Media Release
Udupi, Aug 18: In a colourful and deeply moving celebration of Konkani language, culture and heritage, the Catholic Sabha Kallianpur Varado observed Konkani Manyata Divas for the first time, honouring 20 distinguished Konkani personalities from its nine parishes. Veteran writer JoQa (Joe Quadros) and promising multi-talented musician Dolwin Mendonca were conferred the prestigious Catholic Sabha Konkani Sevashree Awards 2026 for their outstanding and selfless contribution to Konkani language and culture.
As the Konkani world observes Konkani Manyata Divas on August 20 every year, Kallianpur deanery chose to mark the occasion with a grand celebration on Sunday, August 16, at the Milagres Tricentenary Memorial Auditorium, Kallianpur.
Emcee Roshan D’Souza gave the programme a vibrant beginning with a colourful procession of dignitaries. Msgr Francis Xavier Lewis, vicar general of the diocese of Udupi and rector of the Cathedral; Joachim Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka State Konkani Sahitya Academy; and eminent Konkani all-rounder Eric Soans were led by Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery president Joyal D’Almeida, proudly carrying the Konkani flag. They were accompanied by the deanery office-bearers, presidents of the nine Catholic Sabha Units and other dignitaries, while the Konkani Anthem was solemnly sung.
The Cathedral choir, led by the prayerful hymn, set a spiritual tone to the celebration. President Joyal D’Almeida extended a traditional and cordial welcome to the guests with God Udak and fresh roses.
In his keynote address, Elias D’Souza, vice president and convenor of the celebration, highlighted the profound need and relevance of preserving and honouring one's mother tongue, while underlining the richness of Konkani language, culture and heritage.
The celebration was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Msgr Francis Xavier Lewis, along with the dignitaries on the dais. In his message, he conveyed his greetings on Konkani Manyata Divas, congratulated the organisers and participants, and expressed his happiness at being part of this unique celebration.
The first major highlight of the programme was the recognition of two achievers from each of the nine parishes. Each awardee was escorted to the stage, while the respective unit presidents and secretaries briefly introduced their achievements and contributions.
The 18 recipients represented the many dimensions of Konkani service—poetry, literature, art, singing, leadership, compering, religious music, social media, drama and other forms of cultural service. Some were veterans who had dedicated a lifetime to Konkani, while others represented the promising younger generation.
Each recipient was honoured with a traditional shawl, bouquet and memento. Steevan Lewis of Brahmavar and Sr Anita of Kallianpur expressed their feelings and gratitude on behalf of the recipients, describing the recognition as a deeply cherished and memorable honour.
The atmosphere rose to another level when multi-talented young musician Dolwin Mendonca was introduced to the audience by Rosy Baretto. His introduction was greeted with thunderous applause as he was conferred the Catholic Sabha Konkani Sevashree Award 2026 in recognition of his contribution to Konkani music and culture.
Then came a truly emotional moment. As veteran writer Joe Quadros (JoQa) took his place of honour, the entire gathering rose in a standing ovation, acknowledging his decades-long contribution to the Konkani world. Clarence Fernandes Nanu Marol Thottam, read the citation highlighting his remarkable service.
Both awardees were honoured with a traditional shawl, peta, garland, fruit basket, memento and purse, as a mark of appreciation for their selfless contribution to Konkani language, heritage and culture.
Both JoQa and Dolvine Mendonca expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Sabha and the organisers for the distinctive recognition.
“Speak Konkani at Home and Pass It On”
Chief guest Joachim Stany Alvares, in his beautifully worded address, reminded the gathering that the future of Konkani depends on its use in everyday life. He urged everyone to speak Konkani at home, offer prayers in Konkani and pass the rich linguistic and cultural legacy on to the next generation.
He congratulated the veteran Konkani workers of the region and lauded the Catholic Sabha Kallianpur Varado for taking this rare and meaningful initiative.
A prayerful tribute was also offered to the departed singer and composer Henry D’Souza, remembering his valuable contribution to Konkani music.
Guest of honour Eric Soans added colour to the occasion by singing a few lines of Amar Kavi Wilfy Rebimbus, beautifully highlighting the richness, sweetness and appeal of Konkani. He welcomed the initiative and expressed the hope that such celebrations would continue and become even more meaningful in the years ahead.
The cultural segment added further sparkle to the two-hour celebration. Traditional Gumta Podan and other Konkani songs presented by young performers were warmly appreciated by the audience, bringing together tradition, talent and youthful enthusiasm.
The colourful two-hour extravaganza—rich in Konkani tradition, art, culture, music and literature—concluded with a vote of thanks by Archibald Furtado, secretary, Catholic Sabha Kallianpur deanery. He expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, performers, awardees, office-bearers, volunteers and well-wishers who contributed to the success of the historic celebration.
He also made an appeal to generous donors and Konkani lovers to come forward and support the establishment of an Endowment Corpus Fund, which would ensure that this meaningful Konkani Manyata Divas celebration can be continued every year.
The first Konkani Manyata Divas celebration of the Catholic Sabha Kallianpur Varado thus became much more than an event. It was a heartfelt tribute to the mother tongue, a celebration of Konkani identity, a recognition of its silent servants and a promise to carry the language and its rich heritage forward to future generations.