Udupi: Pomp and gusto, dances, songs and poetry showcasing the rich diversity of the Konkani language and community was on display at the annual ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ (Konkani Recognition Day) celebrated here on August 20, at Sharad Kalyana Mantapa Kunjibettu.
The programme began with an invocation by Chempi Ramachandra Bhat. Amrith Shenoy, working president of ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ celebration committee, welcomed the gathering. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
In his introductory remarks, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy Roy Castelino said that Konkani is spoken by 41 communities belonging to Hindu, Christian and Muslim religions. Konkani is a language of harmony. These days people are not devoted towards speaking Konkani in their homes but are relying more on other languages. If people remain devoted towards other languages, then development of Konkani is impossible, he said. The Konkani speaking people have scaled greater heights in literature and entrepreneurship.
Konkani Sahitya Academy has organised several programmes across the country and published 33 books untill now, he said.
In his inaugural message, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said that the Indian constitution has given a prominent place for many languages and likewise Konkani is included in the 8th schedule of the constitution. The history of growth of Konkani language is significant. “If we communicate with each other in Konkani, then we can reach the corners of the world and spread the joy of speaking Konkani. The future of Konkani language lies in our tongue. We should communicate with our family and friends in Konkani,” he added.
Konkani community achievers Rajendra Bhat, Louis Almeida, Fr Chethan Lobo, Nagaraj Shet, Sadananda Bhandodkar, Venkatesh Baliga, Sulatha Kamath, Dr Ammunje Aravinda Nayak, Om Ganesh Kamath, Sheethal Shet were felicitated on the occasion. Entrepreneur Pangala Rabindra Nayak and KKSA president Roy Castelino were also honoured by the bishop.
Two books, ‘Jnaneshwari’ and ‘Brahmmali Ganchi’, were released on the occasion.
Prior to the stage function, a cultural procession was held from Kalsanka to the auditorium. MLA of Udupi Pramod Madhwaraj and president of CMC Yuvraj jointly flagged off the procession.
Veronica Cornelio Chairperson of KSDL, Rehamathulla former TP member, Physiatrist Dr P V Bhandary, Suresh Prabhu, Sathish Shet, Narashima Nayak, Vasanth Nayak, Laxmi S Rao, Janardhan Bhandarkar, Dr B Devadas Pai and others were present.
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