Media Release
Pics: Gerald Concessao
Mangaluru, Aug 23: Marking the silver jubilee of the inclusion of Konkani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, Holy Redeemer's Church, Derebail Youth Welfare and Cultural Committee under the leadership of the parish priest Fr Austin Peres on August 20 celebrated Konkani Manyata Divas at 5 pm.
The function commenced with a welcome song prepared and sung by Anil Patrao and his team. Daijiworld editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike was the chief guest. He inaugurated the programme accompanied by the president Fr Austin Peris, guest of honour Fr Gratian Alvares, sub-editor Rakno Weekly and director Pontifical Mission, Bengaluru, Konkani researcher Paul Moras, vice president Derebail church Edward Coelho, committee coordinator Ullas D Costa, secretary Dora D'Cumha church secertary Lizzie Fernandes. The dignitaries picked the Konkani books of Paul Moras from the Kalshi filled with rice. The committee planned to honour Konkani coordinator, revolutioner and researcher, awardee of Mahan Konkani Karbari and Samaja Ratna by Jnana Mandara Trust (R) Bengaluru on August 12. He was instrumental in having Konkani recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution as one of the national languages. He is an awardee of 21 titles and awards, king of honours for his dedicated service of 29 years towards Konkani language. He also wrote four books and 21 articles and at present is Gurkar of the Kottara Cross ward, Derebail church, Mangaluru.
Ullas D'Costa welcomed the guests and parishioners. Edward Coelho introduced the guests on the dais and honoured Paul Moras with a shawl, garland, Konkani turban and basket of gruits. Paul Moras in his speech briefed about the Konkani revolution (chalval).
Walter Nandalike commended and thanked the gathering for the love of the language showed by their presence there and the preparation that went into the various Konkani events that were put up. He congratulated Paul Moras on his strength displayed in the struggle towards Konkani.
In his presidential speech Fr Austin Peres thanked the people of Derebail who united to make the function a grand success through the various Konkani events and explained why the committee selected Paul Moras to honour on this special Konkani Manyatha Day. Dora D'Cunha delivered the vote of thanks.
Towards the end of the programme 14 wards of Derebail church presented Konkani events which lasted more than four hours. The function ended at 10.30 pm. More than 800 parishioners attended the function. Lastly Youth of Derebail presented a beautiful flash mob and the audience joined in. Maizy Fernandez from the youth group was the emcee for the show.