News & Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/SB)
 
Mumbai, Apr 19: A week-long Konkani Daiz camp held at St Pius Seminary, Goregaon (East), here concluded on Saturday April 17. The camp was organized in association with Maharashtra Konkan Association, Maharashtra Konkani Sangeet Academy, Konkani Abhimani Sangh and other Konkani associations, while Eric Ozario, founder of Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore-based organization working for promoting Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide, along with his team conducted the camp.

Veteran social worker Ronald Mendonca Bandra was the chief guest. He presented the top camp participant award sponsored by Francis Fernandes Cascia, renowned stage artiste and founder of Frank Products to Marina D’Souza Kalva on the occasion.
 
Addressing the participants, Eric Ozario, chief resource person of the camp said that the mother tongue has the capacity to strengthen the personality of an individual. The mother tongue will not become a hindrance for the changing times. The mother tongue will not become a constraint to individuality despite the selfish motive involved in the love for English or other languages. Those who respect their mother tongue, respect their own mother land, he said.

Ozario said that the mother tongue can enrich the traditional living, while no other language can take its place. The life will be worth lived by committing oneself to take mother tongue and help Konkani reach greater heights, he added.
 
Ronald Mendonca said that mother tongue Konkani has the rich collections of old adages that are still practical in the changing times. The knowledge of them can further bring insight into intellectual living, he said.
 
Mangalore based Fudar Foundation president and metro’s veteran of co-operative movement John D’Silva, Alert India director Stella Mancharil, who were the guests of honour, honoured Mandd Sobhann resource persons Ivan D’Silva (drama), Anil Spiona (dance), Dillon Kelderia (music) and others by presenting mementoes.
 
Maharashtra Konkani Sangeet Academy president Walter D’Souza Jerimeri delivered the introductory address. Maharashtra Konkani Sangeet Academy convenor Leo Fernandes welcomed the gathering. The camp participants Blenita Fernandes, Dosen Nazareth and Reshma Sequeira shared their camp experiences. Roshni Fernandes compered the programme. Lawrence D’Souza Kamani proposed the vote of thanks.