mangalore today

Konkani Academy to have a series of programmes


Mangalore Today News Network

Nov 08, 2017: Speaking to media, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy President R B Naik said that the Academy will organise a series of programmes to celebrate the silver jubilee celebrations commemorating the status accorded to Konkani language in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution.

Prez Naik said that as many as 25 programmes will be organised. In Uttar Kannada all 11 taluks are set to organise the programmes. In Udupi, the programme will be organised on December 19, while another two programmes will be held in Shiroor and Kodikanyana.

The silver jubilee celebrations are already running at Mundgod, Yellapur, Gersoppa, Dharwad, Joida and Puttur. He said the celebrations began from August 20. The programme will also held at Kumble in Kasargod. He added a post graduate course has been started at University College in Mangaluru in association with Mangalore University and the Academy. Last year there were six students and at present there are 9 students. The first five students are given fee concession and the next five were promised to give 50% fee concession. The initiative is taken to popularise the language among youth and children.

He added that a multilingual conference will be organised at University College to mark the 150th year celebration of University College during February first week. The programme is jointly organised by the Academy and the College. The conference is organised at the cost of Rs 5 lakh. Goa and Dharwad Universities will also join hands with the Academy. The proposal for a Konkani Bhavana has been placed before the state government.

Programmes such as cultural programmes, literary programmes, art expo and cultural tradition will be the highlights of the programmes organised across the state.There are 41 Konkani speaking communities in Karnataka, of which 30 are in Uttar Kannada district. Elaborating over the measures taken to promote reading among the Konkani speaking people, Naik said that a mobile bazar is organised wherein the vehicle would travel all over and offer books to Konkani speaking readers. Besides the Academy office in Mangaluru also has a separate section for reading.