Report and pics from Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (GA)
Panaji, May 4: The eighteenth All-India Konkani Sammelan was inaugurated at Santheri government play ground, Curchorem in Madgaon here on Friday May 4 evening.
The Konkani sammelan was inaugurated by former president of National Books Foundation and convener of Vatsalya, publishers of children's books Deepak Mishra by lighting the lamp. Well-known Konkani poet 'Kaviraj' presided over the sammelan.
In his presidential speech he said that Konkani has seen tremendous growth in the last five decades. "I am really taken aback by this growth. It makes me feel proud of my mother tongue and all those who have contributed and are contributed towards her preserving and nurturing. The growth of our language has also been the growth of our culture and traditions too. These are few movements which have played a major role in enrolling Konkani into Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution and have even a given a pride place of state language in Goa," he said.
Fr Francis Britto who was the guest of honour released the souvenir on the occasion. Noted Konkani writer Uday Bembre and All-India Konkani Parishad president Paul Moras graced the occasion as chief guests.
Fellow of Sahitya Academy awardee Ravindra Kelkar, Sahitya Academy awardee Datta Damodar Nayak, noted writer K Anant Bhat, playwright John Clar, grammarian and researcher Suresh Pai were honoured on the occasion.
The programme began with welcome song by students while reception committee president Ashok Kamat welcomed the gathering. Organization committee working president Dinesh Manerkar delivered the introductory note while reception committee honorary general secretary Eknath Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.
Reception committee joint secretary Pandarinath Sursure, treasurer Shailesh Kudchadkar, Rajani Bembre, Mangaldas Bhat, Parag Sabnis and others were also present on the occasion.
Cultural programmes by Sangeeth Nach Academy of Fr Charles Vas, SVD and troupes from Mangalore entertained the Konkani buffs who had gathered in large numbers.