Belagavi
Goa’s Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude stated that regardless of where a Konkani-speaking person goes, he is recognised by his mother tongue. He made these remarks as the chief guest at the silver jubilee event of the Konkani magazine, Uzwad, in Belagavi.
The Konkani Lokotsava was organised at St Xavier’s High School Hall Camp, Belagavi, to commemorate 25 years of Uzwad published from the Diocese of Belgaum.
Bishop of Belgaum, Dr Derek Fernandes, presided over the function. Belgaum North MLA Raju Seth, noted Konkani Litterateur Hema Nayak, George Fernandes, Prof Dr Bhushan Bhave, and others were present on the platform.
“Rites are inculcated to a child only through his mother tongue; hence everyone should preserve their mother tongue. Although Konkani is the state language of Goa, Konkani people are spread across the globe,” Gaude said, praising the efforts of journalist Louis Rodrigues and the team in conserving Konkani language and culture in the upper ghats region.
Gaude assured that the Goa government would take every possible initiative to conserve the language outside the State too. Prof Bhave emphasized the need for forming a Konkani cultural state. “No matter where the Konkani man is across the globe. We need to strive to establish a Konkani cultural state. There are Konkani academies in Karnataka and Kerala but not in Maharashtra. The Goa government should make efforts for that. Similarly, Goa government and organizations in Goa should provide support for Konkani language and conservation efforts outside Goa,” Bhave asserted.
MLA Raju Seth, Bishop Derek Fernandes, and George Fernandes also expressed their thoughts on this occasion.
Fourteen individuals, including Milagrin D’Souza, Anameri Bardeskar, Monica Dantas, Geeta Surinder Bhagat, Dr. Manisha Rego, Bastu Rege of Santulan NGO, Ashok Pai, Fr. Pradeep Correa of Hope Centre, Goa, Anton D’Souza, Savio Pereira, Gourish Vernekar, and Gabriel D’Souza were awarded the Konkani Gourav Award.
In the afternoon session, 25 to 30 artists belonging to Siddhivinayak Mahalasa Kala Sangh, Mardol, on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Goa, presented an excellent programme of Konkani folk dances.
