Konkani Community of Ulsoor
joins to form Association
- Simon Lasrado, Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 14: The day was a red letter day in the lives of Konkani
speaking people of Ulsoor and around as they got together to form an Association
called KONKANI COMMUNITY, ULSOOR – BANGALORE. The day was also auspicious as it
falls on the feast of Infant Jesus and Makara Sankranti, a national holiday. The
venue was community hall (DDA) of Defence Colony, Cambridge layout.
Mrs. Bertha Sophia Fernandes, who
is the current President of Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) was the chief
guest. Fr. V.J. Menezes was invited to be the spiritual adviser of the
Association. The program was inaugurated at 7.15 pm with lighting of the lamp by
the chief guest, president of the Ad Hoc committee - Dr. Ajit, Fr. Menezes, two
elders of the community - Mr. A.I. Rasquinha and Mrs. Philomena Pereira were
also invited to light the lamp. God’s blessings were invoked by Fr. Menezes.
After the chief guest was introduced by Mr. Peter D’Souza, the co-ordinator of
the newly born Association, Ad Hoc president Dr. Ajit Benedict Rayan spoke on
the objectives of the Association namely: to grow, draw Konkani speaking people
at home and abroad and ultimately to affiliate with the Federation of Konkani
Catholic Association (R)- Bangalore (FKCA). He also declared that 14 of January
would be observed as annual day every year and Rs.500/- will be collected as fee
for membership per family.The chief guest in her address stressed the importance
of retaining the identity of Konkani speaking people, their culture and values.
Also the need to speak Konkani at home and teach the younger generation as it is
ones’ mother tongue. Fr. Menezes also spoke on the occasion along similar lines
– Konkani is not learnt from books and from schools, it is learnt from our
mothers’ lap. So, mother’s have a role to teach Konkani to the children. The
highlight of the program was the releasing of a devotional album by 3 Souzas viz
Marian, Anil and Wilfred R. from Pangla by the chief guest. This was the
Bangalore leg of the release of the album as it was released at Press Club,
Mangalore on 20/12/2011 and at Pernal Church on 24/12/2011. Marian D’souza spoke
on the making and merits of the album and its difference from other devotional
albums. The co-sponsors of the album were also honoured by the chief guest
during the occasion. Thereafter elections took place to form the new Management
Committee. Dr. Ajit Benedict Rayan was unanimously elected as president. Mrs.
Roopa Aranha as vice -president. Mr. Richard Lewis as secretary and Mr. George
Menezes as joint secretary. Mr. Marian D’souza as Treasurer. The following were
elected as Committee members: Mr. Lawrence D’Souza, Mrs. Ivy Menezes, Mr.Richard
D’souza, Mr. Nelson D’Souza, Mrs.Winnie D’Souza, and Mrs.Pramila Rodrigues. The
core Committee was authorised to appoint additional members to the Committee. It
was also decided during the get-together to change the name of the Association
and were given 3 days to suggest the new name.
Vote of thanks was raised by Mrs.Emiliana D’Souza A mini cultural program
followed soon after, with dance, songs and games for children as well as adults
followed by dinner. The program concluded with “Laudate.”
