Mangalore: Konkani Sahitya Academy launches First Konkani Club at Rosario PU College

By Robert D Costa
Pics by Cyril Urwa
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 3 Jul 2014: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy launched the first ever Konkani Club at Rosario Pre-University College during the function held at Rosario Cathedral Hall, here on Thursday July 3 at 2.30pm.

 

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy with the stewardship of new president Roy Castelino has ambitious plans to set up 50 clubs in different schools and colleges within 1 year.  Besides, it has plans to release 2 Konkani books every month during his 3-year term.

 

Rosario Cathedral parish priest Fr J B Crasta was the chief guest of the occasion.

 

Rosario Pre-University College principal Fr Alwyn Serrao, Canara education institutions director Janardhan Pai, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy registrar Dr Devdas Pai, Daijiworld Weekly editor and author of Sumati – Konkani short story book - Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), Bangrachi Goddadi – Konkani drama book by playwright the late Kudpi Vasudev Shenoy’s youngest son entrepreneur Kudpi Rajanikant Shenoy were present on the dais.

 

Dr Devdas Pai in his introductory address briefed of plans that are already in place to take Konkani to greater heights during the term of Roy Castelino.

 

Fr J B Crasta along with the dignitaries launched the first ever Konkani Club at Rosario Pre-University College.

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Crasta said that he was happy that the first ever Konkani Club was launched at the historical four-hundred-fifty-year-old Rosario Cathedral.  It would a boon to students to take interest in pursuing studies in Konkani and also work as a forum to discuss different issues of Konkani community.  Fr Crasta hoped that Konkani gets a Chair in University and urged Konkani Academy to work in this regard, urged Fr Crasta.

 

Roy Castelino in his presidential address said that Academy has already in touch with state administration in granting Chair of Konkani in University and urged the new generation of youth studying Konkani to strive for sustenance of Konkani.

 

Fr Alwyn Serrao released Hemacharya authored Konkani short stories book, Sumati and said that short stories are indeed suitable for leisurely reading and ponder over its message.

 

Janardhan Pai released the late Kudpi Vasudev Shenoy authored Konkani drama book, Bangarachi Goddady, while the author’s son Rajanikant briefed about the yeomen service of multi-faceted journalist, editor, litterateur the late Vasudev, popularly known as Vasumam.

 

Konkani students of Rosario Pre-University College, MCJ students of Besant’s College, Konkani teachers of different schools, well wishers were present on the occasion.

 

The students of Rosario Pre-University College presented a welcome dance.  Roy Castelino welcomed the gathering.  Smita Shenoy compered the programme.  Dr Varija proposed vote of thanks.