Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Mangalore, Dec 17: The decennial celebration of ‘Samanvaya’ social welfare organization, located at Urwa Stores, in the city, 3rd year celebration of UK-based Konkani Friends portal and felicitation of 17 Konkani personalities was held at ‘Samanvaya’ auditorium, on Sunday December 16.
The programme began with a prayer hymn by Sr Prema and Sr Monica. Fr John Fernandes, head of Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University who presided over the programme inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with the chief guests.
Sr Dorine D’Souza, Superior General of Ursuline congregation, Dr Edward Nazareth, professor of Fr Muller Medical College and president of Konkani Writers’ Forum, John A Monis, editor-in-chief and publisher of ‘Dirvem’ Konkani weekly were the chief guests, present on the occasion.
Dr Fr Ronald Coutinho, director of ‘Samanvaya’ welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests. Fr Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto, trustee of ‘Samanvaya’ explained the treaded path of trust since its humble beginning 9 years ago. He acknowledged the role of the late Prof Shivanna and the late Fr Bernard D’Souza and Bishop of Mangalore, in establishing the charitable trust, ‘Samanvaya’ which has awarded scholarships to nearly 400 students and organized 685 training camps so far.
Sr Dorine D’Souza, who was chief guest, inaugurated the decennial celebrations of ‘Samanvaya’ and shared the message of goodwill. Raj Francis Pereira, chief executive officer of www.konkanifriends.com, explained the background of hosting the UK-based portal and its future plans. John A Monis, editor-in-chief and publisher of ‘Dirvem’ Konkani weekly launched the revised www.konkanifriends.com and conveyed his message.
Raj Francis Pereira, CEO, www.konkanifriends.com, felicitated 17 Konkani personalities. Sr Dorine D’Souza, Judith Mascarenhas, Shirtady William Pinto and Fr Ronald Coutinho for their contributions to social service, Sr Maria Jyothi Philipines and Padmini Pai Australia who were not present at the function were represented by their well-wishers.
Prof Alban Castellino, Victor Rodrigues, Dr Edward L Nazareth, Dr Jerald Pinto Udupi, J F D’Souza were honoured for their literary service. Dolphy Cascia and Dr Austin Prabhu USA who were could not present. Their awards were received by their representatives.
Jokim Pereira, Fr Dr Charles Vaz Mumbai were awarded for their contributions to music, Fr Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto and Dr Michael Lobo were honoured for their research studies. Shirtady William Pinto and Judith Mascarenhas spoke on behalf of the awardees. Jacintha D'Souza introduced the awardees to the gathering.
Konkani Friends.com announced the winners of authors of various columns including poetry. Austin Prabhu, Chicago, USA, for his poetry ‘Rakeam Bharath Bhoomi’ Clara Fernandes for her poetry ‘Vidov’ Manu Bahrain for his poetry ‘Poili Raat’, Jacintha D’Souza Mumbai for her short story ‘Niskollponn’ Shalini Valencia for her translated story ‘Nimannem Kumsar,’ Stan Agera Mulky for his short story, ‘Kazara Ghara’, Ancy Paladka Mumbai for his Konkani essay ‘Konknnek Fuddar Asa’, Francis Furtado Mumbai for his feature on ‘Amcha Gaoncho Roce’ and J P Saldanha Beltangady for his article ‘Dev Amche Sangatha Asa’ were honoured while Fr Dr Ronald Coutinho, for his thought provoking monthly reviews, Marcel D’Souza, for his ‘Neticheo Katha’, Dr Gerald Pinto Udupi,’Vesavea Xatamanache Mhaan Konkani Monis’ were felicitated by Fr Dr John Fernandes.
Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto, trustee of ‘Samanvaya’ proposed vote of thanks. Aloysius D’Souza compered the programme.