Press release

Goa, Oct 4 : Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) celebrated its 53rd anniversary with great fervor. The annual Seva (service to Konkani language), Stambh lekhan (column writing), Patrakarita (Konkani journalism), Shikshak (Konkani teacher), Karykarto (Konkani activist) and Sahitya (literary) awards were presented to Irin Lourenco Barros, Prakash Kamat, Mukesh Thali, Maya Kharangate, Anand Manguesh Naik, Mahesh Govind Gaonkar for Yadinche Umale, Pandurang Gaonkar for Naziya, Pio Fernandes for Tujhe Moga Khatir, Kiran Mhambare for Saimangnat.

KBM also felicitated Arya Parmekar, Sneha Sasolkar, Gresha Kubal, Vaibhavi Rane, Cleta Braganza, Diksha Bokka and Teffany Gama, toppers in Konkani at SSCE, HSSCE and Goa University graduation and post-graduate level examinations.

"Politicians have always used language for their own gains. It is time we unite keeping all our differences aside", said Dr Ulhas Nachinolkar, senior doctor and writer while speaking as the guest of honour. Dr Nachinolkar elaborated on the struggles and battles that konkani language has bravely faced. "It is important that children should learn their mother tongue before they embark on a foreign language," he enunciated.

Advisor of the Salgaocar Group, Ajit Gude, while speaking as the chief guest at the function said, “Konkani should produce more and more literature and hence more people should be encouraged to write in the language.”

Earlier, Vice-President of the KBM Jose Lourenco welcomed the gathering while President of KBM, Chetan Acharya expressed his views. Secretary Surel Tilve gave the vote of thanks. Students of Vidhyabhuvan Konkani Shala and Ravindra Kelekar Dnyanmandir performed dance and song in the beginning. A special souvenir and the third issue of children's magazine 'Chirput' was also released on the occasion. Anant Agni and Pankaj Namshikar compered the function.