Konkani Ekvott - A mega Konkani get-together in Mumbai

Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 01 Mar 2017: A mega get-together by ’Konkani Ekvott 2017’, a union of all Konkani Associations in Mumbai jointly with Ashawadi Prakashan had organised a unique get-together on Sunday the 26th February, at 6pm at Atma Darshan, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai.

 

Rev Fr. Melwin D’Cunha, the parish priest of Sr. Joseph’s Church Mira Road presided over the function, well known businessman from Konkani Community Mr.V.P.Lobo was the chief guest of the event, where 5 new konkani konkani books; Bondh (Collection of Shortstories of Valley Quadras), Apovitr Sombandh (Collection of Shortstories of Walter Lasrado), Sorgavoili Mai (Collection of Shortstories of Ronald Olivera), Bazaar (Collection of Poetry of Valley Quadras), Mugdonaatlim Githam (Collection of Poetry Analysis articles by Valley Quadras) published by Ashawadi Prakashan were released in this event. Also the special issue of ’Poinnari.com’ was released by Fr.Melwin D’Cunha.

 

 

Welcome song was composed and sung by John Mascarenhas and his team from Konkan Taram (Jerimeri), well-known actor Francis Olivera Padukonne was the master of ceremony, welcomed the guests to the stage, escorted by Mr.Richard Dsouza (Chief Convenor of Konkani Ekvott 2017), Mrs. Glenda Almeida (Convenor of Konkani Ekvott 2017). Rev. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and in his speech, he congratulated all the participants for witnessing such a memorable Konkani Event in Mumbai. Richard DSouza in his welcome speech, highlighted the need to work collectively for the uplifting of Konkani in Mumbai, he also said, its the first step towards the mission, a literary step. The next step will be a cultural step and more associations are likely to join the mission.

 

Mr.Hillary DSilva, the co-editor of Poinnari.com gave a detailed introduction of the work of Ashawadi Prakashan in the last 15 years. Mr.Anant Amembal a well known Marathi/Hindi stage and music personality gave a brief introduction of the 5 books, Mr.Cyril Castelino introduced the authors. Mr.Charles Dmello Pangala, Mr.Andrew Mendonca, Mrs.Janet DSouza, Ms.Philomena Sanfransisco, Mr.Geo DSilva Agrar respectively released these 5 books. Post releasing of the books, Ms.Philomena spoke on the poems of Valley Quadras, highlighting his sensitivity in the poems and his thinking on today’s commercial/businessminded thinking in every field of our day to day living. Mr.Geo DSilva Agrar highlighted the continous efforts of Valley Quadras in progressing from stage to stage through his literature and study on literature. He also said, the poetry study book would not only benefit literary lovers but also to poets to broaden their views on specific topics. 

 

Post releasing of Poinnari.com special issue, Editor Valley Quadras thanked all the writers, supporters, sponsors for making the dream come true, and assured that the better work would follow soon, that would help Konkani Literary world and society. He also highlighted the need to do social service through literature, offering 50% of the book sale amount would goto Ronald Pereira, an ailing writer who is in desperate need of money for his medical expenses.

 

Konkan Taram team presented a lovely singing and dancing to conclude the first part of the event.

 

In the second part, Valley Quadras remembered Konkani writers who passed away recently; Late Victor Consessao, and Late Gibba Kulshekar and requested all to observe a minute silence. He highlighted the need to honour those who have done a remarkable contrinution to konkani in various fields, and called upon three veterans for ’Lifetime Achievement’; Harryboy, Henry Dsouza, Lawrence Saldanha received the honors; Manpotr, Memento and A set of all the 6 books were presented to each. On behalf of Harryboy, Boniface (President of Barkur Association) received the honour. Followed by 8 recepients of ’achievers’ in various fields; Walter Lasrado (Translation), V. DSilva (Literature), Francis Fernandes (Drama), Henry DPaula (Journalism), Lawrence Coelho (Journalism), Harry Fernandes Barkur (Film direction), Joy Paladka (Drama direction), Francis Olivera Padukonne (Stage/Theatre) were also felicitated by the president of the respective associations in Mumbai; Felix Malwani (Malwani), Christopher DSouza (Thane), Joseph Borivali, John Mascarenhas (Konkan Taram Jerimeri), Valerian Pais (Konkani Association Kandivali), Cyril Castelino (Orlem, Malad), Reginald Santhumayer Miyar (Vasai), Ivon Rebello (Naigaon) presented Manpotr, Memento and a set of all the 6 books. Later Richard DSouza and Glenda Almeida felicitated the association presidents/representatives with Mementos and a set of 6 books. Fr.Melwin DCunha honoured Richard DSouza and Glenda Almeida with memento and a set of 6 books.

 

After the felicitation Mr.Henry DSouza thanked the unique get-together and said, he never experienced such a unique concept in Konkani, where a union of all associations coming together and working for konkani. He highlighted the difficulties of bringing such a unique program in Mumbai, but appreciated Ashawadi Prakashan for taking such a unique step to promote Konkani spirit in Mumbai. President/Representatives of all associations present for the program were given a copy of ’Poinnari.com Special Issue’.

 

In Chief Guests speech, Mr. V. P. Lobo highlighted the need for promoting any language, a magazine has to be strong enough to sustain. He highlighted the need for our people to realise it and come forward to help those who are doing such a nobel work for the promotion of Konkani. President of the program, Rev.Fr.Melvin Dcunha appreciated everyone who worked for the event, and also suggested everyone to continue serving our mother-tongue in every possible manner.

 

Glenda Almeida proposed vote of thanks.