Mangaluru: Konkani Manyatha Divas, an event to mark the inclusion of the Konkani language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution, was organised held on August 20. One the same day in 1992, Konkani, which is also the state language of Goa, was officially named one of the official national languages and since then, every year, the Konkani people all across the world celebrate this day as Konkani Manyatha Divas.
Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, a government body working for the betterment of the Konkani language, literature and culture, has been celebrating this day with grandeur for the past several years. This year, owing to the COVID pandemic, the event was held at the Daivajnya Kalyana Mantapa, Urva and was live telecasted to the public in order to avoid a large gathering.
Dr K Jagasish Pai, President, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, in his welcome address, spoke about the evolution, growth and present situation of the Konkani language, while also remembering the struggle involved in obtaining this special honour for the language.
Guest of honour, recently elected Member of Legislative Council Prathap Simha Nayak and Shanthram Siddi, who are also from the Konkani speaking community, were felicitated on the occasion.
Addressing the viewers, Shantaram Siddi said that it’s a great moment that two Konkani speaking MLCs have been nominated by the government and assured that they will strive hard to support the cause of the Konkani community at large.
Speaking on the occasion, Prathap Simha Nayak thanked the organisers for the felicitation, “The responsibility on us has increased and we will put all possible efforts for the betterment of our mother tongue. The reason I have reached this level is because of the Konkani language taught by my mother. During my political and social life, I learnt to respect the mother tongue first and I will stand by it.”
On the occasion, Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto, whose book titled ‘Kanaranth Padrovado Ani Propagandacho Vivad’ was chosen for the Silver Jubliee year award under research section was also felicitated.
Daivajnya Bhramana Sangha President Sudhaker Shet was honoured for their support for the event.
Academy member Naveen Nayak proposed the vote of thanks, Poornima Suresh compered the programme. Daivajnya Bhraman Sangha President Sudhaker Shet, members Gopalakrishna Bhat, Arun G Shet, Narashima Kamath, Canute J Pinto Kelarai and Registrar Kumar Babu Bekkeri were present.
The formal programme was followed by cultural programmes from various Konkani teams.
