Massive downpour of rain failed to dampen GRAF's 'World Konkani Day'

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)


[as forwarded to gaspar almeida, www.goa-world.com by fausto v. da costa on Sept. 1, 2010]