Grand Celebrations Mark Decennial year of “Uzwaad” Konkani Fortnightly
Udupi: The decennial year celebrations of the Uzwaad, Udupi diocese Konkani fortnightly was held on Sunday, Jan 28, 2024, at Milagres College grounds, Kallianpur.
In his introductory words Fr Denis D’Sa said, “I congratulate the editor, writers, and all the trustees on this occasion. Uzwaad has faced many challenges but it has stood firm on its goal. Today is the day to remember the history, to review and to move forward. With the inception of the Udupi diocese, the diocese had many challenges and difficulties. Uzwaad became the mouthpiece of the Udupi diocese. Fr Chethan Capuchin was the founder editor of this fortnightly. He laid a strong foundation for this fortnightly. Fr Royson Fernandes, the then editor, also took forward the leadership amidst the COVID challenges”.
In his address, Dr Jerald Pinto, the writer said, “Uzwaad is the mouthpiece of Udupi but still it has reached all over the places where Udupians are living. Fr Chethan is the reason behind this. Even during COVID times, the fortnightly was successfully published and delivered by the editor Fr Royson Fernandes. Now the ship is in the captaincy of Fr Alwyn Sequeira, and I wish him all the best in this work”.
Fr Chethan Lobo, Capuchin, former editor said, “I remember Msgr Baptist Menezes today on this occasion. During my tenure as editor, the trustees of Deepa Trust never interfered in any editorial matters. This editorial freedom was essential for delivering quality fortnightly. The members of the diocese and especially the members of the women’s commission are the reason for our fortnightly subscription. It is not the question of the subscribers, it is the question of the readership today. Decreasing readership is dangerous. We have moved away from the habit of reading which leads to our decay”.
Chief Guest James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans, Dubai addressing the gathering said, “The editor might have had many challenges in the beginning. Defying all the challenges, Fr Chethan has laid a good foundation. Uzwaad has maintained its quality consistently”.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of the diocese of Udupi in his presidential note said, “Uzwaad was a monthly during its inception and then turned into a fortnightly. The first meeting of Uzwaad was held at the Milagres Cathedral itself. Mable Rebello helped us with all the regulations and other things, especially in getting the name registration. Fr Chethan Lobo spread Uzwaad all over. Then Fr Royson Fernandes took the captaincy. He moved to places and spread the word and also supported the young writers. Fr Alwyn Sequiera is now heading the responsibility of Uzwaad. I thank all the three editors for their selfless service. This decennial year let us take the motto of Uzwaad for every family and work towards this goal. Through this fortnightly, let us work together to protect and promulgate Konkani culture and tradition”.
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general and chairman of Deepa Trust welcomed the gathering. Alwyn Danthy Pernal compered the program. Fr Alwyn Sequiera, editor proposed a vote of thanks.
Nanu Marol was honoured for his immense support and contributions towards the fortnightly.
Wilfred Padil, designer and other notable dignitaries behind Uzwaad fortnightly were honoured on the occasion. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions and were also honoured on the occasion.
A Konkani play written by Dr Fr Alwyn Serrao “Dadlya Bhitar Tu Sadenv” was presented by team Astitva on the occasion.