Mangaluru: Decennial celebrations of Konkani monthly-Daivik Amrith concludes

Pics by Stanly Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 24 May 2016: The decennial celebrations of the Konkani spiritual monthly - Daivik Amrith concluded at St Lawrence church, Bondel, here on May 22.

 

Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangaluru diocese was the chief guest of the occasion.

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, bishop Dr D’Souza lauded the dedication of Fr Andrew D’Souza, the convener of the Daivik Amrith – Konkani spiritual monthly. He said, ‘I am happy to honor Fr Andrew. The work done by Fr Andrew is beyond felicitations and honors. Daivik Amruth has done lot of good for the people. The very prominent and unique achievement of Fr Andrew is presenting Christ’s life through Yakshagana. No one has ever thought that this could be possible and would reach out to many people. It has become a bridge between the Christians and people of other faith. This monthly is not for profit oriented, but to strengthen Christian faith though literature. I wish that the good deeds of Fr Andrew may continue to help and may the magazine publish many more issues,’ said bishop Dr D’Souza.

 

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino said, ‘Now-a-days, it is very difficult to run a Konkani magazine. The number of readers has come down and youngsters don’t have time for Konkani. The children are being taught catechism in English and now there is a demand for Holy Masses in English. We must keep in mind that Konkani is our identity, our mother tongue. This land is our birthplace. Our language reflects our culture and our identity. I call upon the editorial board of the ’Daivik Amrith’ to create new writers and also train the children in Konkani literature, so that they are attracted towards the language.’

 

Bishop Dr D’Souza, who is celebrating 20 years of his ordination, was also felicitated along with Roy Castelino.

 

Fr Andrew D’Souza and members of the editorial board were also felicitated on the same occasion.

 

The dignitaries released a souvenir of the decennial celebration along with a poster of verses of Bible and the book ’Moladhik Mothiyan’ by Richard Alvares. The dignitaries also honored the contributors and benefactors of the book.

 

Editor of the magazine Santhosh Alwyn Lobo, Bondel parish council vice president Henbert Pinto, co-convenor of the magazine Fr Boniface Pinto and others were present.

 

’Eke Vaishyechi Jinye Katha’ Konkani drama, by playwright Arun Raj Rodrigues and directed by Christopher D’Souza Ninasam was staged after the stage programme.