Report and pics by Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld News Network

Mumbai, Feb 5: The Maharastra Konkani Association organized 'Konkan Utsav' a grand programme to mark its decennial year at the Holy Family School ground.

The chief guest on the occasion was director of Rayans International Group of School Grace Pinto. Expressing concern towards the growth of the Konkani language she said that facilitating the growth of the language is a responsibility to be shouldered by everyone. Konkani, which has been included in the VIII Schedule of the Indian Constitution, should be prominently spoken in every house.

Inaddition to this, it is important to teach the language to the younger generation, Grace Pinto opined. She added that encouraging the mother tongue helps in the upliftment of the community.

The programme was presided over by reception committee secretary and Model Co-operative Bank secretary Albert W D’Souza.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Eric Ozario, renowned Konkani writer Vally Vagga were the chief guest.
Grace Pinto honoured D M D’Souza, poet J B Sequeira, film director Raymond Quadros, former secretary Model co-operative Bank John D’Silva and Christian Chamber of Commerce and Indusries (CCCI) secretary Vincent Mathias.
CCCI director Henry Lobo, association director Stella Mancheril, conveners Bernadicta B Rebello and John Sequeira were present on the occasion.

President Walter D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Founder president Leo Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Victor Concessao and his team sang the welcome song. Vincent Alva compered the event.

Philip D’Souza Derebail and his team put up a comedy skit followed my cultural programmes by Gopala Gowda and his troupe.

A colourful procession comprising the traditional dance forms like the tiger dance, dancing dolls, peacock dance and the brass bank welcomed the guests to the dais.