Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 15: “I am proud that I possess the certificate given by the government for the training given on Konkani Songs. This kind of training, which makes the people to feel proud about their traditional treasure, should be extended to the whole state. The Konkani Academy will give the necessary support for this. Training on traditional songs in Konkani is organized at Honnavar in the coming week,” said R P Naik, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
Naik was speaking after distributing the certificates to the participants in the valedictory function of the Certificate course of Traditional Konkani songs, that was jointly organized by Academy and Mandd Sobhann at the Kalaangan of Shaktinagar in the city on Sunday, July 14.
Addressing the participants of the course, Naik said, “You have come from taluks like Bantwal, Manjeshwar, Karkala, Ullal and Mangaluru and learnt the traditional songs. You have to teach these songs to others. Then only the legacy, which is on the verge of getting extinct, will survive and grow. The effort of Eric Ozario is clearly seen in passing on this legacy to the next generation. The Konkani Academy is the property of the Konkani people. If anyone contacts the academy with these kinds of out of the box thoughts, we will definitely support them. Already videography of the food habits of 41 Konkani communities is started. In addition to the food, this helps in reaching the rich treasure of words, associated with it to the people.”
Chief Guest of the occasion, Lidwin Cutinha Dubai said, “Training by Mandd Sobhann has beautified my Konkani. It has inspired me to work for Konkani abroad. Let your learning be an inspiration to others.”
Explaining the path of the course, Eric Ozario said, “Though we said that we will teach 40 songs in seven Sundays, we have taught 91 songs that includes Mando, Dulpadan, Dekni, Gumte songs, Voviyo-Verse, songs for child, Christmas Carols and composition of senior lyricists. 31 songs will be taught in the workshop in the coming weeks at Honnavar and Gurupur Kaikamba in workshops of eight hours each. Accordingly, in the month of August, a workshop on songs sung during the marriage (Sobhane) will be held at Jeppu. If others are also willing to hold such workshops in their villages and towns, they can contact the Konkani Academy or Mandd Sobhann.”
Anil D’Cunha and Jasmine Lobo shared their experience of learning this course. Jasmine Lobo, who was adjudged as the ‘Best Camper’ received a cash prize of Rs 3,000 sponsored by Dr Varija Nirbailbra. Resouce persons Joyce Ozario, Anil Patrao, Elron Rodrigues, along with Flavia Rodrigues, who coordinated the programme were felicitated on the occasion.
Luvi Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann and Santhosh Shenoy, academy member were present on the dais. Sunil Monteiro, composer of Sumel rendered the vote of thanks. Irene Rebello compered the programme.