Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 21: Minister of Muzrai department, Kota Srinivas Poojary on Saturday, March 20 inaugurated the two-day Konkani Sahitya Sammelan organized by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Mangaluru at RSB auditorium Manipal here.
Addressing the gathering, Poojary said, "Udupi district stands first in education and health sectors. This is because of the institutions started by the Manipal Pai family. It is a matter of pride that they are Konkanis. There is a reference made to a Konkani state in the Hindu epic Ramayana as well. People of the Konkani community have kept alive their language, culture, tradition along with contributing contributed to the development of the country amid several obstacles.
"Goa is considered a Konkani state because of the language spoken in the state. The 'Ghar Ghar Konkani' has been an influential initiative. Konkani culture emphasizes the value that we should think of what we have contributed to the nation rather than thinking about what we are gaining from society. I hope the Konkani language gets constitutional recognition and becomes one of the national languages," the minister said.
Kota assured that he will put an honest effort into sanctioning Rs 5 crore for the construction of the Academy building, adding that Konkani community has succeeded in obtaining world recognition amidst a lot of obstacles. Recalling history, the minister further stated that Benegal Narasimha Rao who was also a Konkani had alongside Dr B R Ambendkar contributed to the drafting of the Constitution of India.
"Let the Konkani language spread across the country and gain importance in every field," he wished.
Speaking on the occasion, Lalaji Mendon, Kaup MLA said, "Three major banks were founded by Konkanis in the coastal area. Most of the people from the Konkani community have contributed a lot to the development of society. Today's event serves as a platform to explore one's talent and therefore such programmes should be promoted."
Dr Kasturi Mohan Pai, retired lecturer, KMC Mangaluru and Wenlock Hospital, who also serves as the president of the Sammelan, presided over the programme.
A beautiful Shobhayathra was carried out from the Syndicate circle to the RSB auditorium. It included a Nashik band, tiger dance, prayer team, tableaus and other cultural events.
Secretary of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, T Ashok Pai inaugurated the Shobhayatra.
Followed by the inauguration, five Konkani books, published by the Academy were released on the occasion. The five books were 'Kaniyancho Thuro' written by Walter Rosario, 'Galivaracho Pravas' by J F D'Souza, 'Gazabajo' by Seema Kamath, 'Apalipa of Pelsi Lobo' and 'Bognanchim Lharam' written by Charles D'Souza.
Gokuldas Nayak, honorary president, organising committee, Chempi Ramachandra Bhat, Ganesh Nayak Shiriyara Kalmargi, Vasanth Nayak and Anand Karnad, vice presidents of the committee, Kuylady Suresh Naik and Nandagopal Shenoy, honorary advisor of the committee, Amrith Shenoy, general secretary of the committee, Manohar Kamath, treasurer, Ramanand Nayak, managing director of Karnataka Handicrafts, Nakhwa Yahya, former president, district Wakf Board Udupi, S Sanjiv Patel, writer, Manipal Sumithra Nayak, president, city municipality council Udupi, Sandhya Kamath, president, Udupi taluk panchayat and others were present.
Mahesh Takhoor, executive president, organising committee welcomed the gathering and Poornima Suresh Nayak, general convenor delivered the keynote address.
Sanuru Narasimha Kamath, compered the programme. Dr K Jagadeesh Pai of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Mangaluru was present on the occasion.