Daiji Dubai explores new ways of Konkani learning


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.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Arun Pinto, KULSHEKAR/MUSCAT

    Thu, Nov 06 2014

    weldone daiji.....bajkunje parish people and icym unit ,,,,,,great work towards konkani culture keep it up

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  • Prescilla Braggs, Balkunje / Pune

    Thu, Nov 06 2014

    These pictures make me totally nostalgic. I revisited my childhood days. We belong to one of those who really got to experience the typical Mangalorean tradition and values. I must congratulate the organisers of this event specially the parishioners of St. Pauls, Balkunje and Daijiworld team. Happy to see my nephew Royston compering the programme.
    Thanks Daiji, for highlighting this UNIQUE and PURE tradition of our home town.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinod Wilfred Tauro, Madanthyar, Dubai

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    Dear Daiji and other committee members associated with this programme,we hereby congratulate all of you for your great work towards Konkani Culture. Your forward thinking towards future is great and amazing. Well arranged and informative photos, and we remembered our childhood days. Slowly all these valuable flora and fauna of DK will be vanished due to ecological changes. A those old collected items will become antiques and extinct from our Mangalorean Konkani Culture. Good work and keep going. Wish you all the best.

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  • Nancy, Belman

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    Wow...nice to see all things which I have used in my childhood. OH! those days with bensa, kanera, in Bolkunje Kursa Gudyar!!!!

    Kiran and team well done.

    Remembered childhood spent in bolkunje with wonderful/lovely people .......

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  • CGS Taccode, Mangllur

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    Along with Hemacharya, Melwyn Rodrigues and all the members of Daiji Dubai Mangalore Unit,I sincerely thank Fr.Michael D'Silva, Parish Priest,Balkunje,Mr.Patrick Pinto, Vice President,Mr.Nelson Lobo,President, Jubilee Committe,
    Sr.Nathalia,Superior and all the sisters,Parishioners,specially Sara/Robert D'Souza,Victor,Ronald, Wilfred D'Souza,Cynthia D'Souza,Nancy Cardoza,Winnifred Quadras,Freeda Rodrigues, all the group leaders and members,Mahila Vrinda,Kinnigoly,Fr.Victor D'Souza,
    Parish Priest, Mukamar,ICYM Balkunje unit President Rohit D'Souza and his team, Melreeda Rodrigues, President, ICYM Central committee,and Roysten Kiran D'Souza, the Chief Architect of the
    programme, for making Aaaz Ami Konkanni Ulovyam programme a big success.Our special thanks to Rony Byndoor,President of Daiji Dubai and all the members,Mr.Roy Castelino, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Mr.Lancy Noronha for extending their unstinted support and co-operation.Special thanks to Dolla Mangllur and Nelson Sequeira for adding flavour to the programme.
    Dev Borem Korum tumkam mogachya Balkunjegaranom!

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  • Reshma Lobo, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    Hats off Daiji for taking the initiative. Happy to see all the household items used during olden days especially earthen pots (kundley) It is now mostly used in villages. Nowadays these have been replaced by non-stick utensils. Let us instill in our children the value of learning Konkani as it is our mother tongue and it will remain for all generations to come.

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  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Nov 04 2014



    Second day.....Kundle pooson Kanvnche. Almost spotless. nothing remains. I remember beef curry also.

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  • Eulalia Dsouza, Bijai / Mangalore

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    That is a Great thinking by Dajie Dubai. In days when Konkani is dying a slow death, initiative and efforts put in by you are marvelous really.
    Let our children and younger generation learn to Value and respect our Mother Tongue and talk at home at least, so we do not forget it in years to come.
    Our child hood days were best because we used all those items that you have displayed. Cooking was in earthen pots which had a good taste and as Flavian has written, it was best used next day to get a better taste.
    Thanks Daijie again for this wonderful thought..!!God Bless your efforts always..

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  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    What a remembrance of olden things and the childhood days of 1950’s – 60’s.
    Most of the items were being used in our house those days. The taste of fish curry cooked in earthenware and that too second day. Finger licking taste . Wow!
    Now all digital world. Food packed for the purpose. (Use and throw)

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  • Shanti , Mangalore / Dubai

    Tue, Nov 04 2014

    Well Done Daiji!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Nice to see the all photographs with household items, trees, plants, which has used by our parents and grand parents.

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