Former Goa CM L. Faleiro inaugurates World Konkani Cultural Convention

Former Goa CM L. Faleiro inaugurates World Konkani Cultural Convention

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, November 26: Luizinho Faleiro, the former chief minister of Goa, inaugurated the first World Konkani Cultural Convention at Kalaangan at 8:30 p.m. yesterday. A grand and colorful cultural procession, which was flagged off at Kulshekar at 5:30 p.m., marked the beginning of this mega 25-day Konkani cultural event, reported to be the first of its kind in the world. As soon as the procession reached Kalaangan at 6:30 p.m., MLA Yogish Bhat inaugurated the saanth (fair), which will be a common feature of the convention throughout the 25 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking about the rich cultural tradition and long, eventful history of Konkani, MLA Yogish Bhat said that it has to be preserved and promoted. Referring to Konkani as a “symbol of unity in diversity,” he said that the Konkani-speaking people believe in living life to the lees.

Former CM Faleiro inaugurated the convention by pulling one of the ropes in the 12 bunches of ropes on the cultural stage of Kalaangan so that the Kudmis could start their popular traditional “rope dance.” This famous dance completed the inaugural of the convention. The ropes are symbolic of the unity in diversity among the Konkani-speaking communities, who follow different traditions, religions, and cultures.

In his inaugural address, Faleiro congratulated the Konkani-speaking people for their continuous efforts to preserve their language and culture. Describing Mangalore as the soul of Konkani and the capital of Konkani in the world, he said that the people of Mangalore have worked hard to spread the glory of Konkani to every nook and corner of the world. The people of Mangalore now bear the credit of organizing the first World Konkani Cultural Convention, he added.

 
Lakmendra Khurana is not a Konkani speaker, yet he showed his interest in the doings of the Konkani people by coming all the way from Mumbai to attend the programme. He also donated Rs. 25 lakh for the convention. In his speech, he said that the Konkani-speaking people of Mangalore have set an example for other communities by working hard for the development of Konkani.

Thanking the guests for their presence, Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario presented them with mementos. He also expressed his gratitude toward all the office bearers of Mandd Sobhann, who worked hard to raise the matov and all the Konkani speaking people who contributed to the organization of this mega programme.

Dayananda Pai, who announced a donation of Rs 5 lakh to this cause, said that he was amazed with the size of the audience and the manner in which the programme was organized. Suggesting that an event of this magnitude should be conducted every 3 – 5 years, he said that a community can prosper only when its language and culture is propagated.

A cultural programme comprising Goan dance and song presentations by “Goynchi Nekethram” led by Mariangela Gina Mascarenhas Dias, marked the end of the inaugural ceremony.

 

Art workshop and exhibition inaugurated

Mangalore, Nov 26: Pundalik Shenoy, a veteran artist, inaugurated the art workshop at the World Konkani Convention on Friday November 26 at Kalaangan, Shaktinagar.

 

 

 

The art work shop was held as part of World Konkani Convention. Peter Lewis, well-known painter inaugurated the art exhibition at 10 am.

Neary 35 artists from Kerala, Goa, Karwar, and Chennai have participated in the art camp. The works of artists will be kept for public viewing on Saturday, November 27 at 4.30pm onwards.

 

Thursday, 7.00 PM

Grand procession marks beginning of First World Konkani Cultural Convention

Mangalore, Nov 25: The first World Konkani Cultural Convention, organized by Mandd Sobhann, the Konkani cultural association, commenced with a grand cultural and colorful procession, which had its starting point at Kulshekar at 5:30 p.m. this evening.

The inaugural ceremony gave all fans of Konkani language and culture a glimpse into the diverse culture of Konkani. Each cultural troupe was specially introduced to the people. The dance performances, colorful attire, and traditional aura were a real visual treat to the audience, which had gathered to witness this cultural extravaganza. The audience expressed its appreciation with thunderous applause.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procession

The mega 25-day World Cultural Konkani Convention commenced with a colorful procession that set off to Kalaangan from Kulshekar at half past five in the event.

Prominent personalities such as NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, Kalaangan Governing Body Chairman Ronald Mendonca, Corporator of Kulshekar Mr. Bhasker were present when Mr. Ronald Mendonca flagged off the procession. In his opening address, he said that the entire event will focus on the common people who speak Konkani and will provide a common platform for people of all religions and communities to showcase their cultural traditions.

The procession comprised cultural troupes and tableaux and moved to the accompaniment of dance and music, a grand display of cultural richness and diversity to the world. Hundreds of Konkani speakers participated in the procession. The procession reached the venue at 6:45 p.m.

Inauguration Ceremony

Melita Pinto and Titus Noronha, the comperers of the programme, delivered the welcome address, which was followed by a song titled “Konkani Avsuk Jai Munuya,” written by Shakunthala R.Kini and sung by Prakash D’Souza, Joyce Ozerio, and chorus. The fair (saanth) was formally declared open by MLA Yogish Bhat at the entrance of the Kalaangan as soon as the procession arrived.

The highlight of this 25-day cultural festival is the “Vishwa Konkani Ekta Divas,” which will be held at Nehru Maidan on Dec 9, 2010 with President Smt. Prathibha Patel presiding as the chief guest. The valedictory of the event will be held at Kalaangan on Dec 19, 2010. In between, from today to Dec 19, Mandd Sobhann will organize a wide range of events such as cultural festival, film festival, art festival, kavita festival, youth festival, and food festival with the traditional saanth being held throughout the event.