World Konkani Cultural Festival “Vovllik” extended to Goans
The curtain raiser, “Vovllik” meaning invitation, of the ‘Vixv Konkani Sankrutik Mahamell’ or World Konkani Cultural Festival organized by Mandd Sobhann Mangalore, was held at the Conference Hall of Ravindra Bhavan Margao yesterday, (18th July 2010, at 7.30 p.m.) with an impressive ceremony in the presence of Digamber Kamat, Chief Minister, Francisco Sardinha, MP South Goa, Damu Naik, MLA Fatorda constituency, Luizinho Faleiro, former Chief Minister and host of dignitaries from Goa as well as from Mangalore.
In his speech Shri. Digamnber Kamat congratulated Eric Ozario and his team for organizing such a massive cultural festival of 25 days in the months of November/December 2010 in Mangalore. Stating that such an exercise can forge unity among Konkani people scattered in different states of India, he assured all possible help from the Goa Government in making the festival a great success. Shri, Kamat who is also the Chief Patron of the World Konkani Cultural Festival hoped that along with Konkani culture the festival will highlight Goa and its culture too.
Shri. Francisco Sardinha, MP stated that such festivals involving the youth will definitely go a long way in inculcating Goan and Indian culture among the new generation.
Damodar Naik MLA appreciated the efforts of Mandd Sobhann for organizing such massive cultural programme in Mangalore and wondered whether the Konkani cultural centre is shifted from Goa to Mangalore.
Shri. Luizinho Faleiro recalling his association with Eric Ozario and Mandd Sobhann stated that Goans irrespective of any differences should support such a massive cultural fest whole-heartedly.
On behalf of Mandd Sobhann Mangalore, Digamber Kamat, CM and the Chief Patron of the Festival extended the “Vovllik” of the World Konkani Cultural Festival to 28 participating groups from Goa and to the people of Goa in the true Indian tradition.
Earlier Shri. Eric Ozario welcomed the audience and outlined the aim in organizing such a massive 25 days Konkani cultural Festival. Later Tomazinho Cardozo, while proposing the vote of thanks stated that only Konkani song, dance and music has the potential to bring about the much needed unity among the Konkani people. Navnath Khandeparkar and Melita Pinto compeered the function.
Cultural programme of music, songs and modern & folk dances staged by Nach Sobhann from Mangalore, Kharvi Dance Troupe from Bhatkal and Mother Theresa Musical Band from Honnavar mesmerized the audience with their excellent performance.
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