The 17th WKD was celebrated by GRAF in Association with Konkani association,
Mumbai on 30th August 2009 at Antonio D'Souza High school hall.
The objective of this celebration was to highlight the significance of this
day - the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian
constitution.
It was also an opportunity to display the rich heritage of Konkani in the
cultural programme that was put up for the occasion. The traditional
dekhnni, Mando and the Fugddi brought forth the rich tradition of the
Konkan, particularly Goa. It was nostalgic for the older folks present and
an opportunity for the younger generation particularly of Mumbai to have a
peek of what Konkan culture is all about.
The skit Ghotallo was a sort of suspense with a lot of humor. The audience
enjoyed every bit of action particularly the dialogues.
GRAF promotes Konkani in big way. Besides the cultural programmes, there
were literary competitions conducted during the year. WKD'09 was a big
opportunity to honor and recognize the winners with rewards. The following
were the winnersof Konkani literary awards:
In Konkani essay writing: Jose Silveira - first Prize and Alisha D'Costa -
consolation Prize.
In Konkani short story writing: Milton Rodrigues, first prize and Savio D'Silva
second prize.
In Konkani one act play writing: Cyril D Fernandes - first prize and Mr
Marcos Gonsalves second prize.
The chief guest also released GRAF's short story book entitled 'Kothamall'
featuring 12 short stories of 12 renowned writers on the occasion.
Renowned Konkanit tiatrist Titta Pretto, Betty Fernandes and Prem Kumar
(posthumously) were felicitated by the Bahrain Goans on the occasion.
The Goan Review's 'Personality of the year 2008-09 was awarded to Mr. Felix
Dias.
GRAF also felicitated three Konkani personalities who have done yeoman
service to the cause of Konkani. Mr Lawrence D'Souza, Kamani, Konkani
activist and Literateur
Mr Baptist D'Souza (Jack of all stalls ) for promoting Konkani
And a Konkani enthusiast Mr Joe de Verna who regularly writes letter to the
editor in Konkani periodicals.
President of GRAF- Fausto V. da Costa in his welcome address stressed on the
importance of the unity of all Konkani speaking people and preserving the
rich heritage of Konkanis for posterity. The chief guest Fr Francis Ramesh,
director of Kalangan called upon the gathering to use their mother tongue
Konkani and spread it among the new generation by speaking the language.
Entrepreneur and renowned Banker Mr. John D'Silva graced the occasion as the
guest of honour.
In the keynote address of the day, Mr. Lawrence D'Souza, Kamani highlighted
the rich treasures of the Konkani language and the progress it has made so
far.
The cultural programme was followed by dancing sessions in which the
gathering took part enthusiastically and took away a number of spot prizes.
All in all this WKD, for all the people attending the function, about 300
people, was a day of learning the significance of WKD. Besides this everyone
enjoyed the display of the rich Konkan heritage and culture. Last but not
the least the delicious Konkan culinary treat was enjoyed by all.
(Renato Pereira).
Fausto V. Da Costa
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