CM Siddaramaiah lays Foundation Stone for Mandd Sobhann’s World Class Anthropological “Konkani Museum”
Mangaluru: Since there is a saying that “Better Late Than Never”, and for that matter the Ministers of Karnataka are always going by the saying whenever they are invited to grace a occasion. Forget about the cabinet ministers who are always late for any event, even our Chief Minister came two hours late for today’s function, which was scheduled to take place at 3 pm. The Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the Foundation Stone to Konkani’s most ambitious Project – the ‘Konkani Museum’ onThursday, Apr. 21, 2016, at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar, at 5 p.m. along withother dignitaries on the dais namely- Ministers Ramanath Rai and AbhayachandraJain; MLC Ivan D’Souza; MLA JR Lobo; NRI Entrepreneur and Patron of ManddSobhann,Ronald Colaco; Member of Rajya Sabha Oscar Fernandes and his wife Blossom; MLA of Puttur-Shakunthala Shetty; and President of Karnataka KonkaniSahitya Academy-Roy Castelino. A plaque of Founder Directors names was unveiled by Ministers Ramanath Rai and Abhayachandra Jain.
Prior to the inauguration, the programme with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered by the Mandd Sobhann Group-“Summel”. President of ManddSobhann Loius J Pinto welcomed the gathering, followed by the briefing of the “Konkani Museum ” project by Ronald Colaco, where he said, ” This world-class anthropological Konkani Museum, promoted by World’s Premier Konkani Cultural Organization, Mandd Sobhann, will be showcasing the unique and rare, rich and diverse Konkani culture of Konkanis belonging to all regions, religions, communities and dialects, and will be the largest Konkani Museum, anywhere in the world. The Museum will be set-up on a one-acre-plot adjacent to Kalaangann”. He also requested the CM to sanction more funds for the project, although Rs 2.5 crore has already been sanctioned by him.
Colaco further said ” This project which will cost around Rs 30 crore will be fully depend on the financial contribution made by various donors and well-wishers. Mandd Sobhann is grateful to the Government of Karnataka for allocating a sum of Rs. 2.5 crore for the Konkani Museum, in the 2016-17 Budget. We may expect another Rs 2.5 crore in the next budget. Nearly 40 donors have contributed towards the land that have been purchased for this project- and these donors will be felicitated during this ceremony by the CM. Dignitaries from various parts of India, Gulf and from around the world are amidst us here to grace this ceremony.”
Addressing the gathering CM Siddaramaiah said, ” I have great respect for the Catholic Community, because they are one of very respectful, peaceful and God fearing community. The Catholic community has rendered various service in the field of education and business for the growth of Karnataka and nation. Konkani is a language spoken by various class of Konkani community, and it has been included in the SSLC and degree syllabus. Pretty soon it may be included in the PUC class. The Catholic community has a very good leader to promote Konkani to the greatest level- Roy Castelino as the President of KKSA is doing a tremendous job and will surely work hard to reach Konkani to greater heights. I request the committee of this project to submit me the plans with estimated expenses, and I will do my best to sanction part of the budget from the government side. Take my word”.
Founder Directors of this Museum project were felicitated by the CM during the occasion, while the Mandd Sobhann also felicitated the Chief Minister with a turban, shawl, flower basket and a memento. Eric Ozario-Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann proposed the vote of thanks , and the programme was professionally compered by Victor Mathias. Prior to the formal function there was a cultural programme comprising of traditional dances and songs performed by – Kharvi Kala Mandd-Bhatkal; Siddi Group-Mundagoda; Kudumi Kala Group-Swamila Padau; Summel-the Mandd Sobhann group; and the crowd was entertained throughout the function by the Brass Band-“Mother Teresa Brass Band” from Honnavar.
Click here for Photo Album
Alfie My Man, Excellent report with selected best pic shots- You rock buddy. Wish this project all success in their project. And to Team Mangalorean I say a big thanks- your reports are quick!!