Report and Pics from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)
Mumbai, May 1: Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, Mangalore, organized its first ever Vishwa Konkani Abhiyan in the metro, at Karnataka Sangh, on Friday May 1 morning. The Abhiyan was held at the leadership of Vishwa Konkani crusader Basti Vaman Shenoy.
Popular Prakashan proprietor Ramdas Bhatkal inaugurated the Abhiyan on Friday morning, by lighting the lamp.
Sangeet Abhinay Academy director Dr Fr Charles Vas, veteran litterateur Nagesh D Sonde, noted entrepreneur G B Masurkar, Vadala Math trustee Surendra Shanbagh, Kendra Sahitya Academy Mumbai regional secretary K S Rao and others were the guests of honour of the occasion.
Ramdas Bhatkal, addressing the gathering, said that he is convinced of significance of mother tongue Konkani. The Abhiyan will not come in any way as hindrance to Konkani, despite Konkans have made metro as their abodes. Although Konkani has not seen growth with its own script, it has wide spread in the globe.
Meanwhile, Ramdas conveyed best wishes for Vishwa Konkani Abhiyan, in popularizing Konkani language and its culture all over the world. The new generation of Konkans will also get an opportunity to realize the legacy of Konkani.
Various literary seminars were held with the eminent Konkani litterateurs, writers and language experts.
Women Yakshagana troupe from Shimoga staged Yakshagana play, lion dance by Mohan Dareshwar Kumta and mimicry by Vasant Bandekar Karvar, that were held as part of entertainment programmes, at the same occasion.
New Delhi Konkani Academy advisory committee convener Pundalik N Naik presided over the discussion meet on ‘the impact of Konkani in other literatures.’
Metro’s Konkani Academy secretary K S Rao delivered the introductory address.
Konkani poet J B Sequeira and Philomena San Francisco, explained in Konkani, Dr Chandrashekar Jahangirdar and Satish Kalsekar in Marati, Dr Abhay Joshi and Mukesh Joshi in Gujarati, Dr Baldev Matlani and Motiram Hiranandani in Sindhi language.
Honorary guest Nagesh D Sonde released Kamaladevi Chattopadya, an anthology by Dr Jyotsana Krishnanand Kamath. Speaking at the occasion, Nagesh said that Kamaladevi Chattopadya was an ardent supporter of women issues. She is the ideal for the entire mankind.
Damodar Keshav Ghanekar felicitated V R Kamath and Ullas Kamath for their contributions in promoting Konkani.
Metro based Konkani organizations, such as Bhasha Mandal Maharastra, Ami Goinkar, Canara Saraswat Association, Konkani Triveni, GSB Ganeshotsav Samiti Vadala and Sri Rama Mandir also extended support for the Abhiyan.
Konkani Language and Culture Foundation president Basti Vaman Shenoy welcomed the gathering. In his introductory address, Vaman Shenoy said that the Abhiyana has been embarked upon in the metro, to give an opportunity for the new generation of Konkans, to get to know the rich Konkani and its culture. Mother tongue Konkani thrives by passing on the Konkani cultural hierarchy to the future generation.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal honorary secretary Lawrence D’Souza Kamani and stage artiste G Saraf introduced the guests. Uppinangady Narasimha Kini and Vasuda Prabhu honoured the guests with flower bouquets.
New Delhi Konkani Academy advisory committee member Dr C N Shenoy compered the programme. Corporation Bank retired chief manager N N Pal proposed vote of thanks.