Massive downpour of rain failed to dampen GRAF's 'World Konkani Day'
celebration in Mumbai
The World Konkani Day 2010 was commemorated by GRAF (Goan Review Art
Foundation) on 29th August 2010 at Antonio D'Souza High School, Byculla,
Mumbai.
Renowned Konkani litterateur and winner of the Sahitya Academy award Mrs.
Sheela Kolambkar speaking as the chief guest on the occasion highlighted the
various development of the Konkani language and said that the five scripts
of Konkani should unite the Konkanis as the five fingers of a fist to come
together unitedly and work towards the progress of the language. She also
made a mention of Fr. H O Mascarenhas who worked tirelessly to raise the
standard of the language then, and complimented Shetgaonkar the young
director of the Konkani film 'Poltoddcho Monis' for taking Konkani to
greater heights internationally.
Konkani activist and entrepreneur, Shri Lawrence D' Souza and President of
the Federation of All Goan Clubs, Felix Dias were the guests of honour in
the distinguished presence of Shri Gerson da Cunha of AGNI and Rev. Fr.
Francis Ramesh, patron of Mandd Sobhann.
President of GRAF Fausto V. da Costa in his introductory speech said that
although it's 18 years since Konkani has been included in the 8th schedule
of the Indian constitution the progress of Konkani has been very slow
because people are slowly moving away from Konkani. We tend to use the
language commercially rather than making use of it in our day to day lives.
In spite of this Konkani has been able to reach this level of success only
because of the contribution of a few dedicated persons where as the general
public is hardly bothered about this, he further lamented. He also advised
the gathering that instead of getting rid of the clubs - the unique heritage
of our ancestors - by selling them, we should explore ways of saving them
for the generation next..
A minute silence was observed in honour of the doyen of Konkani literature
late Ravindra Kelekar and other departed souls.
Konkani writer and Tiatrist Mr Peter Vaz de Chandor and Social worker
Jeetendra Lotliker were felicitated during the function for their yeoman
service to the society and the Konkani language. The Goan Review's Man of
the Year 2009-10 - Mr Roque Gonsalves was also honoured with the Goan Review
Rolling trophy and a purse at the hands of the chief guest.
Konkani Tiatr 'Vantte' written by Rio Rosa was the highlight of the day in
the cultural programme that followed. The mando was nostalgic of Goa and so
were the Portuguese dance by the children and the mando danced by the
adults. Hymn to our patron St Francis Xavier brought the cultural programme
to an end.
There was not a single moment for the people to think of anything else but
what next. In short the audience wanted some more if not for the rain gods
playing the spoil sport and time running out. None the less the young and
the old joined the dancing sessions.
What can be Goan gathering without xacuti, sorpatel and pulao? The crowd
enjoyed the mouth water treat till the end. (Renato Pereira)
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Now available in Toronto, a few copies of *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by
Selma Carvalho. Contact Bosco D'Mello
bo...@goanet.org (416) 803-7264
http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
