Training seminar for Konkani Children of Mumbai

There was an overwhelming response from the Konkani children of Mumbai for the full day training seminar organised by Konkani Sahitya Kala Foundation (Regd.), held on 27^th June 2004 at Gyan Ashram, Andheri East. The programme was organised to give orientation to the children who opted to get trained to perform on TV and other mass media for Konkani programmes. The core philosophy of the foundation is to inculcate the love of Konkani language within the new generation and thus to promote & popularise its rich culture.

“Konkani is an ancient language having the history of 6000 years. They lived at the banks of river Saraswati. When the river got dried up because of its source at the origin was diverted, they had to change their place of living. Some went to Kashmir, Some to West Bengal and some went to Punjab. But one group traveled towards the southern parts to the Konkan region.

At present there are five million people all over the world who speak Konkani. It is spoken extensively in the coastal belt of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. Konkani speaking people dominate the entire Konkan Railway route. All religions, casts and sects speak it. Konkani is written in five scripts namely Kannada, Nagiri, Roman, Urdu and Malayalam.” Said Mr. Santhosh Saldanha explaining the history of Konkani Language to the little ones.

The programme started with the introductory note by the secretary Mr. Sannu Monis, Bolie. Mr. Wilfred Fernandes and Mr. Sam Peris inaugurated the programme by playing musical instrument. The treasurer Mr. Cyril Castelino conducted ice breaking games.

The famous singer Mr. Wilfred Fernandes who always accompanied the well-known Konkani artist Late Jerome D’Souza, explained the importance of Singing and its benefits in our daily life. The ‘IE IE Katrina’ fame Mr. Henry D’Souza valued the talent of singing among the little ones. Mr. Anil Nirmal and his group trained the children, the different steps frequently used in various forms of dances.

In the beginning the vice president Mr. Ancy Paladka welcomed the gathering with PAN-PODD UDOK. The president Mr. Wilson Pinto evaluated the whole days programme and gave vote of thanks. 36 enthusiastic children along with their parents actively participated in the programme.

The Konkani children of any cast or creed, residing in and around Mumbai or Thane districts who want to perform on TV, Radio and other mass media may enroll themselves with the following office bearers of the Foundation, Mr. Wilson Pinto Cell: 9820013055, Mr. Sannu Monis Cell: 9821377892 Mr. Cyril Castelino Cell: 9821252499, Mr. Ancy Paladka Cell:09422492241

You may also email at info@konkanifoundation.com