World Konkani Cultural Convention comes to an end
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, Dec 19: L. K. Advani, the former BJP chief and former Depty Prime Minister was the chief guest of the valedictory ceremony of the World Konkani Cultural Convention, a 25-day cultural extravaganza and the first event of its kind organized by Mandd Sobhann on Nehru Maidan on Dec 19, Sunday.
Expressing his gratefulness to the organizers of the event for inviting him as the chief guest, he said that he was happy to participate in an event of this magnitude and that the organizers need not thank him for coming because he was thankful to them for inviting him and giving him an opportunity to participate in this event.
Stating that he learned Kannada in the Bangalore Jail, where he was imprisoned for 18 months, he said that he can read the headlined of Udayavani and can even write his name in Kannada. He expressed his appreciation of the Konkani speakers’ unity in diversity. Recalling the events of 1992, when he formed part of the Opposition, he said that the Konkani-speaking people had requested the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution and that he had happily supported them.
Stating that he had witnessed week-long conventions, he said that he had never seen events of such magnitude being organized before for the protection and promotion of one’s mother tongue. He said that everybody is proud of their mother tongue, adding that he was fond of Sindhi, his mother tongue, and has read the Ramayan and the Mahabharath in Sindhi. He urged those present to study all the languages of India. He also said that he had never been in favor of the English language because it made people ignore their mother tongue, but acknowledged the necessity of learning English as well.
Wishing all Konkani speakers well, he said that he will definitely participate in similar events if he comes to know of them.
L. K. Advani felicitated Chairman Ronald Colaco with Vishwa Konkani Samaj Rantna title while Gurkar Eric Ozario read the citation.
Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, who was the special guest of the event, said that Konkani is a secular language, spoken by people of different religions, communities, and cultures. Lauding the state of Karnataka, which is famous for its religious tolerance, he said that he can understand Konkani although he cannot speak freely. Stating that the Konkani speakers have contributed a great deal to society, he spoke of the need to develop a common script for Konkani. He assured that he will continue to work for the welfare of the people as he has been doing for the past two-and-a-half years.
Regarding the cases registered against Catholic youth in relation to the church attacks of 2008, he said that judicial enquiry is taking place at present and that he will give the matter top priority after the ZP and TP polls. He also expressed his willingness to render his support to the promotion and preservation of Konkani language and culture.
Rev Sr Wilberta BS, Superior General of Bethany Congregation, Prof Wilfred Prakash D’Souza Prabhu, Historian and Researcher and Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd were guests of honour