Rons Bantwal

Udupi, Jun 30: Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage, S G Kinny Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, said traditional songs serve as a living record of a community’s history and values. He was addressing participants at the ‘Voviyo Verse’ workshop, held on June 29 at Milagres College Auditorium, Kallianpur.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Konkani Sahitya Kala ani Sanskrutik Sanghatan, Udupi district, and the Catholic Sabha, Milagres Unit, to encourage the younger generation to connect with their roots through Konkani folk music and literature.

Inaugurating the event with the beating of the traditional gumot drum, Alvares noted, “Understanding the essence of any community begins with its songs. It’s vital that our youth show genuine interest in folk literature, which is the soul of our culture.” He reiterated that the Academy has been actively promoting Konkani language, literature, education, arts, folklore and traditions, and urged the Konkani community to take full advantage of such initiatives.

Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College, launched Tujya Hasyan Khatir, a poetry collection by Dr Flavia Castelino of Manipal, during the event. In his remarks, Dr Alva warned that modern pressures brought on by globalisation have caused young people to lose touch with their roots. “Parents must complement modern education by reminding children of their family’s traditions and cultural identity,” he said.

Speaking on similar lines, Swami Pramod Cardozo, another guest at the event, said the influence of Western culture has led to detrimental changes in the way people view folk and cultural practices. He called on families to actively organise cultural programmes at home and foster stronger intergenerational ties.

Marceline Sera, president of Catholic Sabha, Kallianpur, delivered the welcome address, while Dr Flavia Castelino, president of the Udupi District Literature, Art and Cultural Organisation, proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings were compered by Ritesh D’Souza of Udyavara.

A hands-on workshop on traditional Konkani songs was conducted under the guidance of Irene Rebello, Anil D’Cunha, and Glenn D’Souza, offering training in the performance and preservation of the voviyo folk tradition.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory session in the afternoon, where participants performed the songs they had learned. Walter Pinto, proprietor of Feather Communications, attended as chief guest and distributed certificates to the trainees. The event ended on a high note with a traditional gumot performance and a renewed call to preserve the rich Konkani heritage.