Media Release

Vasco, Oct 7: Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) in its endeavour to increase the readership and simultaneously to incalculate the habit of reading Konknni in Roman Script and to instill the love of the language among the youth, had organized Story Reading Competition in Romi script, at the St Andrew Church Parochial Hall, Vasco on October 3, 2010 for children in the age group of 14-20 years.

This is the second such competition organized by the Akademi, the first one being held at Bhirondem, Valpoi. The competition evoked a good response with 30 participants vying for the three cash prizes sponsored by the Akademi. The winners as well as the participants were all issued a participation certificate. Participants were earlier given story books by DKA to be read fully in advance and were asked to read one randomly selected story from the same at the competition.

The participants thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the enthusiasm exhibited by them for reading the stories at the competition was a positive indicator for the Akademi, which works tirelessly in harnessing the youth to strengthen the love for the language.

In the tough competition, Sibal Fernandes, Bernice de Souza and Priti Carvalho were declared the first three winners and they bagged cash prizes of Rs. 1500/-, 1000/- and 750/- respectively.

The competition was judged by Nevena Furtado, a young Konkani Writer and DKA Youth Award Winner, and DKA Treasurer Thomas Fernandes.

Fr Jose Antonio da Costa, parish priest, St Andrew parish was the Chief Guest, while Tomazinho Cardozo senior writer and president of Tiatr Academy, Goa (TAG) was the guest of honour and guest speaker. He also gave few essential tips and guidelines to the participants on how to read a story with more effectiveness and expressions.

Earlier Fr Jose Antonio da Costa, in his speech complimented the DKA for their efforts in organizing such a competition for the youth, which he said will help to develop the love for the language. He also said that we should be proud of our language and work hard to keep it alive through reading writing and speaking. DKA President Premanand Lotlikar emphasized on the importance of the language and the need to vigorously work for its growth and development. He exhorted the youngsters to read and write in Konknni and also to come forth with ideas and suggestions to help the Akademi to reach out to all people across the State. He also briefly highlighted the schemes of the DKA. Jose Salvador Fernandes, proposed the vote of thanks.

On the occasion, DKA also organized an exhibition-cum-sale of Konknni books.

Meanwhile, DKA will be organizing its second Konknni compering workshop in Margao, BPS Club on Sunday, October 10 at 10 am. More details can be sought from DKA's office 0n 0832-2221688.