FKCA Honored at World Konkani
Cultural Convention
Mangalore, Dec 9: The Konkani Ekta Divas celebrated today as part of the 25
days of first world Konkani cultural convention, would certainly go down in the
annals of the history of Konkani with her Excellency the President of India
Pratibha Devisingh Patil gracing the occasion with her presence as the chief
guest. Her presence in this function is another step in the direction of taking
Konkani to greater heights in all its splendor and glory and the Konkani
cultural convention organized by Mandd Sobhann to mark its 25 years of existence
proved to be the right occasion.
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil honored FKCA along with 24 other Konkani cultural organizations and associations for their valuable contribution to the preservation and enrichment of Konkani culture in their region, on the occasion. FKCA chairman Mr. Valerian Fernandes received the honors on behalf of FKCA. In her message she acknowledged that having witnessed glimpses of Konkani art and culture in all its magnificence she felt being a part of this rich cultural mosaic.
The President said that
literature can be an instrument of bringing harmony and national integrity.
“Konkani writers can contribute to national integration and forge unity and
eradicate social evils by creating awareness through their writings. Konaknis
are an enlightened community who have immensely contributed to the field of
education in this state. Some of the educational institutions set up by the
Konkanis are more than 100 years old” she said. “Education plays an important
role in today’s knowledge based world and education must continue to receive
higher priority. Any nation can progress and prosper if the people are
disciplined and work with a commitment. We must follow a pattern in which every
individual plays a constructive role in taking the nation in the path of
development”, she added.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil also stated that Konkani people have a rich tradition
and culture. They are hardworking and enterprising people who have actively
participated in the national freedom movement and after independence contributed
to the economic , political and social life of the country. “You have showcased
the richness of your heritage and traditions. It has also shown the strength of
unity among the various dialects of Konkani speaking people”, she remarked.
Emphasizing the importance of secularism in a multi religious and multi-lingual
country like India the President said “secularism is the constitutionally chosen
path in our country which guarantees respect to all religions. India is a land
of people of diverse religious and ethnic groups who live in harmony. This
tradition must continue to form an integral part of the rhythm of the nation. We
should have a commitment to work for the development of the country and all
citizens must have an opportunity to grow. Unity in diversity and harmony are
the essential features of our country. Konkani people represent the essence of
India and must continue to be coherent and unified force so that the community
and its art and culture can prosper”. She concluded saying “tumka serve konkani
lokak muje ullas and shubhashay”, thus adding Konkani flavor to her speech,
befitting the observing of Vishwa Konkani Ekta Divas.
The governor of Karnataka Hansraj Bharadwaj pointed out that the presence of the
President of India in today’s function is a matter of great honour not only to
the Konkani samaj but also to the entire state of Karnataka. He said “we must
all follow Konkani people so that we can create a strong and unified India”.
Governor of Jharkhand Margaret
Alva who spoke in her mother tongue Konkani pointed out that Konkanis have
reached different parts of the globe and have achieved name, fame and success.
“Konkanis are very adjustable people. Wherever we go we gel with the local
traditions and adopt the script of that land. Be it Malayalam in Kerala,
Devanagari in Maharashtra or Kannada in Karnataka Konkani have used the script
of that land in their literature”, she d. She also recalled that she worked with
all my might to ensure the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the
constitution and thus brought the status of National language to Konkani.
Margaret Alva lamented that these days many Konkani families do not speak
Konkani at homes as we have come under the influence of western culture. “ Let
us not forget to speak Konkani at our homes. I am proud to go anywhere and say I
am a Konkani . Our people have done lot of work and contributed immensely to the
well being of the nation”, she d. She also said that Konkani community should be
thankful to Mandd Sobhann for bringing the President of India to the Konkani
capital, Mangalore.
Minister of Higher Education, Dr V Acharya, who represented the Chief Minister
of Karnataka, B S Yeddyurappa conveyed the wishes of the Chief Minister to the
Konkani people on the occasion. Dr Acharya said “Contributions of Konkani people
in various fields of development such as education, banking industry,
literature, health care and culture are unparalled. Konkanis have set an example
for the country in the matter of peaceful coexistence”. He also said that the 25
day long cultural convention will get the support of the state government.
Earlier, Chairman of the reception committee Ronald Colaco, Gurkar Eriz Ozario,
President of Mandd Sobhann Louis Pinto and other office bearers escorted the
President to the dais on her arrival with a ceremonial welcome. Louis Pinto gave
a traditional welcome to the President by offering paan-pod-udak (areconut,
beetle leaf and water).
In his welcome address Chairman of the Reception Committee Ronald Colaco said
“Konkani people believe we are Indians first and Konkanis next. We are the peace
loving people and we uphold human values and strive for communal harmony. Our
contribution to the economy of the country is unparalleled. And with India on
the verge of becoming a economic super power our share to the economy of the
country will be much greater in the days to come”.
Louis Pinto extended a floral welcome to the President by offering a bouquet of
flowers, a saree and a bunch of jasmine flowers to symbolize our tradition,
culture, respect and intimacy. He also offered bouquet of flowers to the other
dignitaries on the dais. Dr Devi Singh Shekhavat, Prafulatha Bharadwaj, MP Oscar
Fernandes, Ronald Colaco and Dolphy Prashanth D Souza were also among the guests
on the dais.
Gurkar Eric Ozario proposed the vote of thanks. Ravishankar Rao compered the
programme.