News & Pics: Ancy Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
 
Mumbai, Apr 21: 'Konkani has a very rich culture. Konkani folk literature is so rich that some of them cannot be translated to English with the exact meaning and essence. One example for this is 'Vovyos' that are spontaneously composed and sung during the wedding ceremony,' said Urban Sequiera, past president of Konkani Welfare Association at the third annual celebration of the association held on Saturday April 19 at Our Lady of Nazareth Church open ground in Bhayandar west.

He further added, 'It is only in Konkani language people pray to God while wishing like Dev Boro Dis Dinv, Dev Bori Sanz Dinv, Dev Bori Raat Dinv, Dev Borem Korum etc. Konkani is so flexible that it is also popular in Roman script. This is added advantage to Konkani that our children and youngsters can chat in Konkani, communicate through Konkani using Roman script. We should encourage our children to speak Konkani and to communicate in Konkani specially while chatting or emailing.'

Parish priest Fr Alwyn D'Silva presided over the function. 'While preserving our culture we should also respect other cultures,' he said. He also released a souvenir during the occasion. President George Sequeira compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.

The main attraction of the programme was the Konkani play 'Portyan Ek Pavti' directed by Lawrence D'Souza Kamani. The artistes of the play were Francis Olivera, Flora D'Souza, Edwin Banz, Richard Crasta, Gregory Sequiera Niddodi and Jyothi D'Souza Moodbidri.

President George Sequeira, vice-president Mathias Lobo, secretary Steven Coutinho, joint secretary Gracy Mendonca, treasurer John Crasta and committee members Patrick Coutinho, Josephine Lasrado, Gino D'Souza, Peter Nazareth, singer Ivan Sequeira, Francis lobo, Wilfred Noronha, Apoline Tauro were also present on the occasion.