News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Goa (EP)
Goa, Jan 23: “Konkani, the official language should become popular in the world like the Goa state. Konkani language is spoken as the native language in several states of the country. Konkani literature, culture and art should improve. The language will grow strong when it is spoken at homes,” said Goa state chief minister Laxmikanth Parsekar.
The chief minister was speaking after lighting the traditional lamp and inaugurating a three day long 30th All India Konkani Parishad jointly held by Kala Academy Kampala and Gomanthak Maratha Samaj Goa
in the late J B Moraes open air auditorium at Panaji on Friday January 22.
Dr Chandrashekar S Shenoy Mumbai presided over the Parishad. Mumbai High court retired judge justice Ramachandra M S Kandeparkar, Panaji MLA Siddarth Kunkalkar, guests of honour released the souvenir of the occasion. They also presented Konkani Sahithya Academy award to Konkani Sahithya Academy president Udaya L Bendre and others and honored them.
All India Konkani Parishad executive president Usha Rani, Zuze Lawrence, conference welcome committee president Shantaram S V Valavlikar, secretary Sufala Gaithonde and others were present on the dais.
Treasurer Jnaneshwarak Tari, welcome committee present Jose Lawrenso, vice president Bharath Nayak, Damodar Ganikar, Vivek Pisurlekar, conveners Anju Sakhardande, Gourisha Venikar, Vihswa Konkani Kendra president Basti Vaman Shenoy, Prabhakar Prabhu Bantwal, Vishwa Konkani Sahitya Academy president Udaya L Bendre, Konkani Bhasha Mandal Mumbai president John D'Silva, Maharashtra Konkan Association president Leo Fernandes, Paul Moras, Geetha Kini, Wilson Kateel, Lawrence D'Souza Kamani, Cyril Castelino and others were present.
Akshay Nayak sang a welcome song created by Prakash Dattaram. Conference welcome committee president Shantaram S V Valgavlikar welcomed the gathering.
Konkani Parishad president Gokuldas Prabhu gave the keynote address.
Subhash Jan and Akshatha Puranik Bhat compered the programme. Honorary chief secretary Sunitha Kanikar proposed the vote of thanks. Different Konkani associations presented the cultural programme.