Konkani Rocks! Seminar on ‘Konkani Speaking’ ends with Baila
The valedictory ceremony of the two-day National Seminar on ‘ Konkani Speaking Communities of Coastal Karnataka and their Anglo-Portuguese Connection’ concludes with traditional dances and of course, Baila Dance!
Mangaluru: The valedictory ceremony of the two-day National Seminar on Konkani Speaking Communities of Coastal Karnataka and their Anglo-Portuguese Connection, organized by Besant Evening College in association with Besant Women’s College, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Konkani Adhyana Peeta of Mangalore University ended in glamour and fun.
Valerian Rodriguez, former professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and national fellow, Indian Council for Social Science Research in his valedictory address expressed concern about the fate of Konkani. Dwelling on the vivid history of Konkani, he said regional differences are common to any language. The challenge thrown by globalization has challenged the very future off Konkani. Languages are the expressions of the community’s culture. Konkani people scattered everywhere are concerned over handing over the language to the generation next. He lauded the organizers for conducting the national level seminar on Konkani people and culture.
Guest of honour, Pradeep G Pai, managing director, Hangyo Ice Cream Pvt Ltd said Konkani community was attacked by outside forces. The attack was on the language, culture art literature and it was permanent. But the knowledge and spirit of Konkani speaking people could not be put down. The education institutions, financial institutions and industries and corporate houses managed by Konkani speaking persons have served the country in different ways. History cannot be altered but future can be brightened by keeping alive the pride of Konkani by all its speakers.
Shyam Sunder Kamath, the secretary of Women’s National Education Society, said Konkani should also be spoken by youngsters. Young leaders must take initiatives for development of the language irrespective of their caste, creed and country. He congratulated the organizing partners for organizing the unique seminar.
Dr Carmelita Goveas welcomed the gathering earlier. The heads of different committees among the organizers were facilitated for excellent involvement in conducting the seminar. In all, the delegates presented 27 different related subjects during the seminar.
Alan Machado, researcher and author spoke on Origin Ethnic identity and Migration of the Konkani speaking people in the first session that was chaired by K C Prabhu. In the second session, AIR senior announcer (retired) Shakunthala Kini and Eddie Sequeira – artist, dramatist spoke on famous Konkani music, art, theater and films. In the third session Dr. Jayavanth Nayak, Associate Professor, University College deliberated on Konkani speaking Communities of Coastal Karnataka. Dr. Denis Fernandez was the moderator for the discussion that followed.
On the second day, Konkani linguist and researcher, Fr Dr Prathapananda Naik SJ spoke on ‘Konkani language’ and Stephen Machado, associate professor and HOD of History, Govt. First grade College Honnavar, spoke on Konkani Literature and Journalism. B R Bhat in the fifth technical session elaborated on contributions of Konkanis to Banking, Industry and healthcare. Dr Alwyn D’sa, associate professor in English and vice principal St.Aloysius college moderated the discussion that followed the session. Eric Ozario, cultural activist and Gurkaar of Mandd Sobhann in the 4th technical session spoke on ‘Rich culture and heritage of the Konkanis and Anglo-Portuguese influence on them’. Paul Moras, researcher, writer and activist , moderated the session.
The last session was a panel discussion. Roy Castelino, Dr. Devdas Pai, Venkatesh Baliga and Alwyn Serrao participated in the panel discussion on ‘Konkani as an Academic discipline’. Many valuable inputs were given by the participants during the session.
Traditional dance was presented by Kudubis from Edapadavu, Siddis from Mundagodu and Konkani youth from Nach Sobhann, Shakthinagar, Mangaluru.
Inputs from Smitha Shenoy- HOD, Journalism, Besant Women’s College
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