Mangaluru: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (KKSA) and Konkani Adhyayan Peetha (KAP) organized ‘Konkani Shikshana Sambhrama, Konkani Sahitya Samwad, Konkani Peethada Karya Yojane Lokarpane’ and ‘Kanoon Vishleshan’ book released at Ravindra Kalabhavana, University College (UC) here, on April 7.
The programme was inaugurated by the Principal of UC, Dr Uday Kumar by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries. President of KKSA, Roy Castelino introduced the dignitaries and welcomed the gathering. Roy said, “Konkani is taught in 77 schools and about 125 teachers are teaching Konkani to the students and taking an active part in preserving the language.”
He further said, “Konkani speaking people love their mother language, but it is sad to note that they are doing very little to preserve it. Time is such that people are taking much pride in learning other languages and ignoring their own mother tongue. We should take pride in learning and speak our own mother tongue. Just like India which is united with diverse culture and traditions, Konkani too is united with people of diverse culture and traditions.”
Dr Uday Kumar in his inaugural speech said, “Language is the song of the heart and when a language dies, an entire culture dies along with it. To preserve a language merely speaking a language is not enough, but we must make sure to preserve the diverse culture behind it. We should not be carried away by social media. Social media shouldn’t change us but we should change the social media.”
He further said, “Language is not just words, it also includes various cultural aspects as well. We don’t just speak a language, but we live it as well and when we live it, we preserve it.”
Parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur Fr Antony Serrao released the book titled ‘Kanoon Vishleshan’ by Advocate and Notary, Stanley R D’Costa. While introducing the book, Stanley said, “When there were atrocities against Christians in 2008, people resorted to protests when curfews were imposed. This happened due to lack of awareness about the law in the catholic community. I took it as a mission to spread awareness to the public and that is why I have come up with this book.”
The book contains articles explaining the rights of, juveniles, accused, minorities, consumers, patients, women, senior citizens, legal issues pertaining to matrimony and certain Supreme Court rulings.
Fr Antony said, “The government has issued several schemes to support Konkani culture and it is our duty to make use of these facilities. Many Konkani words are no longer present in the vocabulary of the modern generation. It is the duty of the parents to take the initiative of passing on the Konkani culture to their children.”
Co-ordinator of KAP, Jayavanth Naik, Registrar of KKSA, Dr B Devdas Pai, and others were also present.
Congratulations Mr. Stanley D’Costa for your wonderful work of educating the common people in legal matters especially konkani speaking people during the past 9 years. Continue your good work and we wish you all the best.
Congratulations Mr.Stanley….Wish you all the best for your future endeavours.
Congrats on the release of Konkani Vishleshan..May it benefit the general public of Mangalore. All the best,