Pride for Konkani language missing

A majority of the population residing along the coastal area from Kerala to Belgaum speaks Konkani. In most parts of Belgaum and Uttara Karnataka Konkani has been adopted as the mother tongue.

“But the pride on the language, which should have forged unity is missing,” Teachers Training Institute (TTI) principal A A Cutinho regretted.

Cutinho was inaugurating an orientation workshop on Konkani textbook organised for teachers at TTI building here recently.

The workshop was organised by Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Presiding over the workshop academy president Eric Ozarion said many languages have had their influence on Konkani.

“The cleansing of the language of all its impurities must begin and teachers have a big role to play,” he stressed.

TTI Registrar Dr Shankarappa was also present on the dais. Academy registrar Dr Duggappa Kajekar proposed a vote of thanks and Aloysius D’Souza compered the programme.

Kaup Government First Grade College lecturer Steevan Quadras and Permannut High School headmaster Aloysius D’Souza were the resource persons in the workshop.

Over 50 teachers from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Karnataka participated in the workshop.

WORKSHOP ENDS

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy’s three-day workshop on Konkani music ended here recently. An expert on music and the workshops director Bhaskar Chandavrkar was felicitated on the occasion.

In his felicitation acceptance address, he said contribution from each Konkani singer was important in enriching Konkani music.

Sandesha Prathisthan director Fr Denis D’Sa said there were attempts to scout talent in the three-day workshop.

There was need for many such workshops, he stressed. Participants like Sheela Pinto, Nelson D’Souza, Gurudut Shenoy, explained the experiences in the workshop.

Mandd Shobhann president Louis J pinto was also present.

Academy president Eric Ozario regretted that such camps were not attracting the deserving talents.

Academy Registrar Dr Duggappa Kajekar proposed a vote of thanks.