Pics by Praveen Tauro
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore
Mulky, Nov 4: “I don’t feel happy when we categorize the Konkani literature saying, it’s meant for a particular section or community. Konkani literature is one and it’s meant for all. We must ensure that we have evolved the literature of all these communities under one single format” – observed Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy on Nov 2 in Balkunje in St Paul Church compound.
He further explained that once upon a time there were different versions in Kannada literature but over a period of time they have evolved into one single format called ‘Kannada literature’.
Castelino was addressing the student participants during the valedictory session of one day Konkani workshop titled, “Aaj Ami Konkani Ulavyam” (Lets speak in Konkani today). The workshop was organized by the India unit of Daiji Dubai, in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Konkani speaking community affiliated to St Paul Parish and ICYM Balkunje.
Castelino further said- “Konkani language is no more a regional language, but it has its roots from Indo Aryan origin and is recognized as one of the national languages and gets same status and support like other 22 languages recognized by the constitution. We must feel proud to be called as the members of a larger Konkani community.”
In the morning the workshop was jointly inaugurated by Fr Michael D’Silva, parish priest of St Paul Church and Fr Victor D’Souza, parish priest of Little Flower Church, Mukamar. Parish council vice president Patrick Pinto, president of Jubilee celebration committee Nelson Lobo, ICYM Balkunje president Rohit D’Souza, Host Royston Kiran D’Souza, office bearers of Daiji Dubai among others were present.
Joseph Menezes, a 106 year old septuagenarian was fondly felicitated on behalf of the Konkani community by presenting a shawl, citation and flower bouquet. His daughter Sr Blandin was present on the occasion. A sapling of ‘Konkani Jackfruit Tree’ to commemorate the Konkani workshop was planted at the Church premises by Fr Michael D’Silva.
Subsequently 100 students studying in VI – X standard from different parts of DK and Udupi districts in four groups (Tenka, Badaga, Mudla and Padla) were taken around in a trekking expedition, through the old heritage houses, plantations, jungles and water streams. They werents were briefed about the richness of Konkani heritage and culture, the medicinal properties of trees and plants, by exposing them to the expanse of the beautiful nature, towering mountains which are called in their unique names and the flowing rivulet that takes its origin in Balkunje before amalgamating with river Shambavi in Mulky.
Each station and tree was significantly marked and more than 35 resource persons from different walks of life under the leadership of Robert and Sara D’Souza participated in this mammoth walk-through. The students were provided with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and transport- free of cost, thanks to the grateful gesture of Lancy Noronha Dubai who had sponsored the entry fees of all participants.
After the trekking expedition, students were treated to an entertainment segment wherein Hasya Samrat Dolla Nandigudda regaled the children through his rib-tickling stand alone comedy. Lawrence D’Souza Palimar and the participants sang songs amidst cultural quiz, leaf game and a game on Konkani relationships conducted by Nelson Sequeira Kateel.
During valedictory ceremony in the evening the Balkunje born senior Konkani writer Paul D’Souza was accorded public felicitation. Roy Castelino, Rev Fr Michael D’Silva, Rev Fr Victor D’Souza, senior Konkani litterateur K G Mallya, convenor of India unit of Daiji Dubai Cyril G Sequeira, workshop director Melvyn Rodrigues and administrator of the workshop Hemacharya were present.
Members of Matra Mandali Kinnigoli and Parish Konkani Community, Balkunje presented Konkani skit and a cultural programme that depicted a Christian wedding, respectively.
The whole day programme was meticulously conducted by Royston Kiran D’Souza, Freeda Rodrigues and Vitori Karkal.