Media Release
Canacona, May 28: With an aim to inculcate the love of Konknni amongst the youngsters and cultivate reading habits, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) organized a Konkani story reading competition on Sunday May 25 at the parish hall of St Theresa of Jesus Church, Chavdi, Canacona, Goa.
More than 25 eager and enthusiastic participants took part in the competition and the manner of their presentation spoke volumes of the preparations and seriousness.
Monna Sitija Rodrigues stood first in the competition and received a cash award of Rs 2000 while Vania Carvalho bagged the second prize of Rs 1500. The third prize of Rs 1000 was awarded to Jessie Falcao. Angelica Joan Gracias and Michelle Rebello received consolation prizes of Rs 500 each. Certificates were also presented to all the prize winners and the participants.
The competition was imaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of the assistant parish priest, Fr Sucorro Colaco, a renowned tiatrist and Konknni writer R B S Komarpant, DKA president Premanand A Lotlikar, DKA secretary Vincy Quadros and DKA treasurer Walter Menezes.
In his welcome address, Walter Menezes said, "Rather than restrict itself to the major cities of Panaji and Margao, the time has come for the academy to expand the scope of its activities to the villages of Goa; the story reading competition held in Canacona was a step in this direction."
Chief guest Fr Sucorro expressed happiness that such a competition was being held in Canacona and urged everyone to dedicate themselves in uplifting the Konkani language.
Premanand A Lotlikar in his address spoke of the inherent dangers as the beaches and economic activities along the coast that were being taken over by non-Goans and the important role everyone had to play in safeguarding their unique Gõykarponn through Konknni.
Vincy Quadros briefly explained the objectives and the various schemes of the academy and called upon the participants to take advantage of the same. He highlighted the importance of reading and said we can take Konknni forward only if use it in our day-to-day life. He also agreed in principle to organize a similar activity in Agonda when a request was made in this regard during the open session before the prize distribution ceremony.
A book exhibition cum sale was also held for the benefit of the participants.
R B S Komarpant, Pandharinath Lotlikar and Brenda Menezes were the members of the jury for the competition.
Vassalo Carvalho compeered the programme while Albert Jaques delivered the vote of thanks.