Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 23: Konkani Research Center and Konkani Post-Graduate Center, of Mangalore University,  on Saturday, August 19, organised Konkani Manyata Divas, celebrating the language, at Shivarama Karanth auditorium, University College, Hampankatta.

Organiser of Konkani research center of Mangaluru university, Dr Jaywanth Nayak, welcomed the guests of honour and other guests at the beginning of the programme.  Speaking about Konkani language, he said, "Konkani chair conducts work such as holding national conferences, creating a Konkani page etc."

Speaking about Konkani language, he said, "Konkani chair would undertake taks such as organising national conferences, creating a Konkani page on  Wikipedia, among others. A new experiment for the language recently is Yakshagana in Konkani. The seat will support such experiments. It also intends on holding a seminar on an international level."

"Konkani language has a long history. There is evidence that Santanam Deva had used Konkani words while creating literature in thirteenth century. We can see that British, during their rule, had used Konkani language during their survey. When Portuguese came to Goa, they were using Latin for mass, prayers and homily. The saying then was 'I went eagerly but the homily was in Portuguese '. Therefore, missionaries inevitably had to learn Konkani for spread of religion. Unfortunately, valuable Konkani literature got destroyed during inquisition. But that enabled a book such as 'Krista Purana' for Konkani," said Konkani author, researcher and activist Paul Moras.

Mangalore University evening college professor Dr Subhashini Srivatsa, Mangaluru university registrar Dr K M Lokesh were present. Konkani postgraduate studies organiser Dr Arvind Shanbhag proposed the vote of thanks.

Akashvani Mangaluru center programme director Concepta Fernandes Alva gave a brief introduction of Paul Moras. Konkani post graduate department professor Flora Castelino compered the programme.

M Gopala Gowda, Edapadavu and group, performed Janapada dance as part of the cultural programme.