Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 1: “Opportunities like these competitions help young people showcase their talents and grow into strong leaders in society. Along with talent, we must also nurture clear goals and a meaningful purpose in life,” said Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld media group Mangaluru, addressing the valedictory ceremony of Konkani Youth Fest KANAP-2025.
The event, organized by the Konkani Literary, Art and Cultural Association of Udupi district in collaboration with the Youth Commission of Udupi diocese, was held at the Ave Maria Hall of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, to mark Konkani Manyata Divas.
“Konkani is one of the 22 officially recognized languages of India, granted recognition on August 20, 1992. The day is celebrated every year as Konkani Recognition Day to inspire and strengthen the growth of the language. Konkani language and literature will continue to flourish if the younger generation makes it a practice to speak Konkani at home. Our love for the language and literature must always remain strong,” said Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves of the Udupi diocese.
The event was inaugurated by parish priest Fr Charles Menezes, who played the traditional gumott, symbolizing the richness of Konkani culture. He emphasized that initiatives like KANAP-2025 play a vital role in instilling pride in traditions and nurturing language awareness among the younger generation.
Konkani achiever Reevan Dias of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, was felicitated on the occasion. A floral tribute was offered to the late Eric Alexander Ozario, veteran of Konkani music and culture, former president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, and recipient of the Vishwa Konkani Kala Ratna title.
In the competitions, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, bagged the first prize, St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, secured the second, and St Theresa Church, Kemmannu, stood third, while Lourdes Church, Kanajar, won the award for best organization.
The programme was attended by Dr Flavia Castelino, president of the Konkani Literary, Art and Cultural Association; Ritesh D’Souza, secretary; Alphonse D’Costa, treasurer; founder-president Dr Gerald Pinto; Fr Steven Fernandes, director, Diocesan Youth Commission; Nitin Baretto, ICYM president; and Riyan Tellis, YCS president, among others.
Judges for the competitions were Fr Alwyn Sequeira, Walston D’Sa, and Aldrin Preeth D’Costa. The event concluded with the welcome and vote of thanks by Mclynn, Lisha, Venisa, Joyce, Joswin Aranha, and Edroy Nazareth, who also compered the programme.