"Love of Konkani mother tongue stands out among Mumbaikars": Roy Castelino at the Konkani Sabha Mulu

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai (RBI), Feb 02: The presence of so many of you at the Konkani Sabha Ruby Celebration,  the enthusiasm and joy among you, the love for the Konkani mother tongue among the people of Mumbai stands out. I hope that such love of Konkani language will be eternal in all of you and through this our mother tongue will spread globally, former president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Public Relations Officer of Mangaluru Diocesan Council Ronald S.A Castellino (Roy Castellino) said.

 

Roy Castellino was the chief guest at the program where Konkani Sabha (R.) celebrated its 40th annual ruby jubilee at Saint Pius School Auditorium in Mulund West on Sunday evening and released a commemorative book.

 

It is even more pleasant that parents are also present here along with children. It feels that the people of Mumbai are doing more to save the Konkani mother tongue than the people of Mangalore. Roy also opined that through this, you are handing over the mother tongue to future generations.

Konkani Sabha Mulund president Leo Fernandes Jerimeri presided over the function as guests of honor senior literature V. D’Silva Kanjurmarg, G.S Shetty International School Bhandup founder Shankar A. Shetty Kukkundur, senior journalists Lawrence Coelho, Susanha L. Coelho, Senior Vice President of Mumbai Congress (I), former Women President Janet L. D’Souza, businessmen Allwyn Rasquinha, Lawrence D’Souza Mulund, Francis Louis Vasai, social workers Walter D’Souza Jerimari, Peter Rebero, Jawahar Pereira were seated on the stage.

 

St. Pius Church Parish Priest Rev.Fr.George  Atheide,, School Principal Nobart D’Souza and Deacan Valerian Fernandes offered the felicitations.

 

Tributes were paid to the late founders, members and well-wishers of the organization.

 

Also Former President Albert D’Souza, Josephine S. Pereira (SFX Pereira), Brigitte A. D’Souza (Emeyer), Rosie Pinto (Thomas Pinto), Sarah Lobo (Peter Lobo), Juliet Lawrence D’Souza, former Hon. Secretary Ivan Suvares Barkur was honored.

 

Secretary Fidelis Fernandes, Treasurer Gilbert Furtado, Jt.Treasurer Francis D’Souza, Executive Committee members Pascal Fernandes, Henry D’Souza, Florine D’Mello, Julia Chen, Benedicta D’Souza, Simon Gomes, Richard Lewis, Rujay Fernandes, Melwyn Fernandes, members Walnus Rego, John Rodrigues, George Chettiar felicitated the guests with bouquets.

 

As part of the cultural programme, Andrea Soares, Ivanica Pinto, Eljita D’sa, Joela Yalangi, Asmita Soares, Lewin Fernandes, Deepak, Daphen, Myra Pereira and others sang songs, Dances were presented by Elena Menezes, Leona Salvadore Lopes and others. Anthony D’Souza, Jason Pais, Anthony Vinay Fernandes, James Maxim Pereira, Allwyn Goveas, Reshma Goveas, Francis Pirera, Irene Pirera, Greta D’Silva, Denise D’Silva, Doreen Group  performed comedy skits.  A dance and song competition was organized for children and the judges were renowned musicians Kenny (Kenneth Zuzarte), Merlin Fernandes and Anthony Tauro.

 

Present and former office bearers and members of the Sabha were present and welcomed by Leo Fernandes. Honorary Secretary Pasco Lobo gave information, History and the 40th anniversary of the Konkani Sabha. Cyril Castelino hosted the program. Vice President Felix Barnes gave a vote of thanks.