Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Pics: Mummy Digital Studio, Udyavara

Udupi, Jan 21: “Salgi….Marna Sangi” play was performed by Asthitva (R) as part of the three-day Konkani drama festival organised by Niranthar Udyavar, here on Sunday, Janaury 20.

Fr Alban D’souza, parish priest of Stella Maris Church Kalmady was the chief guest for the function.

Fr Alban D’souza speaking on the occasion said, “Niranthar Udyavar is working for the upliftment of Konkani drama and culture. Our culture has rich tradition. It has its own richness. Many of our ancestors have lost their lives for Konkani. Now all over the world, Konkani people are seen. Many organisations are working for Konkani in our nation and abroad. Our mother tongue should be passed on to the children. Children must learn Konkani in their childhood itself.”

“Christian children living abroad are also learning Konkani. A child’s grasping power will be excellent if it is able to speak Konkani. Knowing many languages is a knowledgeable thing. We need to pass on our great culture to the next generation also. When two Konkani men meet, they need to communicate in Konkani,” he added.

“Salgi….. Marna Sangi” was performed by Asthithva (R) in association with Paduva Ranga Adhyayana Centre. The play written by Fr Alwyn Serrao and directed by Christi Ninasam and Clanwin Fernandes received good response. All the three plays performed on the occasion received good response from the public. Four songs of Late Wilfy Rebimbus were used in the play.

Another chief guest John M D’souza, a play writer speaking on the occasion said, “Our Konkani is a very beautiful language. When we went faraway places for jobs and started to earn a little, we forgot our Konkani and started speaking in ‘Konglish’. All the prominent writers of Konkani are from Mangaluru region and very few are from Udupi region. With god’s grace through social media and websites, Konkani language is getting a new ray of hope. Today in Konkani there are many creatively written plays. They have very good message to the viewers too,” he said.

Amrith Shenoy, businessman on the occasion said, “There are many languages, culture and food habits in our nation. In between this diversity we live with peace and harmony. I got a chance to serve the Konkani language as a syndicate member of Mangaluru University. Along with Roy Castelino the then president of Konkani Academy, we were successful in introducing Konkani in Mangaluru University. I proudly say that it was my privilege to serve Konkani language. Konkani is the only language spoken by three religions,” he said.

Wilfred D’souza, president Souharda Vedike, Fr Rolwin Aranha, assistant parish priest Udyavar church, Ronald D’souza, co-ordinator Steevan Colaco, president Niranthar Udyavar and all the members of Niranthar Udyavar were present during the function.

Fr Alban D’souza and Amrith Shenoy honoured the cast and crew of drama team.

A large number of enthusiastic audiences witnessed the show.