PORVORIM
The Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) at Porvorim conducted its 31st Annual Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar Ceremony on Saturday to honour those who have done exemplary work for the development of Konkani language.
Konkani lovers and writers from various parts of the State attended the function.
Awards were presented by the chief guest Dr Varsha Kamat (Professor of history at PES College, Ponda) to Pandharinath Lotlikar (Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar 2021), Menino Almeida (Dr Jack Sequeira Konknni Puroskar 2020), Silvestrina Pereira (Valerio Carvalho Konknni Puroskar 2020), Sr Molly Fernandes, sfn (Maria Afonso Konknni Puroskar 2020) and Fr Bolmax Pereira (Late Fr Casmiro De Mello Konknni Puroskar 2020).
In her address, Dr Kamat said primary education to children should be imparted in their mother tongue.
“A child’s learning begins at home in the mother tongue and when a child goes to school to learn in a foreign language, it does slow down the learning process. Learning in mother tongue will ensure faster learning and retention.”
“Learning in the mother language also boosts self-confidence of children and helps preserve our cultural roots and deepen the understanding of our heritage,” said Dr Kamat
“Konkani language is the identity of Goans and it is duty of every Goan to preserve it for posterity,” she added.
A minute’s silence was observed to pay respect to the deceased Konkani stalwart, late Fr Vasco do Rego and Konkani promoter and activist priest late Fr Conceicao D’Silva.
Besides the puroskars, the TSKK also gave some scholarships to meritorious and deserving poor students.
Deepak Periyasamy and Chandani Sharma (Govt. High School, Betim), Celine da Cunha of St Cruz HSS (St Cruz), Milly Cleavina Rodrigues (Presentation Matoshree Indirabai High School, Ponda), Roneisha Fernandes (Chubby Cheeks High School, Porvorim-Pilerne) and Josefina Quadros (Holy Family School, Porvorim) were conferred with various scholarships.
The Youth of Chicalim parish under the guidance of their parish priest, Fr Bolmax Pereira rendered three songs during the programme. The attraction of the function was the Santa Cruz Brass Band led by Alvito.
The SOD research bulletin (volume 23), edited by Dr Fr Pratap Naik SJ, was released during the function.
Earlier TSKK Director Fr Jose Silveira SJ welcomed the gathering while Pandharinath Lotlikar and Silvestrina Pereira also spoke on the occasion and expressed gratitude for the puroskars.
