Mumbai, 15 Dec 2015: ‘Although I worked several years in Gulf countries, I have never forgotten my mother tongue Konkani. In spite of I am managing English Weekly; my love for Konkani remains the same. There lies greater need for Konkani progressive writers to unite in realizing the aspirations, said Hemacharya (Stephen Mascarenhas Mangaluru), veteran Konkani writer and editor of Daijiworld Weekly.
Hemacharya was speaking during Konkani Sahamilan – 2015 that was organized by Progressive Konkani Writers Forum for up and coming writers, musicians, theater artistes and activists at Gyan Ashram, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East) here on Sunday December 13.
Kannik, Konkani Weekly founder editor Andrew Mendonca presided the programme.
Gyan Ashram music director Fr Cyril D’Souza Kelmbet inaugurated the programme. He also launched www.poinnari.com on the same occasion.
Konkani Basha Mandal Maharashtra president John D’Silva, Maharashtra Konkan Association founder president Leo Fernandes Jerimeri, veteran singers Lawrence Saldanha and Henry D’Souza Goregaon, Konkani Welfare Association – Mira Road president John Crasta, secretary Arun Noronha, treasurer Lawrence Mathias, Hilary D’Silva Niddody, Francis Olivera and others were were present.
Gerry Bondel, Lancy D’Souza and Delisha D’Souza presented Konkani songs applauded by the audiences.
Konkani play, Roon (Debt) by playwright Vally Quadros was presented by the Konkani theater artistes of Mira Road, which was directed by Hilary D’Silva as part of entertainment event.
The poet Vally Quadros welcomed the gathering, proposed the vote of thanks and compered the programme.