Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Jan 9: Konkan Taram (Jerimeri), which functions from St Jude church at Jerimeri, Kurla (west) suburban in the city, celebrated its silver jubilee at the auditorium of St Jude church on the evening of Sunday January 8 in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unbridled joy.

Bishop of Bombay diocese, Dr Percival J E Fernandes, who participated in the function as chief guest, lighted the lamp to signal start of the celebrations. He also released the memento brought out by the organization.

Chief priest of St Jude church and director of Konkan Taram, Fr Lancy Pinto, Fr Gabriel Maria, Fr Maxwell Furtado, Sr Bibiyana who heads the awareness centre, entrepreneurs, Albert W D'Souza, Gabriel Mendonca, John Oswald Corderio, theatre director and dramatist, Francis Fernandes Cassia, film producer, Henry D'Silva Suratkal, and Walter D'Souza took part as honorary guests. They not only hailed the organization for the services it has been rendering to the community since the last 25 years, but also hoped that it will continue in this path in future too.

Bishop Fr Percival Fernandes noted that Konkan Taram has been supporting the survival and growth of Konkani language. He felt that inspiration and encouragement from parents is necessary for the conservation and growth of mother tongue, and appreciated the initiatives taken by the organization to achieve this end. He wished that Konkan Taram will continue in its illustrious path and succeeds in its objectives.

Fr Lancy Pinto lauded Konkan Taram for supporting the liturgy of the church. "The organization deserves credit for supporting Konkani language and offering various other services to the local community. Konkan Taram has been striving to serve the local people and achieve development of language and culture. I wish that it will continue to create new milestones in its path and become a role model for other such organizations," he wished.

Vice president of the organization, Meloni Cordero, John Vegas, Elias Pinto, Leo D'Souza,Joseph D'Souza and others were present. On this occasion, silent prayers were offered for leading personalities connected with the organization who left for heavenly abode in the recent past, like the late Lawrence D'Souza Taccode, Denis D'Souza, and Sunny A D'Souza.

Welcome dance was performed by Alita Pereira and Prescilla Fernandes. Flossy J Vegas, Rosy D'Souza, Pascal Miranda, Marcelin D'Souza, Emilia D'Souza, Jessy D'Souza, Eldyn D'Souza, Triza D'Souza and Joyson D'Souza offered bouquets to the guests. Honorary secretary,Flora D'Souza Kalmadi and Clement Lobo presented the programme. Treasurer, John Mascarenhas, welcomed the gathering and proposed vote of thanks.

As pert of entertainment programme, Prescilla, Maria, as well as Valencia and team presented a programme of dances. Songs from the movie, 'Nashibacho Khel', were rendered by Nefi Rod, Antony Tauro, Murrel, Franki D'Souza, Sunita D'Souza, and others. A comic play, 'Limbe Ani Mirsang', authored and directed by John R Mascarenhas, was staged by members of Konkan Taram on this occasion.