from Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)

Mumbai, Oct 1: "Konkani should be given significance in our daily living.  The love for Konkani should not be hindered with the excuse of living in distant metro.  Hence, we ought to try our best in order to extend the fragrance of out mother tongue across the globe.  Our mother tongue should not be lost in the era of globalization," said Gilbert Baptist, managing director of Malaika Group.

He was speaking at ‘Konkani Mahotsav’ programme held at St Joseph’s Community Hall, Mira Road (East) on Sunday September 30, jointly organized by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Konkani Basha Mandal and Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road, to mark the Suvarna Karnataka celebrations.

Valerian Quadros Ajekar, editor of Daaiz.com and popular Konkani poet, inaugurated ‘Konkani Mahotsav’ by lighting the lamp.

Eric Ozario, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, in his presidential address, said that truth does not need more touch.  It always remains not well received.  But it always prevails in the long run.  "We are likely to loose many things in our life including culture.  We have been in the look out of our own existence.  The programme has brought together to explore our bygone virtues," he added.

Irene Rebello Derebail and Hilda D’Souza were the resource persons for the workshop on ‘Voveo Vers’ directed by Eric Ozario.

Eminent Konkani writer, Fr Rudolp V D’Souza and popular dramatist, Dr Chandrashekar Shenoy, were awarded with ‘distinguished personality’ awards by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Konkani Sahitya Academy registrar S H Shivarudrappa, member Vitoi Karkal, Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road president John Crasta and Konkani Basha Mandal Maharastra president P N Shanbagh were present. 

Vice-president John D’Silva welcomed.  secretary Joy Paladka compered the programme and proposed vote of thanks.