Fun, frolic to mark Konkani divas

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, in association with 134 other Konkani organisations and institutions, has lined up a veritable fare for the “Konkani Manyata Divas,” which would be celebrated here on August 19. The events include State-level cross-country race for people in various age groups, competitions for school students and a few competitions exclusively for Konkani-speaking communities. The Konkani Manyata Divas is observed to mark the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Although the inclusion was done on August 20, 1992, the organisers have advanced it by a day this year as it falls on Sunday. This year’s celebration is special in that as the State Government had approved the inclusion of Konkani as a third optional language for students from the sixth standard.The State-level cross-country race is open to boys and girls below 15 years, men and women in the 15 to 40 age group as well as for those above 40 years. The events exclusive to Konkani-speaking people include state-level tug-of-war for men and passing the ball for women. Competitions for students include story telling and group dance.

The academy has arranged for 10 Konkani folk troupes, who will display their art throughout the day. Ministers M.P. Prakash and Basavaraj Horatti will attend the function at the Ganapathi High School complex, G.H.S. Road, in the evening. Details can be had from the academy in person or over phone 0824-2453167.