World Konkani Cultural Convention: CM Shiela Dikshit accepts invitation at Delhi curtain raiser

World Konkani Cultural Convention: CM Shiela Dikshit accepts invitation at Delhi curtain raiser

Mangalore Today News Network

Delhi, OCtober 26: Shiela Dikshit, the chief minister of Delhi, raised the curtains of the first World Konkani Cultural Convention, which is scheduled to be held in Mangalore from Nov 25 – Dec 19. Mandd Sobhann is the organizer of this event. The curtain raiser at New Delhi was held at the Constitution Club of India under the direction of Dolfy Prashanth D’Souza, the regional youth leader.

 

Vincent Menezes, the president of KCA, extended a warm welcome. The dignitaries on the dais were Oscar Fernandes, the former union minister; Dr. Christy Fernandes, secretary to President Prathiba Patel; Monsignor Victor D’Souza, the vicar general of Delhi archdiocese; Dolfy Prashanth D’Souza, Louis J. Pinto, Eric Ozerio, and Vincent Menezes.

Eric Ozerio spoke about the need to preserve and promote the Konkani language and culture and gave accounts of the preparations made for the mega event over the past one year. He also expressed his hopes that the Konkani-speaking community of Delhi and the central government will support this noble cause. He also urged the CM to consider the establishment of a Konkani Bhawan in New Delhi and pleaded for support and cooperation for the upcoming event.

Oscar Fernandes, in his Konkani address, lauded Mandd Sobhann for its hard work in preserving and promoting Konkani. He promised that he will always support the cause of Konkani and will do his best to ensure the success of the grand event.

A formal ‘vovllig’ or ‘invitation’ was then extended to the Konkani-speaking community of Delhi through CM Sheila Dikshit. President of Mandd Sobhann presented the traditional betel leaves and water to the invitees along with loud cheering and fireworks. The CM accepted the invitation and lifted the salver of betel leaves and water and said “pavlee,” which means “reached.”

Oscar Fernandes then announced that President Prathiba Patil will be chief guest for the World Unity Day, which will be held on Dec 9, as part of the World Cultural Convention at Mangalore. The president will confer 25 awards on deserving individuals for their contribution to Konkani language and culture.

In her address, CM Sheila Dikshit spoke in praise of Konkani culture and music and thanked the organizers for giving her an opportunity to be part of Konkani tradition. Acknowledging that Konkani, which is widely spoken in the coastal regions of Mumbai – Kerala, has a huge presence in New Delhi, she said that the society is enriched by the peace-loving Konkani-speaking people. She said that the centre will release funds for the World Cultural Convention, adding that she will also work for the establishment of a Konkani Bhawan in New Delhi in spite of the rising cost of land.

Eric and Joyce Ozerio were felicitated on the occasion by Vicar General of Delhi Archdiocese Monsignor Victor D’Souza, who also acknowledged and felicitated Dolfy Prashanth D’Souza and Louis J. Pinto.

Wilfred D’Souza, executive committee member of KCA Delhi, and Austic Alick were the comperers. Irene D’Souza, the secretary of KCA, proposed the vote of thanks.