By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)

Mumbai, Mar 23: Maharastra Konkan Association organized their 13th annual get-together at St Jude church auditorium, Jerimeri, Andheri (East), here recently.

Association president Walter D’Souza Kalmady (Jerimeri) presided over the programme.

Mangalore-based Fudar Foundation president John D’Silva was the chief guest on the occasion.

“Divo” Konkani illustrated weekly editor Lawrence Coelho, and P N Shanbagh of Konkani Bhasha Mandal – Maharastra were the guests of honour.

Veteran Konkani comedy artiste and writer Harry Boy was felicitated on the same occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, D’Silva said that social service is not restricted to caste, creed, and religion.  “Humanitarian services bring peace of mind while the social welfare organizations can contribute to societal progress,” he added.

Walter Kalmady in his presidential address emphasized on selfless service for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. 

Konkani veteran writer Joker Cascia and litterateurs Gregory Niddody, Cyril Castelino, and Leo Fernandes participated in the seminar on the sustenance of Konkani.

Poets Leo Fernandes, Rita Albuquerque, Irene Taccode, Prasanna Niddody, Philip Kanjurmarg, and John G Mendonca recited their poems during the poet’s session.

Association director Benedicta B Rebello and others were present on the dais.

The Association founder Leo Fernandes welcomed the gathering.  Cyril Castelino compered the programme.  Honourary chief secretary Wincent Castelino proposed vote of thanks.