Konkani Rashtra-Manyatay Dees the day on which Konkani language was included to eighth schedule of Indian Constitution.
Konkani Bhas ani Sanskriti Pratishtan at World Konkani Centre (WKC), Shakthinagara, Mangaluru celebrated the day with full enthusiasm and zeal which includes the following activities and programs
Morning at 9.30 the program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by President CA Nandagopal Shenoy, who also welcomed the guests and a large gathering of konkani lovers. Dr Kasturi Mohan Pai, Secretary, gave a detailed account of the story which led to the national status to Konkani which includes the Goa liberation and other related historical developments.
To depict the variety cultural aspects folklore troupes of Laxmi Siddhi from Sirsi North Kanara District and Shekhar Gowda-Kudubi of Bajpe, Mangalore, presented their tribal varieties of dances with the background of the oral rendition of folk verses and music with folk instruments like Gummat and Dhamam. Siddhis exhibited Dhamam, Phugadi, Jhakay, Shigmo varieties. And, Kudubis presented Gummat and Thoniya khel varieties. The event was played on open ground which gave a spectacular look and far-reaching appreciation towards the rare folklore items. Maroli Sabitha Kamath and team presented a rare variety of GSB tradition-based skit, wherein the newly married couple are blocked at the entrance of bridegroom’s house by her sisters by singing some verses (Ovyo) which reflects the beauty of ethical relations in traditional family life.
The day got added glory as the photo of Diyog Bastyanv Siddhi was unveiled at Vishwa Konkani Keerti Mandir. Dr B Devadasa Pai explained about Diyog as a popular Leader and how he fought throughout his life for the cause of social status to the underprivileged siddhi community. His wife, daughter, son-in-law expressed their gratitude to WKC for this gesture of remembering and honoring the services of the leaders from smaller communities of Konkani like siddhis.
Usha N Shenoy distributed scholarships (cash prize of rupees ten thousand each) to 8 students and 3 teachers of Dept of PG studies in Konkani (MA Konkani), University Evening College, Mangalore University, which is a sponsored project of VARDHANI.
Saver Siddhi and team presented a project proposal of developing a Siddhi Padakosh which is to include siddhi dialect-specific rare varieties of lexemes and vocabulary.
Vice Presidents Jagadish Shenoy and Gilbert D Souza were honoured for their participation in 1991-92 the team of leaders who submitted a memorandum urging government to Recognition of Konkani in the eighth schedule of Constitution.
All the folk troupe leaders were also honoured. Treasure B R Bhat, Trustees D Ramesh Naik, Shakunthala R Kini were present. Suchithra S Shenoy compered the event.
