Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Aug 22: “The main tool of mankind is mother tongue. Mother tongue is the base for tradition and culture. It is good to learn many languages for business purpose and to beautify one's life. But mother tongue is the force that glorifies him. Therefore, we should never hesitate to speak our mother tongue,” said managing director of Rayan International group of educational institutes, Grace Pinto.
She spoke as chief guest after inaugurating Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra anniversary and Konkani day celebrations held on Sunday evening August 20 at St Anne's High School auditorium where she was chief guest.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra president John D'Silva presided over the programme. Shamrao Vittal Cooperative Bank Limited executive president Udaya Kumar P Gurkar, former president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Roy Castelino, Bhasha Mandal vice president Albert W D'Souza, executive president Henry Lobo, chief secretary John R Pereira, treasurer Walter D'Souza Kalmadi, former president P N Shanbhag were on the dais.
Famous and prestigious musician Henry D'Souza, titled Sangeeth Samrat was honored with the life time award. Mangaluru Rachana Association president Joachim Stany Alvares, dramatist Tony Martis, Francis Fernandes Cascia and author H J Goveas were honored here.
Grace Pinto released a souvenir. Albert D'Souza unveiled Konkani films website. Winners in music, dance and annual talent competitions were presented prizes. Scholarships were presented to the students.
Bhasha Mandal joint secretary Pascal Lobo, joint treasurer Cyril Castelino, working committee member Biatris Nazh Fernandes, Antony Bothelho, Stanley Dais, Rozario K Fernandes, Benedicta B Rebello, Cyprian Albuquerque, Anantha Ammembal, Leo Fernandes, Valnes Rego and hundreds of Konkani fans were present.
John D'Silva delivered the keynote address. Bhasha Mandal working committee member Lawrence D'Souza Kamani compered the programme. Leo Fernandes and Veronica Noronha compered the cultural programme. Henry Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.