Dears, One wonders what has happened to the print media in Goa. Except for the GT, no newspaper in Goa thought it fit to carry in its 28 January edition the entry of KONKANI, through the Konkani Nirantari, in to the records of Guinness book on 27 January, 2008. Even the Konkani language Sunaparant carried the report on 29 January [thankfully on page one]. The Navhind Times found space only on page 15!
The GT has done us proud by carrying the report on page one on 28 January itself and following it the next day with another page one report, both with photos! Two troupes from Goa were given prime time at the Konkani Nirantari, without discrimination. In fact, almost as affirmative action on the unity of the Konkan. Almost all newspapers were sent information and photos on 26 and 27 January, 2008, courtesy facilities provided by Daiji world at the venue. Yet, they remained in stark contrast to the English, Kannada and even Tulu newspapers throughout Karnataka, including the local editons of Times of India and Indian Express, that gave the event coverage on 27 and 28 January, 2008. The newspapers in Goa perhaps find their match in the generosity of the Goan diaspora. Not for them is the generosity of Ronald Colaco ..... or Ronald Mendonca, for that matter. And KONKANI just happens to be Goa's OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ;-) Mog asundi. Miguel KONKANI made it to the GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS ! Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:06 am (PST) Mangalore Jan 27, 2008: Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. ~Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie said that, knowing fully well the power of team work. And today the Mangaloreans know it for sure too. The Konkani Nirantari Team from Mangalore has proved that you can accomplish just about anything if you are a team. The committed contribution of each and every member of this spectacular team has resulted in their success today. The Non-stop Singing Marathon or the Konkani Nirantari has placed itself on the world cultural map never to be wiped out again at exactly 10 pm today. History has been made and history being history can never be changed. When the thought of the Konkani Nirantari was first planted in the minds of the organizing committee, it was just a small seed; but one which grew to enormous proportions as the months went by and today at its culmination, the whole town of Mangalore is a part of it. This is a matter of great pride to each and every Mangalorean, even the one's who have not taken an active part in it. All the arms of the media that include T.V. Channels, Websites and Newspapers have given the Konkani Nirantari their unstinted support and encouragement. Above all the word of mouth publicity and the encouragement of the common people of Mangalore who stood behind the Nirantari, has also led to its success. There has been unity among the participants and unity among the spectators and all for a common cause – to see the Nirantari achieve what it set out to do. The Konkani Nirantari has brought all the Mangaloreans together as never before. Keith Pullin thanked Eric Ozario, Louis Pinto, Arun Raj Rodrigues and Ronald Colaco for their commitment to the cause. He then paused for a dramatic moment and then declared the Konkani Nirantari as having made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Following this Mr. Ronald Colaco addressed the gathering. He praised Mandd Sobhann for their relentless search to raise funds for this huge project. He also praised the Mangaloreans for their support and requested them to continue to support their Konkani culture. He then handed over a cheque of Rs. 2.5 Million to the Mandd Sobhann President, Mr. Louis Pinto. He also handed over a second cheque to Mr. Eric Ozario. The closing ceremony came to an end with a befitting speech by the much respected and loved Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann Shri Eric Ozario. Eric thanked each and every person who was instrumental in helping to make this event a success. While he thanked the media, he also made a special mention of Mangalorean.com and appreciated their efforts in supporting the Konkani Nirantari. VIVA GOA -- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
