Media Release
Goa, Oct 3: “Using technology for the progress of the Konkani is the need of the hour. We should utilize the technological advances and help strengthen our language,” said advocate Narendra Sawaikar, MP, South Goa. He was speaking at the founder’s day of Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) held in Gomant Vidhya Niketan, Margao on Tuesday September 30.
Present on the occasion were Dr Prakash Vazarikar, director of official language department of Goa, Chetan Acharya, president of KBM, Jose Lourenco, vice-president of KBM, advocate Surel Tilve, secretary of KBM and Deepak Mopkar, treasurer of KBM. “People have fought for the language and have managed to include it in the eighth schedule of the constitution. We should therefore continue to work for it and strengthen it further,” said Sawaikar while speaking further.
Fausto da Costa, editor of Konkani monthly 'Gulab,' while speaking after he received the journalism award, appealed to the youth to demolish the compounds built by the selfish elements in Konkani movement and bring together all the islands created today in the movement. “The selfless work in Konkani movement is slowly becoming a history. Days of working committedly by spending their own money are over. Money has taken over all other interests of Konkani. This is not for good health of Konkani,” cautioned da Costa, while replying to the felicitation. “Demoralised over this divisive activities, da Costa said he had almost decided to retire from Konkani movement from December, but his zeal has been revived after Konkani Bhasha Mandal recognizing his work through 'Gulab.'
The annual awards of the KBM were presented on this occasion. The Konkani Bhasha Mandal Seva (Service) Puraskar was awarded to Datta S Naik whereas Ligoriyo Furtado trust Puraskrut Patrakarita (Journalism) Puraskar was awarded to Fausto Da Costa. Felicio Cardoz Yadastik Shikshak (Teacher) Puraskar was awarded to Usha Rane and Jose Piedad Quadros Yadastik Konkani Karykarto (activist) Puraskar was awarded to Rajendra Naik.
Late Narsinh Damodar Naik Yadistik Sahitya (Literary) Puraskar was awarded to Fr Eusebio Gomes for his book ‘Sotachi Kirna’ whereas late Roque Barreto Yadistik Sahitya Puraskar was awarded to Sandesh Prabudesai for ‘Talgadi’. Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Sahitya Puraskar was awarded to advocate Bernard D’souza for ‘Kaideacha Daryatali Lharaa’ whereas Manoharrai Sardesai Yadistik Balsahitya Puraskar was awarded to Baban Bhagat for ‘Bhirmutyo’. Padmaja Manikrao Naik Gaunekar Adhyatmik Sahitya Puraskar was awarded to late Ramnath Manerikar for 'Shri Satya Saibaba.' His granddaughter Sanjana Manerikar received the award. Chandrakant Keni Yadistik Stambh Lekhan Puraskar was awarded to Shrikant Nagvenkar.
The students securing highest marks in Konkani at SSC, HSSC, graduate and post graduate levels were also felicitated at the function.
Advocate D’Souza spoke on the occasion. Earlier, KBM president made introductory remarks, vice president Jose Lawrenco welcomed while secretary advocate Surel Tilve proposed the vote of thanks. The whole function was compered by Anwesha Singbal and Malcolm D’Costa. Students of Vidya Bhuvan School of KBM presented a welcome dance.