the goan I network
MARGAO
The three-day Goa Yuva Mahotsav got off to a colourful start at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Friday, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant making a fervent plea to the people to work towards taking Konkani to greater heights if they expect government support for the official language.
The Chief Minister took the platform to convey a message that there’s no greater priority before him than protecting the identity of the State.
The entire Ravindra Bhavan complex wore a festive look as it reverberated to the beats of dhol and tash at the Goa Yuva Mahotsav, which is celebrating its 25th year this year. Hundreds of youngsters swarmed around the Ravindra Bhavan complex, attired in colorful costumes to partake in a host of competitions lining up during the three-day event.
Addressing the inaugural function, the Chief Minister urged the youth to show their leadership qualities not in politics, but in all spheres of life, including socio-cultural, economic, etc.
The Chief Minister said government support to Konkani will come only when the people work towards enriching the language. He pointed out that it’s only when people make correspondence in Konkani that they will receive the replies in the language. Citing the case of former MLA late Vishnu Surya Wagh, the Chief Minister said Wagh was the only MLA who used to make his correspondence in Konkani and received the reply in the language, while saying that the Official Language department will do justice to the mother tongue of the people.
Saying that it is a matter of pride that Konkani festivals are being held abroad as well, including the USA, UK, etc, the Chief Minister said this only goes to show that Goans have reached every nook and corner of the world and continue to promote their language and culture.
Complimenting the Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the people who have made sacrifices to keep the Goa Yuva Mahotsav alive for the last 25 years, the Chief Minister said though the government has been supporting Konkani Bhasha Mandal with grants, he would certainly look into the question of enhancing the grants to the institution.
Earlier, in her address, Chairperson of the Reception Committee, and Executive Director, Dempo group of companies, Pallavi Dempo said that the Konkani Bhasha Mandal has been doing good work for the promotion of Konkani language.
In his address, Konkani Bhasha Mandal president Chetan Acharya made a fervent plea to the government to declare the Goa Yuva Mahotsav as the State festival given that the mahotsav is completing 25 years this year.
Praveen Kadle, Chairman Tata Autocomp Systems Ltd, Mumbai, who was the guest of honour, said the Konkani programmes are being organised by the Konkani speaking people in the USA as well.
Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Pooja Naik patted the KBM for holding the mahotsav, giving the youth of Goa the platform to showcase their talents.
The entire venue of the mahotsav is named after former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, while the main stage of the mahotsav has been named after Konkani activist and politician late Victoria Fernandes.
