Contribution of Konkani language to folk literature is great-Marathe

By B.Pundalika Marathe
Bellevision Media Network

Kinnigoli, 02 Sep 2011: There are 42 different Konkani communities and  their traditions, culture and folklore are different and unique. The four states on the West Coast have considerable number of Konkani speaking people-Hindu, Muslim and Christian and in their way of life the impact of the Konkani language is quite evident. It has been the Konkani language that has enriched the Folk literature of these regions-said member of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, B. Pundalika Marathe of Shirva.

 

Marathe  was speaking in the Kinnigoli Church Hall on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, on the occasion of  the final round and prize distribution programme of ‘Voviyam and Verse singing competition’ which was organised in 8 zones conducted  jointly by Konkani Sahitya Academy, Matov Mangaloore Konkani  Sansnkrati Pratistan and  Stree Sanghatane Kinnigoli. Marathe further said that the Central Government has given recognition t the Konkani language, the Karnataka Government has been providing ample assistance and Koonkani is being taught as third language in schools. This is the great honour for the Koonkani language and community and we should take advantage of this and elders should bear the responsibility of passing on the Koonkani language and culture to the future generations.

 

 

 

Fr. Alfred J. Pinto, Parish Priest of Kinnigoli who attended the programme as the chief guest said that mother tongues have been facing the danger due t the impact of other languages  and it is the responsibility of the mothers to preserve this language by teaching it too their children. George D’Souza of Bajpe who has done research in Konkani language and culture  spoke on the history, development and contribution of the Konkani language.

 

Deprasad Punanooru, president of the Kinnigoli Grama Panchayat speaking at this occasion said that Konkani, Tulu and Kannada are the sister languages and each language has a tradition and culture. He further said that such programmes help in preserving the folk culture.

 

The dignitaries on the dais included businessman from Niddodi-Ligory D’Silva and president of the Stree Sanghatane-Mrs. Edna D’Souza. The guests who attended the programme were:Fr. Andrew D’Souza, parish priest of Pakshkere, Fr. Hilary Lobo-parish priest of Balkunje, Valerian Sequeira-secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Stella Sequeira, Severine Lobo, and  Philomena Sequeira.

 

Eric Pais compeered the programme, Valerain Sequeira welcomed the gathering and James D’Souza-Director of Matoov Mangaloore proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The winners of the competition were:  Kinnigoli Parish Group-First Prize, Kirem parish Group-Second Prize and  Balkunje parish Group-Third Prize.  Consolation Prizes were awarded to Mulki, Niddodi and Nirudde Parish Groups.