Report and pics by Felix Monteiro
Daijiworld Media Network - Pune (SP)

Pune, Nov 18: The glittering evening of Sunday November 16, brought the flavour of Konkani culture to the Konkani-speaking people of Pune. Kudos to all the Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Konkan Sabha (JDVKS) members for their wonderful efforts in displaying the cultural heritage through their programme,  Konkani Sanskritik Saanz-08 held here on that day.  It began with the invocation of the Lord's blessings through a dance by Lyra and Diana, followed by a song, paying fitting tributes and expressing sympathy with the people of Orissa by Lancy Fernandes SJ. President Sony D'Souza CSC welcomed the gathering. Richard Lobo SVD read the report, highlighting various activities of Konkan Sabha in preserving Konkani culture. A dance from the Konkani film, "Padri", moved the hearts of the people towards understanding the plight of the younger generation better.

The JDVKS, which was established in 1976, has been playing a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Konkani language and culture in and around Pune. The night was made colourful with dance performed by Sr Wendy and co-dancers and Oliver and party. The 'Manddo' (Baila) made the crowd to jive to the melodious beats of Konkani music. Cyril SVD and Albano SVD rocked the show with orchestra.

Albert D'Souza, managing director of Printania Offset, Mumbai was thrilled by the spectacular performance of JDVKS.  Speaking on the occasion, he said, "Konkani is a sweet language".  He applauded its richness in having accommodated all the scripts from Kanykumari to Gujarat. He also released the annual 'Konkan Sabha Sovenir-08', edited and designed by Felix Monteiro SJ.

Fr Henry D'Almeida SJ, an outstanding member of the JDVKS, was felicitated for completing his PhD recently at the Pune University for his doctoral thesis on 'The Philosophy of Madwacharya'.

The Konkani play, 'Kanacho Gunyavu', authored by Bernard D'Costa, Kundapur was performed on the occasion. Roshan, Rajesh, Joy, Lilly, Rohan, Ronson and Maxim with their acting prowess, contributed immensely to the success of the show.

Naveen SVD and Meena CCR anchored the show. Rohan D'Almeida SJ, cultural secretary of JDVKS, was the man behind the success of this great event, which was witnessed by more than five hundred people.