Dubai: Aankri.com and Geet Gazaal Team Organizes Children’s Poetry Recital Programme

Media Release

Dubai, 27 Aug 2024: Geet Gazaal Team and Aankri.com joined hands to organize a children’s poetry recital programme on Sunday August 25, at the Biriyani 2020 restaurant in Dubai. Young Konkani poet Kiran Nirkan’s anthology of children’s poems ‘Noktiram’, which was recently released in Mangalore, too was released on the occasion.

 

The programme began with Melwyn Kalakul’s recitation of famed Konkani poet Kishoo Barkur’s well-acclaimed poem "Dhakttea Devachi Bhurgim,".  The children’s poetry recital session was chaired by Deona Rebecca Correa Pernal. Deona successfully kept the entire session engaged and exciting by her narration. Brianna Naomi D’Souza Madanthyar, Amor Manuel Mendonca Tallur, Leora Dsouza Pamboor, Alica Senora Pinto, Lanisha Syona Noronha Bellore, Delisha Ruth Correa Pernal, Nicole Jenelle Sequeira Brahmavar, Anor Teran Mendonca Tallur, and Deona herself recited the children’s poems from the book ‘Noktiram’. Kiran Nirkan briefed the stories behind these poems and their relation to our lives.

 

Following the children’s poetry recital, well-known Konkani poet Arthar Pereira Omzoor recited a translated poem by Javed Akhtar along with his own creations. The presentation of the poem was widely appreciated by the audience.

 

 

Renowned Konkani compere, actor and poet Dony Correa, shared his thoughts on "Konkani children of the Gulf and the future of Konkani." He emphasized that parents must take responsibility for passing on the legacy of Konkani to the future generations by speaking Konkani in their homes and encouraging children to get involved in Konkani programmes, cultural activities, and literary events. He also urged all elders and parents to initiate the "Ghorant Konkani (Speak Konkani at Home)" campaign, whereby we all assure to speak in Konkani at home.

 

Following the poetry recital, there was also a short formal function. Well-known entrepreneur and Konkani activist Joseph Mathias was the guest of honour on the occasion. Sannu Monis Boliye welcomed the guests and audience. He also delivered the keynote address highlighting the mission and vision of aankri.com, Geet Gazaal, and read the snippets from the book ’Noktiram’. Stephan Vamanjoor welcomed the guests with jaggery and water.

 

Joseph Mathias honoured the poetry recital president, Deona Correa, Pernal and other children who recited the poems with token of appreciation. The release of the poetry book ’Noktiram’ was done in a very unique manner; Baby Nicole brought the school bag carrying the ’Noktiram’ poetry books and then they were released in UAE by Joseph Mathias. At the same event the team took the opportunity to honour Arthar Pereira and Kiran Nirkan who secured the 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Post Graduate Diploma in Konkani Literature conducted by St Aloysius college Mangalore. They were honoured by shawls, and flower bouquets. The facilitation was carried by the chief guest.

 

Addressing the gathering, Joseph Mathias hailed the motive and efforts of aankri.com and Geet Gazaal team in providing children with a stage to recite Konkani poems. “We should not be of the opinion that learning Konkani, conversing in Konkani isn’t important because we do not essentially use Konkani in our business and work.  Konkani carries the legacy of our elders’ existence and culture which are passed onto us as a gift. It is our responsibility therefore, to uphold Konkani culture and tradition. Therefore, I not only congratulate the organizers but also all the participants, especially our children on this occasion,” he added.

 

Diana Sharel Lobo compeered the entire programme while Kiran Nirkan proposed the vote of thanks. Sannu Niddodi and Hilson Allipade arranged the stage and backdrop.