Pics: Yahodhara Bangera/ Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Moodbidri (CLP)
Moodbidri, Nov 16: 'Konkani Siri' as part of Alva's Nudisiri-2014 was held at Dr T M A Pai auditorium, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri on November 15 in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy.
A grand procession was held from B V Baliga arch to the Wilfy Rebimbus dais.
The programme began with a welcome song presented by a hundred singers from various parts of Mangaluru.
Nudisiri coordinator L J Fernandes welcomed the guests with Dr Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva's Education foundation giving the floral welcome to the guests.
The programme was inaugurated by Bishop of Mangaluru, Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza by playing the traditional musical instrument Gumatt.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, “I am proud and immensely happy to inaugurate this event. If we do not promote and practise Konkani language, it will vanish like other languages which have become extinct. It is a rich language spoken by the 50 lacs people. It is a unique language spoken many communities across the nation and abroad. Konkani has to be promoted in the houses, schools and in communities. Then only the stream of Konkani will flow. Today history has been created by Dr Mohan Alva by giving honour to Konkani during Alva's Nudisiri. May God bless Dr Mohan Alva and Konkani."
Mandd Sobhann organization, Vishwa Konkani Kendra Shakthinagar, Yakshagana artiste Mijar Annappa and Guinness record-holding swimmer Gopal Kharvi were honoured on the occasion in recognition of their achievements.
Roy Castelino President of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy said, “Alva’s college is like a mini-Bharat during these three days. Konkani is accepted by the three major religions like Hindu, Muslim and Christians as their mother tongue. For Konkani readers, we started mobile bazaar to deliver books to the readers. We are selling Rs one lac worth books every month. 'Konkani Siri' is the opportunity to showcase our unity. I am indeed disappointed by the turn out for the programme."
MLC Ivan D'souza in address said, “Konkani has no religion blockade, I have given a proposal to the government to start Konkani Nataka Academy and I hope that by the next budget, the proposal will get the approval."
Basti Vaman Shenoy, founder president of Vishwa Konkani Kendra in his presidential speech said, “Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy and Dr Mohan Alva are doing very good work for promoting the language in the area. Let us all speak and spread the wings of Konkani in future."
The cultural programme was organized between 7 pm to 10.30 p m which included Kudubi Gumatt and Kolata by Kudmi Kalavedike, Yedapadavu, Siddi cultural presentation by Mundagod troupe, Kharvi Kala Pradarshan by Kharvi Kala Mandd of Bhatkal, Daldi-daff show by Nakuda Daff committee of Shiroor, GSB cultural presentation by Konkani Samskritika Sangha, ‘Konkani Mhozo Fuddar’ street play by Kalakul troupe, Dance show by Nach Sobhann of Mangaluru and vocal presentation by Mahalakshmi Shenoy of Karkal.
'Konkani Kal Aaj Falya' a lecture was given by Vincent Alva and Jayavanth Nayak Mangaluru.
Academy's former presidents Eric Ozario, Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo, Kasaragod Chinna, Kudubi Samaj Sangh president M Rama Gowda, Venkataramana from Moodbidri, Shri Hanumant temple managing trustee G Umesh Pai, Fr Mark Walder, Louis J Pinto, Fr Basil Vas, novelist Na D'souza, registrar of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy Devadas Pai were the guests of honour.
Venkatesh Baliga and Lloyd Rego were masters of ceremony.