PANAJI
"I was not aware that the Konkani read at Masses and at general events could be different. Whatever it may be, Konkani is our mother tongue, we must popularise it and save it," thus expressed Aleixo Reginald Lourenco, MLA of Curtorim constituency. He was speaking as a chief guest at the Konkani Reading Competition organised by Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) near St Sebastian chapel, Virabhatt, Curtorim.
With him on the dais were the DKA President Vincy Quadros, Secretary William Fernandes, Parish Priest of St Alex church, Fr Joseph Salema, Caitano Fernandes, President of Chapel committee and Konknni writer, Edvin Fernandes.
In his address, Vincy Quadros said that English is the language we use to earn our bread but without Konkani we have no identity. While stressing that we must compulsorily use it in our day to day lives and thus save it, he also explained the mission of DKA organising the Konkani Reading Competition in different parts of Goa. He suggested those who have difficulty in reading and writing Konkani to make use of the book ‘Sangati’. He also expressed his happiness at the event being organised in an open natural environment.
45 contestants took part in the competition. The prizes were awarded as follows: Alexinha Pereira won first prize, Nadia Alcina Noronha bagged second prize and Antoneta Fernandes got the third prize. Besides Riona Gomes, Affila Travasso and Jennifa Dias were awarded consolation prizes in recognition of their reading skills. Recognising the efforts put in by Antoneta Fernandes to organise the competition, she was awarded a certificate of appreciation.
While explaining the Konkani writing programme organised by DKA in villages, Vincy Quadros appealed to the people of Virabhatt and Curtorim to have such activities in their home towns. The Curtorim MLA supported this idea.
Parish Priest Fr. Salema, Caitano Fernandes, Manuel Colaco and Alexinho Fernandes also spoke on the occasion. Edvin Fernandes and Antoneta Fernandes compered the function.
Many expressed keen interest in the book 'Sangati' . William Fernandes and Anthony D'Costa were the judges. William Fernandes thanked the large audience.
