George Bhayandar, Benedicta Rebello, Betty Naaz, Francis Fernandes Cascia, Victor Concesso, George D’Souza Borivali, Julie Noronha, and John Crasta honoured the guests with flower bouquets.  Sofia D’Sa of Mira Road proposed the vote of thanks.