Successful curtain raiser in
Goa - 28 Troupes from Goa to Perform in the First World Konkani Cultural
Convention
Margao, Jul 19: Appreciating efforts of Mandd Sobhann, which is organizing
the first World Konkani Cultural Convention, Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat
said that state government will fully support this event to make it big success,
which is very important to take Konkani to greater heights.
He was speaking on the occasion
of "Vovllik" (curtain raiser) programme held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao here on
Sunday July 18. The convention will help in future as it will send the message
of Konkani worldwide. It is also government’s responsibility to spread the
awareness of Konkani, he added and appreciated the work of Kalaangann and Mandd
Sobhann, Mangalore to promote Konkani language.
Member of parliament Francisco Sardinha, Fatorda, BJP MLA Damodar Naik and
former minister Luizinho Faleiro were present as the guests of honor. Mandd
Sobhann president Louie J Pinto and gurkar Eric Ozario were also present.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Damodar Naik said that we are entering the 50th
year of Goa and it’s now time to analyze where the Konkani movement is reaching.
Such a convention is really good to gather Konkani people living across the
world, he added.
MP Francisco Sardinha said that
to preserve Konkani culture, the awareness on language should be passed on to
the new generation. He hoped that the convention will integrate all Konkani
lovers together and also help create love about folk music among younger
generation hooked to western music, he said and appealed all Goans and Konkani
lovers to support this event and support Konkani by contributing through their
art and various other means.
Former minister Luizinho Faleiro termed Mangalore city as 'Temple of Konkani'.
If there is any temple of Konkani language in the world then it is in Mangalore.
Mangaloreans are really doing a very good work to resurrect the Konkani culture
and propel the language.
Mandd Sobhann gurkar Eric Ozario, in his welcome speech highlighted the
importance of the convention and said Konkani is a rich language and it’s
preservation should be of top priority.
Mother Teresa Brass Band from Honnavar welcomed the guests through their unique
style of music. Kharvi Kala Mandd, Bhatkal presented the gumttam nach and
tonnyam nach, "Naach Sobhann" troupe performed various dances for Konkani songs.
Eric Ozario enthralled the audience by singing the Konkani song "voda ponda".
All the 28 individuals/groups from Goa who would be performing in the convention
were honoured by extending Vovllik (invitation). Chief Minister Digamber Kamat
also accepted the traditional Vovllik of Mand Sobhann on behalf of Goans.
Noted Tiatrist Tomazinho Cardozo proposed the vote of thanks. Former Miss
Daijiworld Melita Pinto from Mangalore and Navanath Khandeparkar from Goa
compered the programme.