Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Feb 9: The valedictory ceremony of short time certificate course on ‘Gumat’, a traditional percussion instrument was held at Milagres College auditorum on Saturday, February 9.
Fr Valerian Fernandes, editor, Raknno Weekly, HM Pernal, editor, Kitall and Lakshmana K Prabhu, member, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Ashok K Prabhu, Stephan Rodrigues and academy Members were the chief guests. R P Naik, president, Konkani Sahitya Academy presided over the programme.
In his speech Fr Valerian said, “It is really great that the current generation thinks the folklore instrument ‘Gumat’ is a treasure. Gumat is a part of life of our ancestors and in culture it is very precious. It contains their history, sentiments and life style. It is our responsibility to protect this instrument and continue its heritage.”
In his speech HM Pernal said, “Gumat is only a instrument and without proper use and development, it cannot be a treasure. If we say it is a treasure and keep it in the showcases of our houses, it cannot reach the outer world and slowly it will disappear. We should bring it out from our showcases and make its multiple use like guitar or other instruments. We should develop it like other musical instruments.”
In his presidential speech R P Naik said, “Konkani Academy always supports the programmes related to Konkani language and culture. Gumat is our treasure. We need to introduce it to our next generation. If we lose the musical form of Gumat, it will be a great loss to our culture. I congratulate the students who showed interest to learn to play the Gumat. Academy is ready to conduct these type of courses in future too.”
Fr Michael Santhumayor, principal, Milagres College, was the Gurkar of the event.
Joel Pereira, who taught Gumat classes to the students, was felicitated by R P Naik and guests. 40 students of Milagres College including 10 girls who attended the course were honoured by guests with certificates.
The classes started on January 21 and students spent an hour daily to learn the Gumat instrument. After the routine classes, they engaged in playing the instrument along with folk songs of Konkani, especially songs written for Gumat.