Mangalore: 'Aami Konkani' Cultural Fest Gets off to Brilliant Start
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Nov 22: The four-day Konkani cultural fest ‘Aami Konkani’ was off to a grand start on Thursday November 22, amidst a colourful procession by folk troupes and cultural programmes.
The fest was inaugurated by former CM D V Sadananda Gowda at Town Hall.
Addressing the gathering he said that existence of any ethnic group depends on its language and culture. "Greece lost its splendour due to collapse in its language and culture. In these days of technology, if people continue to live without commitment to their language and culture, they will have to be ready to see the extinction of these two elements," he said.
"Unity in diversity in a country like India is sustained among people of different religions, all thanks to language that binds them as one," the former CM added.
"India was attacked by foreign countries several times, but it remained unshakable as diversified cultures and languages linked Indians as one," he said and added, "Academies promoted by the state government have invigorated people's love for languages."
He observed that speakers of regional languages may sense inferiority complex in front of English, but these ‘tiny’ languages are like feathers to crown.
Speaking on the government's support to Konkani language, he said that Rs 1 crore was released for the construction of marriage hall for Kharvi community people in Kundapur and Rs 1 crore was released to Kudubi sect. "Efforts are on to get backward class status to Kudubis. A committee has been formed to study the feasibility of the proposal and in the coming cabinet session, that will be realized, he assured.
He observed that Konkanis are soft spoken nature and yet they stand by their views. He also said that efforts to retain the magnificence of Konkani language should be continued by all Konkanis.
Chief guest MLA Abhayachandra Jain said, "Catholic Konkanis are known for their hard work which is evident as many Catholic have cultivated land for agricultural purpose in hilly areas. Likewise, Kudubis are known to be the biggest group engaged in cultivation." He wished that Konkani Academy does the work of uniting all Konkani speaking people.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that Mangalore and Udupi dioceses are known as Konkani dioceses, and that Christians’ contribution to language is noteworthy. The beauty of Konkani language comes alive even in Catholic weddings and mass at churches," he said.
Another guest, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik lauded 'Aami Konkani' programme as it aims at uniting all Konkani speaking people. "Their contribution to the field of education, culture is noteworthy. Konkanis are like suger added to milk," he said.
Legislative assembly deputy speaker Yogish Bhat delivering his presidential address assured that efforts will be made to realize Konkani Bhavan soon.
Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Parishad former presidents Basti Vaman Shenoy, Kundapur Narayan Kharvi, MLC Monappa Bhandary, registrar Dr B Devadas Rai, Academy president Kasargod Chinna, Beary Sahitya Academy president Rahim Ucchil were present on the dais.
Divya and Deeksha led the prayer song and Roy Castelino compered the programme.
Earlier, a grand procession of folk troupes was taken out from Jyothi circle to Town Hall. Dr Prabhakar Bhat inaugurated the procession. Tulu Sahitya Academy president Umanath Kotian, Maand Sobhann president Stanly Alvares, GSB Sarva Devala Samiti president C L Shenoy, Konkani culture association president Venkatesh Baliga among others were present.
Kaann Jevann food festival is being organized at Town Hall on Friday November 23. More than 200 Konkani dishes prepared by women will be on display. A multi-linguistic poets' meet will be held at the Academy hall on Saturday November 24.