A seminar on Goan Heritage (Goenchem Daiz) was jointly organised by Goa Sudharop Community Development Inc. and the Department of Konkani, MES College of Arts and Commerce Zuarinagar, Goa, on 13 September, 2011. The seminar was held in the BBA Hall of MES College and in all, 176 participants attended the seminar. These included teachers and students from Goa University, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, Panjim, Carmel College for Women, Nuvem, Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, Shri Mallikarjun College, Canacona, Govt. College of Arts and Commerce, Pernem, MES Higher Secondary Zuarinagar and MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar.
Dr. Maria do Ceu Rodrigues, Principal, MES College, welcomed the august gathering. Prof.Cosma Fernades, Head, Dept. of Konkani and co-ordinator of the seminar explained about the theme of the seminar and also introduced the guests on the dais. The seminar was inaugurated at the hands of eminent writer and Sahitya Academy award winner, Shri Damodar Mauzo. In his inaugural address, Mr. Mauzo spoke about the necessity of preserving Goa's rich heritage, saying, "We are enjoying the fruits of our ancestors, therefore we too must think about our future generations”. He further added, “To preserve our rich heritage, it is necessary to protect the land and the language of Goa". In his keynote address, Mr. Ibonio D’Souza, Executive Director of Goa Sudharop spoke about protecting the rich socio–cultural heritage of Goa. Mr.Tyson D’costa and group presented a welcome song composed specially for the seminar by Prof. Cosma Fernades. Prof. Satyawan Naik compered the programme. During the first session, Prof. Prajal Sakhardande spoke on ‘History through heritage Goa; Pre-historic times to yesterday’. He gave a historical perspective of pre-Portuguese regime, Portuguese regime and post liberation Goa. Dr. Bernadette Gomes then made a presentation on ‘Tribal life and communal harmony in Goa’ adding that communal harmony is traditionally seen among all communities of Goa through their shared festivals, language and day to day life. Mr. Jose Lourenco who spoke on 'Goan Architecture' gave an informative presentation of Goan houses, churches, temples, forts etc. He also compared ancient traditional architecture to modern architecture. Mrs. Maria Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues then spoke on ‘Traditional Goan food’ explaining how different influences played their part in the evolution of Goan food and speaking about the different traditional foods. Prof. Cosma Fernades spoke on the topic ‘Konkani literature and Goan Music‘, saying that Konkani literature and Goan music are interrelated. Music is an integral part of the Goan culture. Goan music is unique and has its own special identity. Shri Rajendra Kerkar gave a very interesting and informative talk on ‘Environmental heritage, Bio diversity and Eco festivals’. He appealed to all to protect our environment. Prof.Prajal Sakhardande then spoke on 'Modern Goan Identity' and the need to protect Konkani language and Goan heritage. The Technical sessions were compered by Prof.Satyawan Naik and the Resource persons were introduced by Ms Elysia Fernades and Mr. Tyson D’Costa. Prof. Anju Sakhardande of Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar gave a brief summary of the seminar. Prof.Prakash Paryekar of Goa University and Ms.Raksha Falgaonkar of Mallikarjun College, Canacona gave their feedback about the seminar. Certificates to the participants were presented at the hands of Prof. Prajal Sakhardande and Mr.Ibonio D’souza. Prof. Cosma Fernandes then proposed the Vote of Thanks.
